Motive Power Technician – Heavy Equipment

Post-Secondary Programs
Credential Earned: College Diploma (2 Year)
Campus: Timmins
Program Length: 4 Semesters

Program Codes
T121 (PC) – Timmins Campus

When it comes to machinery, if you believe bigger is better, then this program is for you. Northern’s two-year Motive Power Technician – Heavy Equipment diploma will give you the knowledge and skills you need to take on the monster machines that power our economy.

In an apprenticeship environment focused on teamwork, personal safety and problem solving, you’ll be trained to meet the challenges of increasingly complex work environments.

While developing a standard of craftsmanship that sets you apart, you’ll learn to diagnose and repair the mechanical, electric and electronic systems that our industries depend on.

After that, you’ll be qualified to work in the forestry, mining, and construction industries, or at a dealership, insurance company, or service and repair shop.

This program will also prepare you to apply your knowledge in analyzing and solving heavy duty equipment system problems. You will learn how to diagnose and repair mechanical, electronic and electrical heavy duty equipment components and systems using a variety of troubleshooting techniques and testing equipment to support heavy equipment operations.

This program provides a basis for you to:

  • Develop desirable work attitudes and a keen sense of responsibility, particularly with regard to personal safety.
  • Acquire sound theoretical training to meet the challenges of today’s increasingly complex work environments.
  • Reinforce fundamental skills of the trade through exposure to practical applications.
  • Develop high standards of craftsmanship, problem solving skills and personal pride in your trade.

Contact Information

For questions about being admitted into the program, please contact Northern College Admissions at admissions@northern.on.ca or by phone at 705-235-3211 ext. 7222.

For questions about the content of the program, contact the Program Coordinator.

Matt Dupuis
Program Coordinator
Tel: 705-235-3211 ext. 2196
Email: dupuism@northern.on.ca

Student Success & The Northern Experience

This program will prepare you to apply your knowledge in analyzing and solving heavy duty equipment system problems. You will learn how to diagnose and repair mechanical, electronic and electrical heavy duty equipment components and systems using a variety of troubleshooting techniques and testing equipment to support heavy equipment operations.

 

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Course Information

Course descriptions can be found below.

Please note, course information is based on our current offering and is subject to change. Current students can find more information on courses in their student account.

If you have questions or require program information for previous academic years, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Semester 1

Students learn the fundamentals of DC electrical and electronic systems, using problem solving techniques and circuit board testing. Topics include basic electrical and electronic theory, problem solving using Ohms’s Law and use of Digital Multimeters.

42 Hours

Communication Fundamentals will provide students with an opportunity to reinforce their use of Standard English, develop their abilities to communicate effectively in the workplace and improve their capabilities with computer technology, particularly in using Word, Excel and ProDemand to produce accurate and professional documents. As well, students will be required to use information technology like Blackboard and their own computing devices to research information online to learn about their trade pathway, find technical information using an industry system like ProDemand, and to complete course assignments.

28 Hours

This course introduces the student to health and safety in their home, in society and within an occupational setting. Students learn about the social and personal benefits of safe work practices and the methods to best prevent accidents or injuries. Students will review the role, right and responsibilities of an individual in today’s health and safety conscious world. Students also learn how to read and interpret the Occupational Act and Regulations.

42 Hours

This course introduces students to careers in the motive power sector. Students will also use various service information systems required to successfully inspect, test and repair motive power vehicles. Students will access online service information to create work orders, research motive power system operations, identify component locations and electrical diagrams, and locate service information to aid in diagnostics and repairs.

28 Hours

Students will learn the basic mathematics and measuring instruments needed in the repair trade for mechanics and will relate the basic math for measuring and problem solving in repair and maintenance.

28 Hours

Topics include shop safety and safe working habits, proper vehicle lifting practices, hand, shop and power tool identification and selection, use of precision tools, learn about fasteners, torque, bearing and seals. The students will put into practice what they have studied in theory class.

56 Hours

The continual introduction of innovative techniques and more complex equipment is resulting in increasing demands for trades people who are not only skilled in the practical aspects of the trade, but who have a sound theoretical knowledge of all procedures associated with the servicing and repairing drive train systems of motor vehicles. The general aims of this course are to provide the theoretical knowledge, and practical instructions to complement the work experience of Auto Service Technician apprentices.

70 Hours

This course is designed to assist beginning students with the basic principles of welding. The emphasis is placed on practical applications and to assist the student in developing more advanced skills.

28 Hours

This general education course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian Indigenous Nations’ history, sovereignty, land titles, cultural history and current critical issues. Topics addressed include the content of Indigenous rights, economic and social development, community and political processes, and business law and policies, justice & social services. Canadian Indigenous History and Relations is a general education course that has been incorporated into all programs at Northern College.

42 Hours

Semester 2

The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to develop and enhance basic communication skills as required in the workplace. Students will also be required to use a computer to complete assignments and other course work, work independently and collaboratively, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks on time.

28 Hours

This course continues the development of knowledge and skills required to achieve success in the motive power industry. Students will review precision measurement and percent applications, as well as learn about ratios and proportions, geometry, and graphing.

