Existing infrastructure and the continual expansion of newer communities all require an efficient and non-invasive way to install utilities. The installation of these utilities is vital to the everyday workings of society, and it is important that they are built quickly and professionally.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a minimally invasive construction method whereby a tunnel is drilled under a specific area and utilities such as fiber and/or gas lines are pulled through the drilled underground tunnel. Highly trained technicians guide the drilling pipe/rod electronically to ensure that the angle, depth and exit point follow the engineering plans. Horizontal Directional Drilling has become a primarily utility construction method due to its minimal disruption to the natural and built environment.

Long distance underground utility networks are installed across areas such as rural farmland, neighbourhoods, city centers, highways and much more. Directional drilling is advantageous because it minimizes environmental and stakeholder impact, even in the most sensitive of areas. Although, drilling does require a certain degree of disturbing the environment, once drilling has been completed the start and exit points are always restored to their pre-drilled state.

This course will provide you with a deep understanding of underground infrastructure and utilises, including gas/pipeline, telecom, electrical, water/sewer and more. You will learn and understand the operations carried out by directional drillers and how builds are planned, followed, and optimized. You will learn to how follow engineering plans, collaborate with field staff such as utility locators, operate HDD equipment, and follow safety regulations. Successful completion of this course will result in a certification.

Admission to this program is based on several factors. You must complete our online application form, which can be found here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with multiple course start dates throughout the year. Limited spots are available in each training cohort.

• Must be eligible to work in Canada
• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including:
  • Grade 12 English, or equivalent
• Ability to distinguish between colours for marked utilities
• Intermediate computer skills
• Valid driver’s G licence (AZ or DZ license are beneficial)
• Must provide a clean driving record (abstract)
• Working knowledge of Telecom Industry, Fibre Optic Installation (not mandatory but beneficial)
• Comfortable around underground utility services
• Familiarity with CVOR requirements (not mandatory but beneficial)
• Must possess and exhibit strong safety acumen and demonstrate safe work practices
• Must be able to work independently
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Good communication skills with the ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision

Physical Requirements

• Hear and distinguish emergency signals and instructions
• Must be able to repetitively sit, lift, stoop, bend, squat, kneel, reach, and crawl
• Must be able to repeatedly lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Must be able to work in all outdoor elements for extended periods of time
• Confined Space Entry may be required to accomplish tasks when applicable
• Be able to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Must be able to climb ladders, and work from stationary platforms from elevated heights
• Must be capable of working extended hours and variable shifts

Applicants should note that

• Most employment opportunities require that certain physical standards, driving abstracts and health standards, including vision, must be met
• A Police Criminal Record Check (PCRC) (pardons are possible, seek legal counsel) and additional selection criteria may be used to assess applicants in this program
• Applicants should be advised that most employers require a criminal records check (PCRC)
• Applicants are advised that there are specific requirements that must be completed prior to participating in a co-op placement and that it is their responsibility to ensure the requirements are met
• Students are required to successfully complete several tests designed for damage prevention careers and a written assessment to achieve certification

Tuition for this program is broken down as the following for anyone who completes the work commitment:

• Course Fee $0.00 CAD (No tuition cost for CUTI program applicants when committing to work placement)
• Paid Practicum Fee $0.00 CAD

The total value of the in-class/in-field components of this training program is $6800.00 CAD. In this cohort, successful trainees will complete paid practicums and job placements with real companies in the utilities industry, who will be sponsoring course fees for trainees who complete the Paid Practicum & 3-month Full Time Employment.

• If you successfully complete the training program, the 3-month paid practicum, and the minimum
  3-month full-time employment component of this program (total commitment ~7-8 months), you will not be
  responsible for any fees.
• If you do not complete the training, paid practicum, or 3-months of full-time employment, you will be
  responsible for all of part of the course fee, based on the Terms & Conditions agreement.
• You may take this course without the desired outcome of employment, in which case, you will be
  responsible for all course fees.

Above fees based on 2022 program start dates. Contact us to confirm fees for other start dates.

This 6-week program covers the following topics:

• Directional drilling fundamentals and history
• Applications and limitations
• Directional profiles (2D and 3D designs)
• Survey calculation methods
• Average angle, radius of curvature, minimum curvature
• Calculation exercises
• Directional drill safety
• Basic operation of HDD
• Advanced operation of HDD
• Tracking electronics
• Directional drill preventative maintenance
• Downhole tooling
• Drilling fluids and mixing
• Utility identification and locating
• Working in tandem with utility locators
• Vacuum excavating
• Bore planning
• Site prep
• In-field drill operation
• WHMIS course
• First Aid rescue course
• H2S Alive Course

This 6-week program is broken down as follows:

Week 1-3: Pre-Requisite Damage Prevention Course

Week 4: In-Class Learning

Week 5: In-Field Learning

Week 6: Mixed In-Field and In-Class Training

Once certification is achieved, trainees will be able to:

• Independently operate a Horizontal Directional Drill to successfully complete projects
• Understand the entire life cycle of utility construction and builds
• Utilize site plans, area maps, blueprints, computer mapping database and other location information
• Understand main concepts associated with drilling
• Recommend suitable measures to mitigate operational issues related to horizontal directional drilling
• Interpret torque and drag and what factors affect those in the drilling process
• Complete builds in a timely manner
• Operate company vehicle in a safe manner, and maintain equipment
• Transport equipment/supplies to assigned job sites; clean and maintain locating equipment and drill
• Adhere to all health and safety procedure, including completing daily forms and reports
• Maintain start and end logs of work performed

In addition, some benefits of completion include:

• Gaining a thorough understanding of utility construction and operation
• Gaining confidence in dealing with customers and clients
• Learning to work independently and within a team setting
• Going to different work sites everyday
• Growing knowledge of different companies while working on-site at different projects
• Keeping physically active and getting to work outdoors
• Gaining knowledge of different areas in local cities/regions
• Being able to travel to other provinces/areas

Career Opportunities

Where you could work includes:

• Utility Construction Companies: INTUS Construction

Contact Our Information Hub
Haven’t applied yet and have questions?
Contact our Information Hub for details on programs, how to apply, and more.
info@cuti.ca
Phone: (647) 494-4882