Hydrovac Excavation

Expose buried utilities the safe way — with pressurized water instead of steel buckets.

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Varies by cohortin-class + in-field training

Paid3-month employer practicum

$0 tuitionwith employer sponsorship

Markham, ONtraining centre & field sites

What is it & why it matters

Hydrovac excavation uses pressurized water and vacuum to remove soil and safely expose underground utilities. It is the industry standard for daylighting buried lines before construction.

A good fit if…

You like operating equipment
You want essential, every-site work
You're careful around live utilities

What you'll learn

Hydrovac operation
Operate pressurized-water and vacuum excavation systems.
Daylighting practices
Safely expose live gas, hydro, telecom, and water lines.
Utility awareness
Read locate marks and understand what's below before digging.
Site & equipment safety
Ground disturbance, confined space, and safe work procedures.

From day one to day-one on the job

W1
In-class learning
Theory and fundamentals, at your own computer station in our facility.
W2
Written exams
Score 80%+ to prove you can safely begin field training.
W3
Supervised field training
Work in the field with a senior trainer. Ends with a pass-fail exam.
W4
Unsupervised field training
Independent field work that determines certification status.
W5+
Paid practicum & job
CUTI arranges a 3-month paid practicum. Then full-time employment at a higher wage.

Career outcomes

Graduates of this program move into roles like:

Exact weeks vary by program and cohort. Contact admissions for the current schedule.

Requirements

No prior work experience required
Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent
Age 18+ and able to work within Canada
Valid driver's licence with a clean abstract
Intermediate computer skills
Able to distinguish utility marking colours and carry up to 15 lbs

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Seats are limited — cohorts fill on employer demand.

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Frequently asked questions

Why this program?

You train to operate hydrovac equipment and work around live utilities, where precision and safety are non-negotiable.

How much does it cost?

$0 course fee when you complete the sponsored work commitment: the 3-month paid practicum plus 3 months of full-time employment. Prefer no work commitment? Pay for the course yourself and keep every option open.

Who hires graduates of this program?

Excavation and utility contractors across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

Do I need a specific licence or diploma?

You need a valid driver's licence with a clean abstract — full G preferred, G2 accepted with a plan to get your G by training's end. You also need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, including Grade 12 English or equivalent.

Anything else before the practicum starts?

Some employers request a criminal background check, drug testing, and physical standards before paid practicums begin. If your computer skills are basic, we help you get up to speed during training.

When can I start?

Applications are rolling, with multiple start dates each year. Seats are limited — apply at least 7 days before your preferred start date.