28 Hours

This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the operating principles, types, and designs of the modern internal combustion engine. Students will be able to explain how the engine produces torque and identify short block and cylinder head components. Students will have the opportunity to practice the skills learned using special tools and measuring instruments in the practical section of the course.

70 Hours

Students will be able to explain the fundamentals, rules and laws that govern fluid power systems. Students will perform mathematical calculations to find pressure, force, and area. Students will learn the symbols of components and be able to identify and explain the principles and purpose of the components found in a hydraulic circuit.

42 Hours

Students are introduced to motive power type steering, suspension, and braking systems. The subjects of study include the fundamentals of steering systems and components, tires, wheels, hubs, and hydraulic braking systems. Students will have the opportunity to practice the skills learned in the practical section of the course.

70 Hours

This course is designed to introduce students to the diesel fuel system. Students will learn about the properties of diesel and alternative fuels and be able to map the fuel system and explain the purpose of each component of the fuel system. The students will have the opportunity to identify and describe systems, demonstrate the use of diagnostic tools and repair various problems as it relates to the engine fuel system and its component.

56 Hours

This course continues the development of knowledge and skills required to maintain and diagnose motive power electrical systems. The subjects of study include the following systems: electromagnetic devices, wiring and wire repairs, advanced circuit diagnosis, electrical schematics, flooded batteries, and starter motors. The students will have the opportunity to identify and describe systems, demonstrate the use of diagnostic tools, and recognize and solve problems using a strategy-based approach.

42 Hours

This course continues the development of welding and safety. The emphasis is placed on practical applications including ARC welding, power tools, and metal shears.

28 Hours

Semester 3

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

This course will develop a more advanced level of hydraulics related to graphic symbols, calculations, fluids, conditioners, control valves and hydraulic pumps.

Students are introduced to the basic construction of internal combustion engines, and will learn the proper maintenance, cleaning, inspection and overhaul procedures of gasoline engines and components. Topics will include the construction and repair of valve trains and camshafts, cylinder heads, engine testing and start-up procedures and engine component failure analysis.

In this course, students will be introduced to the tools and strategies required to diagnose motive power electronic circuits, lighting, driver information and power accessory systems. Students will also learn the fundamentals of operation and diagnostic testing procedures for charging systems.

This course is designed to develop more advanced skills in Arc Welding by building on past skills of oxygen acetylene, arc welding and by progressing to the horizontal and vertical position. The emphasis is placed on practical applications. The course content will be shared between shop and classroom time at the discretion of the professor.

This course is designed to provide the student with practical experience in diagnosis and repair of heating and air conditioning systems.

Semester 4

This course introduces students to the nature of business and entrepreneurship.  Students will obtain an overview of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial process then expand into key concepts including business types, customers, marketing, financials and human resources.  The options of franchising and purchasing existing businesses are also covered in this course.  Students will outline and assess the components of a Business Plan.

The Heavy Equipment Techniques Practical Lab allows students supplementary hands on learning in a trades shop environment. Students practice, and master practical skills required to be successful in the motive power industry. Practical elements include mechanical systems competencies such as: engine, fuel, brakes, steering, suspension, electrical, driveline, welding, and fabrication.

Students will learn the operating principles, component design, function, diagnosis and repair procedures of electronically managed diesel fuel injection systems and emission systems. Also, students will learn computer principles and demonstrate scan tool diagnosis.

Students will learn the basic fundamentals of hydraulic systems and their components, as well as testing procedures and design differences.

Students will gain fundamental knowledge of Suspension, Steering and Brake systems specific to Heavy Equipment, as well as proper service procedures for these systems.

Students will gain fundamental knowledge of Heavy Equipment Power-train design and function as well as hands-on practice of proper service procedures. Proper use of service manuals and other published service information will be stressed.

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

Graduate & Career Information

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work in dealerships, service and repair shops, or retails stores. They may also work within the forestry, mining and construction industries or for insurance companies.

Admissions Information & Requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Grade 12 English (C, U)
  • Grade 11 Math (C, M, U)

Or equivalent

 

Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.

For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.

Additional Requirements for International Students

In addition to the admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.

1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate

2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):

  • IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0; however, we will accept one band at 5.5.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 79
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 58+

If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.

All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.

For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.

Tuition, Fees & Payments

Tuition and fees are updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year by May 1.

Current amount may be based on last years amounts and are subject to change. Ancillary fees vary by campus and program.

If the tuition and fee information for international students does not appear on this page, visit northerncollege.ca/international/tuition to see amounts for general programs.

Please refer to your Student Account for the most up-to-date information.

Student Year Campus Program Code Tuition Ancillary Fees Total Fees
StudentDomesticYear2CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeT121Tuition$2,750.56 Ancillary Fees$861.50 Total$3,612.06
StudentInternationalYear2CampusTimmins - PCProgram CodeT121Tuition$14,382.00 Ancillary Fees$1,422.58 Total$15,804.58
Tuition & Payment Information

Find Your True North.

At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.

From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.

Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.

Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.

Student Supports & ServicesTimmins Campus

Timmins Campus
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