Helping Canadians get back to work.

Commercial Safety College

11490 Hwy #2, Masstown NS

Possible funding to those who qualify*

  • Nova Scotia Student Loan
  • Loans
  • Grants
  • Bursaries
  • Scholarships

Programs

Programs offered at each campus may vary, so be sure to check other campus offerings for the course you are most interested in.

Skilled Trades, Auto, Fire Programs

  • Our Tractor Trailer program is designed for people looking to start a career in either long-haul or local truck driving. Our 12 week internship program was developed and adopted by Commercial Safety College and industry partners in 1995, and in 1997 contributed to the development of a training standard for all truck driving programs in the Province of Nova Scotia. Course Overview: Module 1 (At Commercial Safety College)
    • Safety Studies (70 hours)
      • Log books / Hours of service
      • Professional Driver Improvement Course (PDIC)
      • Transportation of Dangerous Goods
      • Driving in adverse weather conditions
      • Emergency First Aid / CPR / WHMIS
      • Signs & Signals
      • Operation Lifesaver
      • Driver fatigue
      • Federal and provincial regulations
      • And many more topics!
    • Practical Skills – Road & Maneuvering (160 hours)
      • On road driving (rural, town/city, highway, night driving)
      • Field maneuvering skills (backing, alley dock, right hand turns, serpentine, off set alley)
      • Pre-trip inspections
      • Coupling / uncoupling
    • Mechanical Skills (70 hours)
      • Air brake adjustment
      • Compound transmissions
      • Diesel engines
      • Lubrication and cooling systems
      • Fuel, air, and exhaust
      • Steering and suspension
      • Lighting systems
      • PTO and wet kits
      • Hubs, wheels, and tires
      • Smart Driver for Highway Trucking
      • And many more topics!
    • Essential Skills & Computer Familiarization (20 hours)
      • Map reading & trip planning
      • Basic computer skills
      • Resumes and cover letters
      • Interview techniques
      • Introduction to GPS, Satellite messaging
      • Introductions to ELDs
    Module 2 (Internship Phase) In the four weeks that you are with a fleet coach, you will be given a minimum of 100 hours of “hands on, behind the wheel” driving time in real life situations. We have partnerships with over 20 companies to provide internships to Commercial Safety College students. While not guaranteed, many internships lead to job opportunities! We have internships available for students interested in short haul, long haul, or the construction industry. Admission Requirements:
    • Pass/Provide a Class 1 Driver’s Medical
    • Provide a Driver’s Abstract
    • Provide a Criminal Search Report
    • Provide a Letter of Intent
    • Must Have License Endorsed with Air Brakes
    • Minimum of 19 Years of Age
    • Possess a Class 5 Driver’s License (In Graduated Licensing, “N” must be removed prior to start date)
    • Attend a Pre-screening Session (TOWES testing and interview)
  • Whether you are looking to drive a Straight Truck, Dump Truck, Waste Management Truck, Water Truck or more! –  the place to start is with a Class 3 license.  At Commercial Safety College, our program has been designed to prepare you with the skills needed to start a job immediately. Course Overview:
    • Pre-Operating Inspection
    • Maneuvering Skills
    • Rural, Town, City, and Trans Canada Driving
    • Air Brake Course (8 hours)
    • Professional Driver Improvement
    Admission Requirements:
    • Pass/Provide a Class 3 Nova Scotia Driver’s Medical
    • Provide a Driver’s Abstract
    • Provide a Letter of Intent
    • Provide Proof of Minimum Grade 8 Education
    • Must have License Endorsed with Air Brakes
    • Minimum of 18 Years of Age
    • Possess a Class 5 Driver’s License (In Graduated Licensing, “N” must be removed prior to start date)
  • At Commercial Safety College, we offer a unique perspective on training people to use heavy equipment. We teach our heavy equipment operator program in separated modules. What this means, is that we teach complete courses in Excavator, Loader, Backhoe, and Dozer. Our program is taught in an active aggregate pit which allows us to simulate a true working environment. Our Heavy Equipment Operator program includes all four pieces of equipment:
    • Excavator Operator (4 weeks – 160 hrs)
    • Dozer Operator (3 weeks – 120 hrs)
    • Backhoe Operator (3 weeks – 120 hrs)
    • Loader Operator (2 weeks – 80 hrs)
    Our program is taught with a focus on “hands on” learning. The program includes:
    • Pre-Operating Inspection Procedures
    • Mechanical Classes
    • Environmental Concerns & Regulations
    • Float Loading & Load Security
    • Use of Controls & Operation – Specific to Each Piece of Equipment
    • Practical Skills and Exercises – Specific to Each Piece of Equipment
    Course Prerequisites:
    • Pass/Provide a Nova Scotia Medical
    • Be Physically Able to Operate Equipment
    • Minimum Grade 8 Education
    • Be 18 Years of Age (some exceptions available)
    • A Class 5 License is recommended, but not essential
    Upon successful completion of the full 12 week program, students receive certification as an entry level operator (480 hours).
  • Course Content:
    • Basic Maneuvering
    • Basic Blade Control
    • Basic Digging Techniques & Carrying Grades
    • Mass Excavations
    • Digging Basements
    • Working Slopes & Inclines
    • Transmissions – Power shift & Hydrostatic
    • Undercarriage & Track System
    • Use of Measuring Instruments & Blue Prints
    • Grade Staking & Markings
    • Use of Blade Point & Decelerator Pedal
    • Slot Dozing
    • Angle Dozing & ‘V’ Ditching
    Upon successful completion of the Dozer Training Program, students will receive Entry Level Operator certification.
  • Course Content:
    • Trenching Practices
    • Maneuvering & Set-Up
    • Basic Digging
    • Backfilling
    • Truck Loading
    • Deep Hole Excavations
    Upon successful completion of the Backhoe Training Program, students will receive Entry Level Operator certification.
