Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

Program Overview

Thompson Rivers University's Heavy Duty Equipment Technician program equips students to become qualified in repairing and maintaining heavy industrial and construction vehicles. Offered in both foundational and apprenticeship tracks, this hands-on program emphasizes industry standards, troubleshooting skills, and practical experience. Graduates are well-prepared for rewarding careers in the high-demand heavy equipment industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Heavy Duty Equipment Technician program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) prepares students for a career as a heavy duty equipment technician. Graduates are qualified to work on a wide range of industrial and construction vehicles, including mining trucks, bulldozers, graders, loaders, shovels, tractors, trucks, forklifts, drills, and wheeled and tracked vehicles. The program focuses on the following:

• Overhauling, repairing, and servicing heavy equipment: Students learn to diagnose and fix problems in structural, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
• Working from manufacturers' specifications: Students are trained to follow industry standards and best practices.
• Identifying and repairing problems: Students develop the skills to troubleshoot and resolve issues with heavy equipment.

Outline:

The program is offered in two formats:

Heavy Mechanical Foundation:

• Duration: 32 weeks
• Content: This program provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to enter the trade as an apprentice.
It covers:
• Heavy duty equipment technician training
• Diesel engine mechanic training
• Truck and transport mechanic training
• Structure: The program includes both in-class instruction and hands-on training.
• Unique Features:
• Instructors are OEM trained and certified Red Seal technicians.
• Students work on a variety of on and off-road trucks and equipment, including the latest training simulators.
• The program offers a small school feel that prioritizes student success.

Heavy Mechanical Trades Apprenticeship:

• Duration: Varies depending on the apprenticeship level.
• Content: This program is designed for apprentices who have registered with SkilledTradesBC.
It covers the technical training required for each apprenticeship level.
• Structure: The program is divided into four levels, with each level requiring a specific number of hours of technical training.
• Unique Features:
• TRU offers technical training for all four levels of the apprenticeship program.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and practical experience.
• Faculty: The program is taught by experienced instructors who are OEM trained and certified Red Seal technicians.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician program are qualified for a variety of careers in the heavy equipment industry, including:
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
• Diesel Engine Mechanic
• Truck and Transport Mechanic
• Transport Trailer Technician
• Opportunities: There is a high demand for skilled heavy duty equipment technicians, offering excellent job prospects and career advancement opportunities.
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to the success of the heavy equipment industry.

Other:

• Work Environment: Heavy duty equipment technicians work in a variety of environments, including:
• Comfortable shops
• Remote sites with inclement weather
• Shift work
• Physical Demands: The job requires good physical condition, as it often involves standing, bending, crawling, lifting, climbing, pulling, and reaching.
• Safety: Safety is a paramount concern in the heavy equipment industry.
Students are trained to be aware of the potential hazards and to work safely.