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View our Virtual tourCourses - August 2025
Level 1
Course details
Business Practice
BUS1100
This course provides students with the fundamentals of business operation and the skills and knowledge required to own and operate heavy equipment. Various business types, financial methods, machine ownership, machine operating costs, and heavy construction economics are covered.
- Hours: 15
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Conestoga 101
CON0101
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Applied Mathematics
MATH1830
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $110.95
Construction Materials and Environmental Practices
MOTV1175
This course introduces students to soils, concrete and asphalt related to the heavy construction field. Concepts covered related to soils include: engineering geology, soil structure, environmental considerations, and composition. Soil types and properties and compaction will also be explored. Composition, variations, and applications of concrete and asphalt will be covered enabling students to assess the conditions of solids and concrete prior to operating equipment, and to determine the appropriate combinations of mix to meet specification requirements. Cost variants will also be discussed, in addition to environmental practices and procedures, and relevant legislation, policies and ethical considerations related the heavy construction trade.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Construction Equipment Techniques I
MOTV1185
This course provides students with the skills and knowledge to start up, shut down and operate common construction, compact and handheld power equipment such as: skid steers, compaction equipment, power cutting saws and the Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB). Operations will include: compacting disturbed material, backfilling trenches, stacking pallets, cutting of materials, hoisting and locating utilities. Students will work in teams to contribute to an effective and safe workplace.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Introduction & Safety
MOTV1300
- Hours: 26
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Basics of Heavy Equipment and Field Repair
MOTV1567
In this course students receive an overview of heavy equipment systems and operating controls. Content includes the basic function and usage of trade related hand tools, GPS technology, in addition to a basic understanding of diesel and hydraulic operations in an applicable trade format. A major focus of the course relates to advanced preventative maintenance on a variety of heavy construction machines, providing students with the skills and knowledge to field inspect equipment, diagnose breakdowns, determine if a machine can be repaired in the field, and perform adjustments and field repairs.
- Hours: 112
- Credits: 6
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Operate Tractor Loader Backhoe and Equipment Maintenance
MOTV1626
In this course, students will demonstrate a working knowledge of recommended procedures/processes for pre-operations inspection (circle check) on Excavators. The students will be given an overview of basic maintenance procedures including researching and selecting fluids, proper lubrication procedures, undercarriage care and adjustment and, the completion of log sheets and reports. This hands-on course will teach students to safely perform start-up procedures, site planning and setup, install attachments and, test equipment operation. The students will perform excavating and trenching operations, grading, loading, ramp building, stockpiling and backfilling operations. The students will also be required to perform equipment shutdown.
- Hours: 126
- Credits: 7
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320
- Hours: 14
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Construction Safety
OHS1481
In this course, students will review safe working practices, housekeeping, hazard awareness, the use of personal protective equipment, WHMIS, safety legislation and regulations.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Surveying and Site Plans
SURV1051
This course introduces students to surveying as performed on a construction site, where they learn the basics of differential leveling, grade calculations and turning points using level, tape and construction lasers. Students will be introduced to site blueprints and learn how to interpret features, elevations and specification. This course also provides students with a working knowledge of layout as performed on construction sites; where they will perform tasks such as calculating material removal, fills, stake marking and grid layout, and will work with blueprints to confirm measurements, elevations and bench marks. Additionally, students will learn to calculate slope percentages, distances and elevation change.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Level 2
Course details
Operate and Maintain Excavator
MOTV1607
- Hours: 110
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: $17.20
Operate and Maintain Dozer
MOTV1617
- Hours: 110
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Introduction to Paving
MOTV1655
This hands-on introductory course will teach the student to safely perform start-up procedures, work planning and setup, and test equipment operation. Working in a crew format the student will perform simulated standard paving operations. The student will also be required to perform equipment shutdown.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Construction Equipment Techniques II
MOTV1755
This course provides students with more advanced skills and knowledge to operate compact and heavy equipment such as skid steers, mini-excavators and bulldozers. Operations include excavating, loading material carriers and a variety of hoisting. Students will use their heavy equipment skills to perform operations such as locating utilities; and will interact with others on the job in ways that contribute to an effective and safe work place.
- Hours: 56
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Please note:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.
Program outcomes
- Operate a variety of compact and heavy equipment used in construction and paving environments efficiently and in accordance with industry operator specifications and safe practices.
- Operate various pieces of earth moving equipment on a work site in a competent manner in accordance with operator specifications and safe practices.
- Complete preventative maintenance and field repairs on heavy and compact equipment to ensure efficient operation in accordance with recommended maintenance schedules and procedures.
- Apply basic survey techniques to interpret grade elevation in compliance with requirements set out in blueprints and/or site plans.
- Apply basic business practices appropriate to the heavy construction and paving industries to ensure optimal operational efficiency.
- Complete all work in an environmentally responsible manner ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and ethical considerations.
- Prepare logs, records, and documentation to appropriate standards to accurately record operating hours, equipment checks, and maintenance.
- Complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational health and safety established policies and procedures; codes and regulations; and in accordance with ethical principles.