FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS HEADF-CT Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic

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Overview

  • One-year certificate
  • September entry date
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • Credit transfer opportunities: Credit toward apprenticeship
  • Due to high demand, this funded program is open to Manitoba residents only. Applications received from non-Manitoba residents for this program will be cancelled and the application fee will not be refunded. 
  • International applicants please visit Academic Program, Dates and Fees for a listing of programs for international students, current availability and online application instructions.

Description
This is an entry-level program that develops the basic knowledge and skills you need to perform routine maintenance and repairs to vehicle systems and components. The program is designed to prepare you to adjust, service, and repair a variety of heavy mobile equipment, usually diesel powered, used in construction, agriculture, or highway transportation. The work will involve basic servicing to engines and related equipment, and performing repairs. This will include transmission servicing, hydraulic/air brakes, and basic electrical in heavy duty application.

Emphasis during training will be on practical projects. Most of your training will take place at the College in the diesel mechanics workshop, a work environment designed to provide the practical experience you will need to find a job. You will spend approximately 60 percent of your training hours doing practical work on engines, standard transmissions, automatic transmissions, basic electric, basic brake systems, and servicing of equipment.

A number of related trade courses such as arc and gas welding, mathematics, science, and communications are included in the program. Theory grades are determined by examinations in each course, while practical evaluations are determined from each instructor's practical assignments.

Prior to starting the program, you will be invited to attend a program overview information session. You will also be invited to participate in a math and reading skills diagnostic testing session that will advise you of your program readiness.

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit in each of the following:
      • Grade 12 English (40S)
      • Grade 12 Math (40S)
      • Grade 10 Science (20F)
    • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
    • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
      and
    • English Language Requirements (ELRs)
      • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
        Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
        • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
          or
        • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
          or 
        • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
      • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

    Mature Student Admission Requirements
    If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

    1. Academic Requirement
      • High school graduation is not required, but you must have successfully completed or be enrolled in one credit of each of the following:
        • Grade 10 English (20S)
        • Grade 10 Math (20S)
        • Grade 10 Science (20F)
          or
        • RRC's Academic Foundations program
      • If you provide proof of enrolment at time of application, your official final grades indicating successful completion must be submitted by July 15 for fall enrolment or by the deadline specified in your admission letter
      • If you are required to complete an English language assessment, do not submit your transcripts until requested to do so.  See English Language Requirements (ELRs) for more information.
        and
    2. Meet Regular Admission Requirement 2

    English Language Assessments

    English Language AssessmentMinimum Required Levels
    L - Listening, S - Speaking, R - Reading, W - WritingLSRW
    AEPUCE (Academic English Program of University and College Entrance )
    Requirement: Submission of a parchment (certificate) indicating successful completion of the AEPUCE program, including language levels achieved if available.
    8886
    CAEL and CAEL Online (Canadian Academic English Language)
    60606050
    CLB (LINC) (Canadian Language Benchmark - Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada)
    Canadian Citizens: LINC programs are not available.
    8886
    Duolingo (Duolingo English Test)

    * MINIMUM OVERAL SCORE OF 115 REQUIRED.

    There are no minimum required levels for L,S,R,W.

    Only Duolingo English Test scores that have been verified through the Duolingo English Test Portal will be accepted.

    0*0*0*0*
    IELTS - Academic (International English Language Testing System)
    Please Note: 3 year expiry date for Nursing Program Applicants
    6.56.56.55.5
    LSI (Language Studies International)
    6.56.56.56.5
    PTE - Academic Online Assessment (Pearson Test of English)
    58585842
    Password Skills (An in person English Language Assessment hosted by RRC Polytech)
    This in-person, computer-based test is composed of four test modules: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test takes 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete and is conducted in two parts. The first part assesses reading, listening, and writing, and the second part assesses speaking in a separate room. Password Skills is hosted by the RRC Polytech Testing and Assessment Centre: E440, Manitou a bi Bii Daziigae building, on the fourth floor. If you wish to do Password Skills remotely (not in-person), Password Skills Plus can be taken online. RRC Polytech does not offer Password Skills Plus, but we do accept the results for entry into program.
    6.56.56.55.5
    Password Skills Plus (Password Skills Plus is an online assessment that can be taken instead of Password Skills. )
    6.56.56.55.5
    TOEFL-iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - internet Based Test)
    To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas.
    20201918

    Who Should Enrol?

    This program can by physically demanding. You should be mechanically inclined and comfortable in a typical shop environment. 

    Good reading comprehension is important to successfully complete the required subject areas and the related courses, such as communications, mathematics, and science.

