Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician

Program Overview

The Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives you basic training in two high-demand mechanical trades at once. Heavy duty equipment technicians work on large mobile equipment—bulldozers, cranes, graders, loaders and earthmovers used in construction, mining, forestry and more. Truck and transport mechanics work on trucks, buses and highway transport vehicles for dealers, garages and transportation companies.

Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician is a one-year certificate program offered in Saskatoon. Build the knowledge and skills you need to service, maintain, diagnose and repair heavy equipment, trucks, buses and transport vehicles. You’ll get training in:

air conditioning and heating systems
brake, steering and suspension systems
electrical and hydraulic systems
engines, fuel systems and power trains
equipment operation and maintenance
trade math and blueprint reading
use of shop equipment and tools
welding

60% Shop Time, 40% Class Time

You’ll learn from highly qualified instructors in Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s well-equipped heavy equipment shop facility at 135 English Crescent in Saskatoon. The industry is a big supporter of our students, which means you’ll learn on advanced equipment. You’ll also participate in an industry-based two-week work experience.

Apprenticeship Credit

With this Saskatchewan Polytechnic credential, you may be eligible for credit towards apprenticeship training. To learn more, contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC).

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduates are in demand. When you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills you need to sell, operate, maintain and repair heavy equipment, trucks, buses and transport vehicles. Start your career in an equipment dealership, transportation company, public transit operation, service and rental company. There are also hands-on jobs in construction, forestry, mining and oil and gas industries, as well as opportunities to move into sales, marketing and management. You could also open your own business.

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 35 weeks

Locations

Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 11 with one of the following mathematics; Foundations of Math 20, Pre-Calculus 20, Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 20 (Modified and General Math credits are not acceptable)
English Language Requirement

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

250 Arithmetic
243 Reading
241 Writing

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

$7,700

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

Expand All +

Code

Name/Description

Credits

BRAK 113

Brake Systems Air Theory

You will study the design, operation and service recommendations for air operated systems. Air operated anti-lock braking systems will be covered. Traction and stability control systems will also be covered.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

BRAK 114

Brake Systems Air Shop

You will service, repair and test air activated foundation brake systems. Park brake systems of various designs will be evaluated. Anti-lock, traction, and stability control systems will be analyzed.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

BRAK 115

Brake Systems Hydraulic Theory

You will study the design, operation and service recommendations for hydraulic brake systems. Hydraulically operated anti-lock braking systems will be covered. Traction and stability control systems will be discussed. You will also learn about electric braking systems.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

BRAK 116

Brake Systems Hydraulic Shop

You will service, repair and test hydraulically activated foundation brake systems. Park brake systems of various designs will be evaluated. Air-lock, traction, and stability control systems will be analyzed. Electric brake systems will be serviced and repaired.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

DRTR 106

Drivetrain Introduction Theory

You will learn procedures to properly determine serviceability of various seals and bearings. Proper removal and installation techniques for bearings and seals will also be discussed. Clutch types, operation, adjustment and removal procedures will be discussed. You will study single countershaft transmission diagnosis and overhaul procedures.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

DRTR 107

Drivetrain Introduction Shop

You will remove, inspect and replace seals and bearings. Clutches of various types will be removed, evaluated and reinstalled. Adjustment procedures for various clutches will be performed. Manual transmission and differentials will be overhauled.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

DRTR 108

Drivetrain Intermediate Theory

You will study various types of gear sets, ratios, as well as procedures for correction gear contact patterns, preloading and adjusting bearings in differential assemblies. Inspection and set up procedures for planetary final drive systems will be covered. Procedures for determining the serviceability of universal joints and drive line angles will be covered.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

DRTR 109

Drivetrain Intermediate Shop

You will service and overhaul differentials. Various types of planetary drive systems will be evaluated. Driveline components and operational angles will be evaluated.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

ELCT 102

Electrical Basics Theory

You will study the fundamentals of electricity and magnetism, Ohm’s law and the use of analog and digital meters. Various faults and their effects on circuit operation will be discussed. You will study battery construction, operation, as well as testing and servicing procedures.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

ELCT 103

Electrical Basics Shop

You will practice diagnosing faults in electrical circuits using digital meters. Wet cell batteries will be tested and serviced as required.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

ELCT 104

Electrical Starting and Charging Systems Theory

You will study the fundamentals of a cranking system as well as the control circuits and components. Charging system fundamentals as well as control systems will also be discussed.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

ELCT 105

Electrical Starting and Charging Systems Shop

You will disassemble starters and alternators and test their internal components for serviceability. Reassembled alternators and starters will be tested to verify operation. Starting and charging systems will be diagnosed utilizing test equipment and repaired.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

HVAC 101

Environmental Control Systems

You will become familiar with the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute’s program on environmental awareness regarding Ozone Depleting Substances.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

HYDR 110

Hydraulic Basics Theory

You will study basic hydraulic principles of flow and pressure, system and component operation and maintenance procedures. You will also learn to interpret symbolic diagrams to determine system operation.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

