Resources Drilling and Blasting

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Location:	Lindsay
Program Status:	Accepting applications
Program Code:	RDB
Co-ordinator:	Gord Bailey
Credential:	Ontario College Diploma
Classes Start:	September 7, 2010
Tuition/ Fees:	$1,660.75 per semester * * Tuition and fees subject to change.

Program Highlights

When you work in Resources Drilling and Blasting, you'll encounter variety and challenges every day. You will use problem solving, analytical and creative thinking skills. You've got to think on your feet, and use your ingenuity. From day one in the two-year Resources Drilling and Blasting program, you will learn hands-on the theory and skills needed to succeed in this exciting field. A full 80 per cent of the program consists of practical learning sessions - most of it taking place in our impressive, on-campus Resources Drilling and Blasting compound and off-campus in the field.

You'll work on a full range of drilling equipment in our five service bays.
Four specially equipped classrooms/labs in the facility will further enhance your drilling education, with everything from a drilling simulator to hands-on drilling activities.
Classroom sessions are complemented by hands-on drilling labs, including work in local quarries.
The program will also cover an introduction to the geothermal industry.
Our grads are exempt from taking the mandatory Ontario Ministry of the Environment 10-day Well Constructed Course. Ontario Regulation 903 requires successful completion of this mandatory training for new well technicians.

Why Choose Fleming?

Fleming's Resources Drilling and Blasting program is the only one of its kind in the world! It offers a rare combination of technical training and hands-on experience. As a graduate, you'll be well prepared to work in the field. Due to our strong connections with the industry, and our geographical location, the program is well positioned to place graduates throughout North America. Employers from around the world seek out graduates of the Resources Drilling and Blasting program. They know grads have a good foundation of theory and practice, and have excellent transferrable skills to draw upon for any challenge in the workplace.

Common First Semester
Students in our School’s diploma programs take the same courses for first semester after choosing and being accepted into one of our programs. This common focus exposes you to a variety of career options and other programs. You will have the freedom to explore and obtain a multidisciplinary perspective, while you acquire a base of knowledge and fundamental skills.

Although students are accepted into a specific program for their first semester, the common first semester allows you to change direction if you find another program or career area is more appealing. Once you have successfully completed the common first semester, you can enter the program of your choice in second semester, subject to enrolment capacity.

Work Experience

Following your first semester, you'll begin to explore specialized training in drilling and blasting. As mentioned, you'll spend most of your time in labs or field classes, putting your education to work and refining your skills in our state-of-the-art Drilling and Blasting training centre. You'll also take part in field assignments in local quarries and job-related activities. Practical experience in semester four is subject to a criminal records check as required by field placement site management. (An alternate placement can be assigned if you do not pass the criminal records check.)

What it Takes to Succeed

You've got to love working outside, enjoy hands-on work, be willing to operate equipment, and be independently minded. It's a male-dominated industry, but there are more and more women involved, and doing well in their careers - more brains than brawn is required to be competent in this field. Some of the personality traits and skills essential to your success include:

good motor skills, physical health
flexibility (particularly regarding hours of work)
interpersonal skills
analytical and creative thinking
mechanical aptitude
ability to obtain a commercial driver's license

Career Opportunities

Faculty report that the requests for graduates by industry often exceeds the number of students completing this program. Upon graduation you'll find yourself in positions such as driller or helper. You can move up the ladder to own a business, or work in sales, tech support, or management with larger companies. Your potential employment is excellent as a graduate of our one-of-a-kind program. The average wage is $40.000.00 - $50,000.00, but you could make much more than that within a few years after graduation. Even as a summer student employee, you can make up to $14.00 per hour, and there's lots of overtime.

Minimum Admission Requirements

OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:

2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
2 College (C) Math courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)

When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.

Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be neccessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.

Related Programs

Other programs to consider at Fleming if you're interested in working with machinery include Motive Power Techniques - Heavy Equipment or Blasting Techniques.

Additional Costs

Plan to spend about $1,300 in the first year and $100 in the second year for books, supplies, safety equipment and camps. Costs for extra courses which are optional but recommended amount to $745.