    If you are seriously considering this program, you should be prepared for some shift work and be able to work under some supervision. You should be prepared for occasional late shifts at the College as courses may, from time to time, run until 6 p.m.

    Locations, Dates and Fees

    Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

    Location Start Date Apply Link
    Notre Dame Campus Aug 31, 2026 Apply Now

    Costs (estimates only; subject to change)

    Program/Student Fees
    Year 1
    $6,124.00
    Books and Supplies
    Year 1
    $1,300.00
    Other Fees
    Year 1
    $1,000.001
    Program/Student Fees (International)
    Year 1
    $19,589.00
    1The College requires that students provide their own hand tools for this program. The approximate cost of tools may vary from $750 to $1500 depending on the quality of tools. A recommended list will be provided.

    Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

    Courses and Descriptions

    (Click the course name to view the description of the course)
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
    In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
    ACCR-9002AC-025 Accreditation for Level 1
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    AUTO-1279Service Advisor
    More Information

    This course is designed to introduce the students to the role of the Service Advisor in the Transportation industry.

    Prerequisites:
    SAFE-1101
    FIEL-1279 and AUTO-1279 are corequisites.
    AUTO-2094Advanced Engine Repair
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
    More Information

    Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry. 

    FIEL-1279Service Advisor Field Experience
    More Information

    This is the field experience portion of the Service Advisor course. In this course the students will spend time in the industry, shadowing and learning from a service advisor.

    Prerequisites:
    SAFE-1101
    FIEL-1279 and AUTO-1279 are corequisites.
    FIEL-2000Field Experience
    More Information

    Students will have the opportunity of gaining valuable real-life field experience with an industry partner of their choice or one chosen by a core instructor. During this time, the student will shadow a licensed technician and observe actual repair and diagnostic techniques. Students will be responsible for recording all tasks and repairs into a College-issued Log Book during their time out in industry.

    Prerequisites:
    Academic Requisites/Eligibility: You must have successfully completed all first-year courses and maintained a GPA of 2.0 or better in your program. These requirements apply right up until the start of work placement. An arranged placement may be canceled should a student fail to fulfill the eligibility requirements.
    HETC-1020Maintenance
    More Information

    This course is designed to develop the necessary skills to perform scheduled maintenance on a piece of mobile equipment. Students will have hands-on experience working with the required tools and equipment needed to complete various levels of scheduled maintenance. Students will receive guidance to accurately document their observations during preventative maintenance tasks.

    Prerequisites:
    HETC-1022Wheel Ends, Tires and Brakes
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge needed to diagnose and repair both air brake and hydraulic brake systems, tires, and wheel end components. Students will gain an understanding of safe work practices, terminologies, tools, and equipment used when servicing and repairing brakes,wheels,and tires systems. Both classroom and shop work will be part of the learning experience.

    Prerequisites:
    HETC-1029Powertrain Foundations
    More Information

    This course will provide students with the working knowledge necessary to identify a variety of standard transmissions, clutches, rear axles, and driveline designs. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities by using manuals, learned knowledge of procedures, and tools to diagnose, service, and repair powertrains and their individual components.

    Prerequisites:
    HETC-1032Suspension, Steering, and Frames
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge to work on frames, suspension, structural systems, and steering systems, including safe handling and adjustment of wheel bearings, on and off-road tires, steering gear boxes, and steering geometry.  Beginning with terminology and safe work practices for frames, suspension, and cab systems. This course will cover the tools and equipment used to service and repair, wheel bearings, steering, suspension, frame, and cab systems while working on heavy duty vehicles.

    Prerequisites:
    HETC-1043Hydraulic Foundations
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge to work on hydraulic systems. Beginning with terminology and safe work practices, the course explains theories, principles, and calculations needed to diagnose and repair hydraulic systems.

    Prerequisites:
    HETC-2001Diesel Engine Overhaul
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    HETC-2002Engine Management
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    HETC-2015Torque Converters and Automatic Transmissions
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    Take SAFE-1101.
    HETC-2016Advanced Hydraulic Systems
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    Take SAFE-1101.
    HETC-2017Air Brakes
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    Take SAFE-1101.
    MARP-2079Powersports, Performance and Tuning
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    Take SAFE-1101.
    MARP-2080Lawn and Garden
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    Prerequisites:
    Take SAFE-1101.
    MATH-1196Math
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to use mathematics with precision, resourcefulness and confidence as it applies to the automotive service trade. Beginning with a review of basic mathematical operations, this course of study will progress towards the more advanced mathematical topic areas that an automotive service technician needs to work with in order to perform the tasks of the trade in an effective and accurate fashion.

