Heavy Construction Equipment Operation

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Courses - August 2024

Level 1

Course details

Business Practice
BUS1100

Description:

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:

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Computer Applications
COMP1280

Description:

This course will introduce students to the use of word processing and spreadsheet software, as well as, operating systems and the Web to produce technical documents.

  • Hours: 28
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Applied Mathematics
MATH1830

Description: This course is an applied mathematics course enabling the student to utilize arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry and geometry to solve technically oriented problems. This course is designed to develop a proficiency in mathematics necessary for subsequent courses in the Motive Power trades. The course covers both vocational (job oriented) and generic skills (written, analytical and problem-solving).
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Construction Materials and Environmental Practices
MOTV1175

Description: 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: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Construction Equipment Techniques I
MOTV1185

Description: 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: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction & Safety
MOTV1300

Description: In this course, the student will be given an overview of heavy equipment operation and safety including the use of personal protective equipment, safe operating practices, hand signals, basic rigging, loading of equipment and relevant legislation.
  • Hours: 26
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Basics of Heavy Equipment and Field Repair
MOTV1567

Description: 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: 120
  • Credits: 6
  • Pre-Requisites:
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Operate Tractor Loader Backhoe and Equipment Maintenance
MOTV1625

Description: 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: 150
  • Credits: 8
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Construction Safety
OHS1480

Description: In this course, students will review safe working practices, housekeeping, hazard awareness, the use of personal protective equipment, WHMIS, safety legislation and regulations.
  • Hours: 36
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Surveying and Site Plans
SURV1050

Description: 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: 36
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Operate and Maintain Excavator
MOTV1607

Description: 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: 110
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Operate and Maintain Dozer
MOTV1617

Description: In this course students will learn to safely perform start-up procedures, site planning and setup, install attachments and test equipment operation. In addition, students will perform excavating operations, grading, loading, ramp building, stockpiling and backfilling and towing operations; and will also be required to perform equipment shutdown.
  • Hours: 110
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Introduction to Paving
MOTV1655

Description:

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: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Construction Equipment Techniques II
MOTV1755

Description: 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: 60
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. 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.
  2. Operate various pieces of earth moving equipment on a work site in a competent manner in accordance with operator specifications and safe practices.
  3. Complete preventative maintenance and field repairs on heavy and compact equipment to ensure efficient operation in accordance with recommended maintenance schedules and procedures.
  4. Apply basic survey techniques to interpret grade elevation in compliance with requirements set out in blueprints and/or site plans.
  5. Apply basic business practices appropriate to the heavy construction and paving industries to ensure optimal operational efficiency.
  6. Complete all work in an environmentally responsible manner ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and ethical considerations.
  7. Prepare logs, records, and documentation to appropriate standards to accurately record operating hours, equipment checks, and maintenance.
  8. Complete all assigned work in compliance with occupational health and safety established policies and procedures; codes and regulations; and in accordance with ethical principles.