Overview
The heating services industry is evolving rapidly, reflecting advancements in technology and changing energy efficiency standards. This program is designed to equip you with a comprehensive skill set tailored to meet these dynamic needs. You gain a deep understanding of various oil-fired heating systems and extend your expertise to include electrical control systems, enhancing your ability to work with sophisticated heating solutions.
This program prepares you to work with many aspects of oil-fired heating equipment. You learn new techniques, including design, assembly and installation of heating and ventilation systems, oil burner components (control devices and associated wiring) and fuel supply systems. You also learn to connect plumbing to mechanical and electrical systems.
This program combines theoretical classroom sessions with practical lab work and an industry work term, offering a balanced approach to learning. This hands-on experience is crucial, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, solidifying your learning with a high focus on safety.
Through the versatile skill set you gain in this program, you’ll be ready to tackle challenges in oil-fired heating systems, ensuring comfort, efficiency and safety in residential and commercial environments.
Work experience
- Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
- Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
- Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
- For more information, visit work experience opportunities.
Other info
- A minimum of a Class 5 driver's licence is required for employment.
- You must be bondable to gain employment.
- Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.
Courses may include
These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.
Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.
OILB 1001 - Safety, Fire Protection and Blueprint Reading
The Oil Heat Systems Technician trade involves work in situations, and use of equipment and materials that are potentially hazardous. The practitioner has a legal duty and a personal responsibility to operate in a safe and responsible manner. This course presents the legislation and practices necessary to perform safely and guard the safety of others. Learners will be introduced to blueprints, their interpretation and use.
OILB 1002 - Tools and Equipment
This course introduces the learner to common tools that are particular to the trade, their characteristics, applications use and care. Material covered includes hand and power tools, safety practices in the use and care of equipment and tools used in the trade. Soldering and flaring tools are also introduced. This course also includes the use of mathematical calculations used in the trade.
OILB 1005 - Fuel Delivery Systems
This course covers the installation, set up and testing of fuel units. Fuel delivery pumps and fuel handling parts of high pressure atomizing oil burners are explained.
OILB 1006 - Combustion and Air Handling Devices
This course covers oil as a fuel, the principles of combustion, efficiency testing and air handling parts of oil burning equipment.
OILB 1008 - Introduction to Basic Electricity/Controls and Wiring
A basic knowledge of electricity and controls will help in the installation and servicing of oil-fired appliances. This course introduces basic electricity, controls, and wiring as they apply to oil heat systems. Students will install and adjust thermostats as well as use electrical testing equipment.
OILB 1013 - Fuel Storage Tanks
This course is designed to provide the learner the knowledge and skills necessary for the planning and carrying out of oil tank installations. It covers regulations governing location and installation, parts, sizing and procedures for installation.
OILB 1017 - Communications
Learners will explore the types of communication and effective communication techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of effective communication practices as they apply to the coaching/mentoring relationship between journeypersons and apprentices. Learners will also learn to apply effective job search techniques including cover letter and resume writing.
OILB 1019 - Introduction to Heating Systems and Planned Maintenance
This multifaceted course covers a variety of topics including an overview of the various components of warm air heating systems, the installation and operation of hot water boilers and hydronic systems, the sequence, operation, maintenance, disassembly and reassembly of oil-fired appliances, sheet metal skills, and customer service skills.
OILB 1020 - House as a System
This course introduces building science and provides an understanding of the relationship between building construction and oil heating system operation and effectiveness.
OILB 1100 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply skills and concepts appropriate for entry level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.
SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.
SAFE 1019 - Safety and Sustainability Basics
This course provides an overview of your rights and responsibilities as a student, as well as those in the workplace under the NS Occupational Health and Safety Act. Topics such as duties and precautions, accident reporting, as well as personal and campus safety and sustainability initiatives will be explored.
SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.
WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.