    SAFE-1028WHMIS
    More Information

    The Workplace Hazardous Materials System (WHMIS) is a system for ensuring that important information about hazardous products is communicated where products are used, stored and handled. This course provides Information necessary to understand and interpret information about hazardous products, including pictograms (symbols), labels and Safety Data Sheets.

    SAFE-1101Shop Safety and Tools
    More Information

    (No description available at this time)

    SCIE-1023Science
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about the basic scientific principles on which the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems of the automobile are based. Matter and energy, heat and thermodynamics, metallurgy, simple machines, basic hydraulics, basic electricity and basic engine fundamentals and engine performance calculations are the areas that will be covered in this course.

    SEMR-9209General Safety Training
    More Information

    This General Safety Training (GST) teaches basic general safety content to arm students with the core information necessary for them to protect themselves in workplaces on all descriptions. Although some examples may consider Manitoba legislation, this course has been developed by occupational safety and health professionals using generic information that is not provincially specific.

    TRAN-1003Electrical Foundations
    More Information

    This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge of relevant electrical principles and ideas used on modern vehicles and equipment. The course will look at terminology, design, and components used in electrical circuits. Series and parallel circuits, diagnostic test equipment usage, schematics, symbols, and theory and maintenance of batteries will be covered.

    Prerequisites:
    TRAN-1028Engine Fundamentals
    More Information

    This course will enable students to develop the necessary skills to distinguish between a four-cycle and two-cycle engine, and perform common engine calculations like displacement and compression ratio. Students will be able to identify engine components and their function, and maintenance requirements and relationship to engine operation. Shop activities will allow students to demonstrate proper procedures for measurement, diagnosis, and repair of internal combustion engines. Lubrication, cooling, intake, and exhaust systems will be discussed.

    Prerequisites:
    TRAN-2003Electrical Systems
    More Information

    This course is a continuation of TRAN-1003 Electrical Fundamentals. This course is designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge of vehicle and equipment electrical systems. An introduction to starting, charging, and ignition systems will be covered. The diagnosis and repair of these systems and circuits using tools, schematics, and service information will be practiced. 

    Prerequisites:
    WELD-1011Welding
    More Information

    This course introduces students to the basics of oxyacetylene welding and cutting. Topics include torch safety, hook-up and take down of equipment, types of welding and cutting operations along with practical activities. This course will also provide students with practical skills based on machine shop activities of drilling, tapping and use of measuring and marking tools.

    Prerequisites:

    Computer/Laptop Requirements

    Online learning is a critical component of course delivery in all Red River College Polytechnic programs. To ensure each student has the tools they need to achieve their academic goals, all Red River College Polytechnic students require, at minimum:

    1.  Off-campus access to a current computer with a webcam

    2.  A high speed internet connection

    • Recommended minimum speed: 10 mbps for download, 3 mbps for upload
    • Slower internet connection speeds may result in audio and video issues. Please keep in mind that if others in your home are using the same internet connection at the same time as you are, you may also experience audio and video issues.
    • Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.


    Please note that any anticipated costs are not included in Books and Supplies estimates.

    Transfer Credit Opportunities

    Upon entry into the workforce, graduates may be granted one level of in-school training toward the four-year apprenticeship program. This decision is based on evaluation of student performance by the employer and the Apprenticeship Branch.

    The Apprenticeship Branch requires that you attend Red River College or Assiniboine Community College in Brandon to obtain various apprenticeship levels and complete apprenticeship in this program. For more information, contact:

    Apprenticeship Manitoba
    Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
    1010 - 401 York Avenue
    Winnipeg MB R3C 0P8
    Phone 204-945-3337
    Fax 204-948-2346
    Toll-Free: 1-877-978-7233 (1-877-97-TRADE)
    Email: apprenticeship@gov.mb.ca
    www.gov.mb.ca/wd/apprenticeship/

    Recognition of Prior Learning

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

    Other Information

    Further information on this program is available on the Transportation Trades team site:

    Graduation Requirements

    For students registered in the Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic program with a 2020-2021 Catalogue year, the requirements to graduate are as follows:

    • Minimum program GPA of 2.0 to receive a certificate.
    • Minimum program GPA of 3.0 will qualify for level 1 Apprenticeship accreditation.
    • Minimum grade of C to pass a course.
    • All compulsory courses must be completed; one elective must be completed in term 2.*
    (*Please note that the electives WRKE-1279 and AUTO-1279 must be taken concurrently.)

    Employment Potential

    Graduates of this program have employment opportunities in the agricultural, construction, and transportation industries.

    Academic Advising Service
    Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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    Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.