  • Course Content:
    • Maneuvering & Set-Up
    • Basic Digging & Mass Excavation
    • Trenching & Side Ditching
    • Ramps & Benches
    • Digging Basements
    • Ditching
    • Truck Loading
    • Installation of Materials
    Upon successful completion of the Excavator Training Program, students will receive Entry Level Operator certification.
  • Course Content:
    • Basic Maneuvering
    • Basic Bucket Operation
    • Ramping & Stockpiling Using Tier Method
    • Loading Hopper & Screener Plant
    • Traveling With Loads
    • Cleaning Up & Leveling Work Area
    • Truck Loading
  • We are pleased to announce that we have a limited bursary program available for prospective Heavy Equipment Operator students. Programs eligible for bursary – Heavy Equipment Operator, Excavator Operator, Loader Operator, Dozer Operator, and Backhoe Operator Quick Facts:
    • Bursaries will be allocated in amounts up to and including $1,500.00
    • Applications will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis
    • Prospective students must be making a financial contribution to their training
    • Preference will be given to students taking the full 12 week Heavy Equipment Operator program
    • The application below must be completed in full and submitted with the program application form
  • This program provides all of the skills required to start a new career as a School Bus Driver, We are partnering with school boards throughout Nova Scotia to provide guaranteed employment to successful students. We currently have an employment agreement with Chignecto Central Regional Centre for Education for approved applicants. Applicants must complete an application for employment with their local school board prior to being accepted into this program. Upcoming Start Dates: January 6, 2020 / February 3, 2020 / March 2, 2020 / April 6, 2020 Course Length:  Three (3) Weeks Course Overview:
    • Pre-Operating Inspection
    • Maneuvering Skills
    • Rural, Town, and Trans Canada Driving
    • Professional Driver Improvement
    Admission Requirements:
    • Pass/Provide a Class 2b Nova Scotia Driver’s Medical
    • Provide a Driver’s Abstract
    • Provide a Criminal Search Report
    • Provide Proof of Minimum Grade 12 Education or GED
    • Must have License Endorsed with Air Brakes
    • Minimum of 25 Years of Age
    • Possess a Class 5 Driver’s License (In Graduated Licensing, “N” must be removed prior to start date)
    • Must complete employment application with school board (contact us for an application)
  • Course Content:
    • Safe Operating Procedures
    • Controls & Operation
    • Basic Hydraulics
    • Safety Around Mobile Equipment
    • Pre-operating Inspection
    • Use of Controls
    • Maneuvering
    • Use of Special Attachments
    Upon successful completion of the Skid Steer Loader Operator program, successful students will receive Entry Level Operator certification.
  • Operating a forklift carries significant responsibility. At Commercial Safety College, our Forklift Operator program teaches all of the skills necessary to be a safe, responsible, and efficient operator. Whether you currently work in a warehousing environment or wish to pursue this type of career, Commercial Safety College is the first step to achieving your goal. Course Length:  Three (3) days – approx. 25 hours Course Overview:
    • Safe Operating Procedures (theory and practical)
    • Pre-Operating Inspection (theory and practical)
    • Use of All Controls (practical)
    • Maneuvering Skills (practical)
    • Warehousing Procedures (theory and practical)
    • Propane Tank Changes (theory and practical)
    • Basic Hydraulics (theory)
    • Preventative Maintenance (theory)
    Note: This is a “hands-on” based course with the majority of time being spent in a warehouse type environment. Course Requirements:
    • CSA approved hard hat
    • Steel toed boots/shoes
    Certification: Successful students will receive a wallet card proving competency as an operator. Note: It is recommended that operators be re-certified every three (3) years.
  • Commercial Safety College is pleased to offer Boom Truck (Class IV) Operator Training to the general public. Our crane training programs are recognized and accredited by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and meet the most up to date legislation. Our program provides students with the skills and experience necessary to become a competent and recognized operator. Students who successfully complete our Boom Truck (Class IV) Operator Training program are credited with 250 hours toward the 500 required for provincial licensing. Course Length: One (1) week Course Overview:
    • Class IV Crane Theory and Practical
    • Pre-Operating Inspection
    • Use of Controls
    • Set-Up Procedures and Maneuvering Skills
    • Basic Lifting Procedures
    • Use of Capacity Charts
    • Calculating Load Weights
    • Material Handling / Rigging Loads
    Note: Successful students are entitled to write the provincial hoisting exam (held on site) Course Prerequisites:
    •  Minimum Grade 10 Education or Equivalent
    •  Must Meet Minimum Standards for Vision, Hearing, Reaction Time

Masstown Campus

Established in 1959, Commercial Safety College is Atlantic Canada’s choice for quality, professional training in truck driving, bus driving, and operating heavy equipment. Located in Masstown, Nova Scotia, we are a locally owned and operated Private Career College with a team of highly skilled, dedicated, and professional instructors. Each of our programs were designed with industry in mind, ensuring students have the training needed to enter the workforce immediately after successful program completion. In addition, each of our programs have met the approval of industry standard bearers and the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island Departments of Advanced Education. Whether you are starting a new career or upgrading your current skill set, Commercial Safety College offers the training you need to succeed!

*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.