Heavy Duty Equipment Repair

Overview

Gain a working knowledge of fundamental shop skills, tires and rims, track and under-carriage systems, braking systems, hydraulics, welding, powertrains, engines and engine systems, and electrical and electronic systems used in off-highway heavy duty equipment vehicles and stationary equipment.

You graduate with the skills to work on equipment such as graders, loaders, shovels, tractors, trucks, agricultural equipment, bulldozers, earth movers, mining trucks, cranes, forklifts, drills, and wheeled off-highway and tracked vehicles used in construction, mining, forestry and other industries.

If you enjoy keeping up with technology, have a strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills and strong oral and written communication skills, this program provides the training you need to succeed in the trade.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• You get the information and hands-on skills using specialized tools (hand tools, test meter, vehicle and equipment jacks and hoists, welding equipment, hydraulic equipment, complex electronics and computer diagnostic test equipment) necessary to obtain a challenging and rewarding career.
• NSCC is a preferred training provider for trades training in Nova Scotia. Graduates who register as apprentices with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) may be eligible to receive credit for hours and theory towards future certification in the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician or Agricultural Equipment Technician trades.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• This is physically demanding work that involves heavy lifting in often noisy work environments. If you're chemically sensitive, it's important to note that chemicals, including petroleum products , as well as grease, oils and dirt, are commonly encountered in this line of work.
• Industrial safety standards dictate hair length, facial hair and headwear regulations.
• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist This program location has a multi-year waitlist. Contact Admissions for more information.

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2024-25 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Heavy Duty Equipment Repair – Year 1
• Heavy Duty Equipment Repair - Year 2

Career options

• As a graduate of this program, you may be employed wherever heavy duty or agricultural equipment is sold, serviced or repaired. This includes equipment dealers, garages, railways, provincial and municipal departments, and forestry, mining and construction companies.
• Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• Once employed, graduates may register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) in the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician or Agricultural Equipment Technician trades. Apprenticeship is an optional but beneficial journey that combines on-the-job learning with technical training.
• Red Seal Endorsement - Individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to write the inter-provincial exam. A Red Seal is a valued certification that allows tradespeople to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated.
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

HDAE 2100 - Hydraulic Components I
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in hydraulic components. Topics include hydraulic pumps and motors and hydrostatic and final drives and hydraulic attachments.

HDAE 2110 - Hydraulic Components II
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in hydraulic steering and attachments used in industry. Topics include hydraulic steering components, various hydraulic attachments and understanding the procedures to service and repair them.

HDAE 2120 - Hydraulic Actuators and Controllers
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in hydraulic actuators and controllers. Topics include control valves, accumulators, pneumatics and hydraulic cylinders.?

HDAE 2130 - Material Handling Equipment
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in material handling equipment. Topics include codes and regulations, specialty tools and equipment, and types of material handling equipment.

HDAE 2140 - Fundamental Business Practices
This course is an introduction to financial and business practices related to the program course of study.

HDAE 2200 - Suspension and Undercarriage
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in front and rear suspension and track-type undercarriage. Topics include front and rear suspension and their components and the procedures to service and repair various types of undercarriages.

HDAE 2220 - Hydraulic Diagnosis and Testing
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in hydraulic testing. Topics include identifying the procedures for diagnosis and testing of hydraulic systems, anti-lock braking systems and traction control systems.

HDAE 2230 - Protective Structures and Frames
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in structures and frames. Topics include the codes and regulations associated, specialty tools, various types and how to perform a frame alignment and reinforce frames and structures.

HDAE 2240 - Fire Protection, Winches and Buckets
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in heavy duty accessories and attachments. Topics include fire protection equipment, various ground edging tools and winchers, wire rope and accessories.

HDAE 2255 - Tracked Steering Systems
This course provides occupational training in the area of Heavy Duty Equipment Repair, specifically in tracked steering systems. Topics include learning the procedures to service and repair differentials, clutch's, brakes, modularized, hydrostatic and electric tracked steering systems.

HDAE 2300 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

HETR 1000 - Oxy-Fuel Welding and Metallurgy
Learners will be introduced to the properties of metals and apply safe work practices while demonstrating welding, cutting, and brazing operations using standard oxygen-acetylene equipment. Learners will also be given the opportunity to solder using flame or radiant heat.

HETR 1010 - Wheels, Tires and Rims
Learners will be introduced to the components of the tires, rims and wheels and their functions. Learners will be given the opportunity to perform minor repairs and demonstrate preventative maintenance techniques using operator equipment manuals (OEM and service information documentation.

HETR 1016 - Introduction to Electric Welding
This course introduces the learner to the fundamental principles of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG). Learners will be given the opportunity to perform basic welding operations.

HETR 1020 - Electrical I
Learners will demonstrate electrical/electronic skills as it applies to magnetism, batteries, conventional lighting circuits, wiring harnesses and accessories for Heavy equipment. Learners will test and service electrical components using wiring schematics and diagnostic tooling and operator equipment manuals (OEM). Soldering techniques and circuit repair procedures will also be covered.

HETR 1030 - Shop Fundamentals
Learners will be introduced to Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety (NSOHSA) related to the heavy equipment industry and demonstrate safe work practices. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills in safe shop practices that encompass the use of personal protective equipment, tools and fastening devices, shop equipment, service information documentation, operator equipment manuals (OEM) and the movement of heavy equipment and vehicles.

HETR 1200 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

HETR 2010 - Engines and Engine Systems I
The learners will examine internal combustion engine compression ignition and spark ignition systems as they pertain to two and four stroke engines. Engine system theory will be reinforced through learner demonstration of proper engine rebuilding procedures using service information documentation and operator equipment manuals (OEM).

HETR 2011 - Braking Systems I
In this course, the learner will identify and describe the function of the components of hydraulic and electric brake systems. As well, the learner will demonstrate routine servicing tasks using service information documentation and operator equipment manuals (OEM).

HETR 2012 - Braking Systems II
In this course, learners will be introduced to the function and components of the basic air brake system. The learner will be given the opportunity to demonstrate routine service of this system in accordance with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 121).

HETR 2030 - Hydraulics I
In this course the learners will be introduced to the principles of hydraulics as they relate to heavy equipment hydraulic systems. Learners will be given the opportunity to diagnosis and repair hydraulic systems using service information documentation and operator equipment manuals (OEM). Various hydraulic training aids will be used as well as on actual equipment.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1030 - Air Conditioning Green Card
This environmental awareness training course is based on Environment Canada's "Code of Practice for Reducing CFC Emissions in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems". The course and the accompanying Participant Manual deal with environmentally-correct equipment design, proper handling of CFC/HCFC/HFCs, and will prepare participants for complying with provincial regulations covering refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Participants who attend the course and successfully achieve a mark of 75% or higher on the exam will receive an Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) card. This course is suitable for residential, commercial, industrial, domestic, automotive and mobile applications. Specific topics covered are: CFCs and the ozone layer, isolation valving, recommended components, leak detection methods, system charging procedures, special maintenance provisions, and refrigerant recovery, reuse, recycle and reclamation equipment.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.