HYDR 111

Hydraulic Basics Shop

You will disassemble, inspect, measure, assemble, adjust and test hydraulic pumps, valves and motors on a test stand. You will disassemble and repair hydraulic cylinders from live machines or shop models. You will work with common types of hydraulic fittings and adaptors, and practice installing hose ends, flaring and bending tubing.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

HYDR 112

Hydraulics Advanced Theory

You will review the basics of a hydraulic system. Concepts such as open and closed center hydraulic systems will be discussed. Power-beyond, open and closed loop hydrostatics as well as load sensing systems will also be covered. Advanced diagnostic strategies will also be discussed.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

HYDR 113

Hydraulics Advanced Shop

You will evaluate various components in a hydraulic circuit to determine function as well as serviceability. You will also perform system diagnosis on open center, closed center and power beyond hydraulic systems. Open and closed loop hydrostatics as well as a load sending hydraulic system will be evaluated. You will perform evaluations on live machines with hydraulic analyzers and perform adjustments or repair.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

JOBS 125

Essential Job Skills

You will develop essential job skills by preparing job search documents and practicing effective interpersonal communication skills for the workplace.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): COMM 106, COMM 127, TCOM 102
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

MAIN 104

Structural Components Theory

You will cover preventative maintenance programs on both highway and off road equipment. Hoisting and rigging techniques will be discussed. On highway power unit frame and suspension systems as well as docking and coupling systems will be covered. ROPS and FOPS safety systems will be covered as they pertain to heavy equipment.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

MAIN 105

Structural Components Shop

You will perform preventive maintenance procedures on both off road and on highway equipment. Hoisting and rigging procedures will be implemented. Various hitching and docking systems will be analyzed. Highway tractor frames and suspensions will be inspected. Operator protection systems on heavy equipment will be inspected and repaired.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

MAIN 106

Tracks and Undercarriage Theory

You will study various types of final drive systems used on construction equipment. Tracked equipment inspection and maintenance procedures will be discussed.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

MAIN 107

Tracks and Undercarriage Shop

You will perform inspections on various final drive systems. Undercarriage components will be evaluated and repairs performed.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

MATH 169

Trade Mathematics

You will learn mathematical concepts commonly used in your trade. After reviewing basic arithmetic and basic equations, you will solve various algebra problems as applied to your trade. You will perform Imperial and Metric conversions, and calculate the perimeter, area and volume of many common shapes, as well as use Pythagorean theorem.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Equivalent Course(s): MATH 187
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

STER 102

Steering Systems Theory

You will focus on basic steering geometry and wheel alignment angles, wheels and tires and tire balancing.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

STER 103

Steering Systems Shop

You will service steering system components and perform a wheel alignment. You will also remove and replace a wheel assembly. Also covered will be hub removal and installation using industry approved procedures. Tire removal, replacement and balancing will also be covered.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

STER 104

Steering and Directional Control Systems Theory

You will study steering systems that are specific to off road equipment. Orbital, pilot control, differential and hydrostatic steering systems will be discussed. You will also discuss various types of auxiliary steering systems used on heavy trucks.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

STER 105

Steering and Directional Control Systems Shop

You will perform inspections and repairs on various types of off road steering systems. You will also evaluate various types of auxiliary steering systems such as tandem and trailing axle steering. Pilot control and orbital steering systems will be analyzed.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

TOOL 154

Basic Tools Theory

You will learn to identify, use and maintain hand tools and shop equipment. You will learn to read and use various measuring instruments and the proper method of sawing, filing, drilling, thread cutting, tool sharpening, and layout procedures. You will also learn to identify and use threaded fasteners and fittings, chemical fasteners and sealants. The course content includes safety rules, basic firefighting techniques and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) regulations.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

TOOL 155

Basic Tools Shop

You will use and maintain hand tools and shop equipment. You will use various measuring instruments and perform sawing, filing, drilling, thread cutting, tool sharpening and layout procedures. You will use threaded fasteners and fittings, chemical fasteners and sealants. You will demonstrate safety rules and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS) regulations.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

TRLR 100

Truck and Trailer Systems Theory

You will discuss various trailer frame and suspension designs. Saskatchewan Government Insurance inspections procedures will also be discussed.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

TRLR 101

Truck and Trailer Systems Shop

You will evaluate various trailer frame and suspension designs. Saskatchewan Government Insurance inspection procedures will be performed and defects repaired.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

TRLR 102

HVAC and Auxiliary Power Systems Theory

You will discuss various auxiliary heaters and power generation systems. You will also study trailer heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

TRLR 103

HVAC and Auxiliary Power Systems Shop

You will analyze and repair auxiliary heating and power generation systems. Trailer heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems will also be evaluated.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online

WORK 149

Work Experience

You will participate in a work placement to further your understanding of workplace employer needs. You will become familiar with the industry and gain practical experience in the workplace.
Credit Units: 0
Course Hours: 80.0
Equivalent Course(s): WORK 170
Potential Learning Method(s): Online, Work Experience - Group

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

More about PLAR

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

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