Heavy Duty Equipment /Truck and Transport Repair – Certificate

A heavy-duty equipment repair/truck and transport technician is in high demand. A good technician possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities, and skills required to troubleshoot, disassemble, repair, overhaul, assemble, install, adjust, test, maintain, and document components and systems. These systems can be found in an extremely wide variety of equipment types and manufacturers.

• This program is a first step towards Journeyperson Certification in the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician and Truck and Transport Mechanic trades. To work in the Truck and Transport Mechanic trade, certification is compulsory through Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour and Workforce Development. Graduates of this program are eligible for transfer credit upon registration in the Provincial Apprenticeship Program.


• This program gives students the information and skills necessary to enter this challenging and rewarding career as a heavy-duty equipment or truck and transport technician apprentice. Technicians use specialized tools including hand tools, test meters, vehicle and equipment jacks and hoists, welding equipment, hydraulic equipment, complex electronics, and computer diagnostic test equipment.

Graduates may find employment in occupations related to the heavy equipment servicing and sales industry such as diesel and marine repair, service advisor/writer, heavy duty equipment repair, farm equipment repair, bus, truck, and transport repair. Learn more about labour market information - visit Career Options.

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.

• This program is available for part-time study through a combination of courses delivered in-class at Akerley Campus and online. No additional campus locations are available for the part-time offering. Learn more about the combined in-class/online part-time offering »


• If you choose a part-time study option, you must still apply to the program and meet all the admission requirements. Once accepted, you will be referred to a Registrar at one of our campuses to discuss your learning plan and schedule.


• Tuition for part-time study option is calculated on a per course basis and is paid at the beginning of each semester.

• This trade involves heavy lifting and climbing along with exposure to petroleum and other chemical products.


• Red Seal – Heavy Duty Equipment Technician and Truck and Transport Mechanic are designated trades that qualify for the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program. The Red Seal allows qualified tradespersons to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated without having to write further examinations.


• Registered apprentices can apply for the NSCC Journeyperson Diploma. This diploma recognizes your apprentice training, and the completion of NSCC’s employability skills and portfolio requirements.


• You’re expected to develop a portfolio of your work as part of this program of study. A portfolio is a powerful and convincing way to demonstrate your achievements to future employers over and above a standard résumé.


• The School of Trades and Technology has specific requirements for health and safety practices and procedures for all shops and labs. Students practice 5S+S quality system throughout the entire program and wear specified personal protective equipment when training in designated shops or labs.


• Students are required to maintain a work record book or journal.