From Larry Wilson, Founding Coordinator of Fleming College’s Heavy Equipment Technician Program
In 1971, the equipment industry in Canada contacted Glen Crombie, Principal of the Natural Resources Campus of Fleming College to identify the need for a program to train technicians to support the mechanical side of forestry, mining, agriculture, geotechnology and construction.
BACKGROUND: Fleming College suspends heavy equipment technician course
I was hired in September 1971 to develop the program. I am now 84 years old and a retired engineer. However, I still feel responsible for the welfare of the program and especially the students (many of whom are now retired grandparents themselves).
I believe the heavy equipment techniques program was accidentally added to a long list of programs to be suspended by Fleming College in an effort to reduce costs.
For over 50 years, the heavy equipment program has had full enrolment, almost 100 per cent placement rate for graduates and very strong support from the equipment industry across Canada.
The heavy equipment techniques program has always been financially sustainable and is unaffected by the recent cuts in international students. Furthermore, Fleming College just published a strategic plan, “Fleming First,” in which it identifies “skilled trades programs” as a top priority.
The suspension of the program is clearly a mistake based on a lack of understanding of the ongoing and growing need for graduates and continued support of the equipment industry who have behind the program since the beginning in 1971.
Our highly respected heavy duty equipment program could be suspended in January 2025 unless strong pressure and industry feedback can continue to be applied to the board of governors, president and senior management of Fleming College.
