Motive Power Technician - Diesel Equipment and Truck
Technical expertise for a career in the repair and service industry.
- Students are trained with state-of-the-art equipment, sponsored by Snap-On tools, learning how to work on trucks and heavy equipment.
- This program was launched due to high industry demand for truck mechanics in Eastern Ontario, which gives graduates a high probability of related employment upon completion.
- The 42-week delivery format (Sept. - Aug.), allows professionals to enter the workforce quickly and start their careers.
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Fall 2026
Yes
Schedule
Coming soon - a schedule that will show when each Level of the program will be delivered. See the Courses tab for further details on the Levels within this program.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
This accelerated two-year This accelerated two-year Motive Power Technician - Diesel Equipment and Truck Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), prepares you to enter a variety of careers in the heavy equipment repair and service industry.
This program gives you a combination of hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge for the diesel equipment and truck repair and service industry....(read more)
Overview
Technical expertise for a career in the repair and service industry.
This accelerated two-year This accelerated two-year Motive Power Technician - Diesel Equipment and Truck Ontario College Diploma program, delivered over three academic periods (semesters), prepares you to enter a variety of careers in the heavy equipment repair and service industry.
This program gives you a combination of hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge for the diesel equipment and truck repair and service industry.
Algonquin College's Transportation Technology Centre provides you with access to modern equipment, enabling you to learn about advanced technology in today's diesel equipment and truck industries.
Through a series of classroom-based courses and extensive practical labs, you learn skills specific to heavy trucks and diesel equipment, including:
- shop procedures and safety
- vehicle maintenance and repair
- drivelines
- chassis
- operational principles of systems common to most diesel equipment and trucks
- fuel and electrical systems
- internal combustion engines
The curriculum has been designed to align with existing provincial apprenticeship competencies. Upon graduation, you are well-prepared to challenge the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) exemption exams for Commercial Vehicle and Equipment (Level 1 Powered Lift Truck, Farm, Heavy Equipment and Truck Apprenticeships).
Graduates interested in pursuing Red Seal provincial recognition may also choose to further prepare for those examinations.
As a graduate of this program, you may find employment in a number of sectors within this industry, including:
- private and public organizations in the heavy truck and coach industries
- agriculture
- forest
- mineral harvesting
- construction
- related diesel equipment fields
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1004
Course Name:
Professional Communication Essentials
Course Description:
Communication remains a fundamental skill regardless of discipline or field of study. Using an applied approach, students focus on writing, ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT8520
Course Name:
Mathematics and Related Science 1
Course Description:
Diagnosis and repair in the automotive trade requires familiarity with mathematical concepts and calculations. Students solve problems using... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
TRK4100
Course Name:
Chassis Systems and Fluid Power 1
Course Description:
Both safety and performance are essential parts of all vehicles. Students explore fluid power systems pertaining to various commercial vehic... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
TRK4101
Course Name:
Powertrain Systems 1
Course Description:
The powertrain consists of the main components that generate power and contribute to vehicle mobility. Students examine the components, oper... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
TRK4102
Course Name:
Fuel and Electrical Systems I
Course Description:
Possessing knowledge of electrical, fuels and fuel systems fundamentals is essential to understanding the operation of vehicles. Building on... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
TRK4103
Course Name:
Trade Practices
Course Description:
It is important to have a knowledge and understanding of common and specialty tools and their safe use in the shop environment. Through disc... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1527
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENL2003
Course Name:
Communications 2 for Technicians
Course Description:
Communicating effectively in the workplace is a key component of career advancement and essential skills development. The ability to read, u... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT8521
Course Name:
Mathematics and Related Science II
Course Description:
The automotive trade has a long and rich history based on many scientific principles. Students develop the skills to calculate engine and tr... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
TRK4200
Course Name:
Chassis Systems and Fluid Power 2
Course Description:
A comprehensive knowledge of pneumatics allows for a more thorough understanding of many types of diesel equipment and vehicle systems. Stud... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
TRK4201
Course Name:
Powertrain Systems 2
Course Description:
Technicians working in the field work on a variety of components including diesel powered equipment. Students also examine single countersha... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
TRK4202
Course Name:
Fuel and Electrical Systems II
Course Description:
Today's vehicles depend heavily on both electrical and complex fuel systems to run efficiently and cleanly. Students examine the operation a... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
GED1527
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
TRK4300
Course Name:
Chassis Systems and Fluid Power 3
Course Description:
Service technicians must have a solid understanding of vehicle suspension, steering, and frame components, which require regular maintenance... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
TRK4302
Course Name:
Fuel and Electrical Systems III
Course Description:
Today's diesel engines have high electrical demands for electronically controlled fuel injection systems. Students develop an understanding ... + Read More
Hours:
98.0
Code:
TRK4401
Course Name:
Powertrain Systems 3
Course Description:
The powertrain provides vehicles with the ability to move through force. Students develop more in-depth knowledge of diesel engines, sophist... + Read More
Hours:
84.0
Code:
WEL9107
Course Name:
Introduction to Fuel Gas and Electrical Welding
Course Description:
Welding is a skill essential to a variety of professions. Students develop competent welding skills at a basic level using oxyacetylene equi... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
GED1527
Course Name:
General Education Elective
Course Description:
Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in S... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates of this program may find employment as a heavy equipment apprentice, agricultural equipment apprentice, powered lift truck apprentice, truck and coach apprentice, field service person, service advisor/writer or product consultant.
Pathways
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Describe the operation, routine maintenance, and repair procedures of components and sub-components to characterize motive power systems with different energy sources.
- Disassemble, assemble, test, and inspect components and sub-components to maintain, diagnose and repair motive power systems.
- Diagnose motive power systems to recommend repairs.
- Use electronic service information to diagnose and plan motive power repairs or maintenance of motive power systems.
- Document maintenance, inspection, and repair records for business and client records.
- Perform all assigned work and safety procedures according to manufacturers' service information, applicable codes, and regulations.
- Diagnose and repair diesel equipment and truck operation, components and their interrelationships to ensure optimal performance.
- Apply knowledge of diesel emissions to the analyses of diesel emission system components.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2026/2027 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar's Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,000 for the program duration and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. In addition, students are required to supply their own protective equipment as required at a cost of approximately $160, including safety footwear and safety glasses.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent;
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
Application Information
MOTIVE POWER TECHNICIAN - DIESEL EQUIPMENT AND TRUCK
Program Code 1527X04FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application
process information: https://algonquincollege.my.site.com/myac360/s/
For further information on the admissions process, please visit:
Admissions - Registrar's Office https://algonquincollege.com/ro/admissions/
Additional Information
Program Resources
Students are required to achieve a minimum passing grade of 60% in all core, vocational program courses to move to the next program level for the Motive Power Technician - Diesel Equipment and Truck program. The 60% passing grade aligns with the passing requirements set for the Apprenticeship Training Standards that exist in the four trades that this program supports. Additionally, students will need to perform these skills at a higher level for industry, because liability is extremely high in the diesel equipment and truck industry.
Graduates of the Motive Power Technician - Diesel Equipment and Truck program are eligible for an exemption from Level 01 Apprenticeship for the following programs: Truck and Coach, Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician, Agriculture Technician, and Powered Lift Truck Technician.