Northern College, in partnership with The Miller Group, has developed a training program that covers the knowledge required of a Road Maintenance Worker, provides hands-on training, and helps trainees gain valuable experience. Our minimum number of participants per intake is 8.

This program will position the student to gain employment as a Road Maintenance Worker. By the end of this program, students will be:

• Qualified skilled patrollers able to identify road defects such as potholes, washouts and other basic deficiencies
• Able to replace or repair steel guide rails and cable guide rails
• Experienced in best practices for treating roads before, during and after weather events
• Trained on how to properly and safely thaw culverts and provide drainage for trouble areas
• Capable of creating and reading documentation and reports
• Able to recognize inclement weather patterns and how they impact operations
• Aware of environmental factors influencing road conditions
• Knowledgeable in salt and sand management
• Trained in providing Emergency Response
• Fully trained on all aspects of the snow plow operation and maintenance
• Trained as loader, forklift and skid steer operators

This 12-week program includes training in snow plow operation and maintenance, operation of loader, forklift, and skid steer, road patrolling and accurate documenting, weather pattern monitoring and impact, steel and cable guide rail replacement and repair, as well as best practices for treating roads before, during and after weather events, salt and sand management, and emergency response.

Through this unique partnership, you will also receive additional training and certifications including WHMIS, Surface Miner Common Core (trainer sign offs), Working at Heights, Propane Handling, First Aid & CPR, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Book 7 – Traffic Control, Chainsaw Handling, Confined Space Awareness, Due Diligence, Fatigue Management and Work-Life Balance, and Employability Skills.

Eligibility & Requirements

• 18 years of age or older
• minimum education level of Grade 10 or equivalent
• valid “DZ” license (DZ training may be available)

Applicants must complete the Registration Form and submit, along with Mechanical Reasoning Test and proof of DZ license.

Acceptance letters will be issued after completed registration package and copy of DZ license have been provided.

Registration Package

Costs & Fees

$12,775.00 which includes the 12-week training program and personal protective equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment: The cost of this equipment is included in the tuition fee to cover CSA approved safety-boots, safety vest, work gloves, safety glasses, and a CSA approved hard hat. Arrangements will be made to ensure that the equipment listed below will be provided at the start of the program. Please remember to wear weather appropriate clothing.

Accommodations and associated costs are NOT included in the program. If required, students are responsible for securing their own accommodations. Interested students may contact Carrie Ann Bettiol, Residence Officer at Northern College Timmins Campus to inquire about availability of residence accommodations by telephone at 705-235-6800 or email bettiolc@northern.on.ca.

Funding: You may be eligible for Better Jobs Ontario (Second Career) funding, First Nations sponsorship, and we accept RESPs (long form) to pay for the program. The program is not eligible for OSAP.

For those who are not eligible for sponsorship, a non- refundable deposit of $1,000.00 will be required in order to secure your seats.

Tuition must be paid in full prior to commencing training. Only a letter confirming sponsorship from a sponsoring agency will be accepted in lieu of the deposit. A letter confirming a schedule of financial assistance must be submitted.

If you are thinking of applying for funding, it is important to remember that this process can take up to 8 weeks before approval is confirmed. Please contact your local service providers to verify funding eligibility and to begin the process of completing the application package.

Program Completion

Participants who successfully complete this 12-week program will receive a Northern College Certificate. To obtain this certification, the participant must obtain an overall passing grade of 80%. Students must also maintain at a minimum 98% attendance throughout the program. This standard must be upheld knowing that students missing classes will miss critical instruction.