Who is OETIM?
OETIM is a not-for-profit Private Vocational Institute in Manitoba that provides training for individuals interested in, or already part of, the construction industry.
35 Years+ of Training Excellence
Founded in 1986, OETIM is a joint labour-management, not-for-profit organization dedicated to training individuals in the craning and heavy equipment industries. Known for high-quality, hands-on instruction and a proprietary curriculum, we’ve built a strong reputation across Canada for delivering industry-leading training in hoisting and heavy equipment operation.
Governed by a Board of Trustees from both labour and management, OETIM is funded through tuition, employer sponsorships, contract training, and the OE 987 Training Fund. We are recognized by Employment and Social Development Canada and can issue T2202 tax receipts to qualifying students.
OETIM graduates earn nationally recognized credentials, enabling them to work across Manitoba and other provinces—meeting today’s training needs and tomorrow’s workforce demands.
Accredited Instructors
Each staff member of OETIM is educated and experienced in their specific field. The instructors are accredited under the PVI branch and have significant experience working in the construction industry, including many years of experience instructing in diverse educational settings. Other staff are employed at OETIM on a part-time basis as required.
OETIM Staff - Team Members
- Executive Director: Jordan James
- Director of Field Operations/Instructor: Rob Middleton
- Heavy Equipment Operator Instructor: Derek Bamford
- Administrative Assistant: Christina Gagnon
History of OETIM
- 1986: Establishment as a Joint Labour/Management organization to train local OE987 union members
- Late 1980s-1990s: Began providing safety and educational training primarily to the local OE987 union
- 1999: Development of the Pipeline Construction course in Birdshill Park, Manitoba
- 2000: Standardization of the Pipeline Construction course curriculum nationally
- 2000: Accreditation of crane curriculum as the crane industry becomes regulated
- 2001: OETIM teaches the first Level 1 Crane Apprenticeship course in conjunction with Red River College (now RRC Polytech)
- 2005: OETIM instructor Robert Middleton helped establish the Manitoba Standards for heavy equipment operators
- 2005: Establishment of Telehandler training course
- 2007: OETIM begins teaching heavy equipment operators on the Manitoba Red River Floodway
- 2007: Partnership is made with the University College of the North to teach the Heavy Equipment Operator program at satellite offices in The Pas, Thompson, and Churchill
- 2007: Development of OETIM’s Crane Awareness course with funding from the Workers’ Compensation Board of Manitoba
- 2008: Development and addition of OETIM’s Basic Rigging course to safety course offerings
- 2012: Acquisition of Private Vocational Institute status through the government of Manitoba
- 2014: Establishment of the Skid Steer course
- 2019: Opening of Simulator Lab with Caterpillar Simulators, distinguishing OETIM from other HEO schools
- 2024: Inauguration of new facility, marking continued growth and commitment to excellence
- 2025: Tower crane raised on site to advance training programs.
Our Affiliates
OETIM’s strong network of affiliates allows us to deliver cutting-edge training aligned with current industry standards, helping us remain Manitoba’s leading Heavy Equipment Operator training provider.
