Courses

Scott McKay Soils Technology

Explore the ground beneath your roads in this hands-on course that teaches you how to identify, test, and work with soils to build stronger, longer-lasting infrastructure.

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Choose a date below to start your registration.

February 2 – 6, 2026
Cost:
$1950.00
Duration:
5 Days

What You’ll Learn

  • Understand the fundamentals of roadbed design, drainage, and pavement structures 
  • Identify and classify common soils and aggregates used in municipal infrastructure 
  • Apply best practices in backfill, frost treatment, and environmental considerations 
  • Interpret laboratory test results and apply them to field conditions 
  • Recognize and address roadway performance issues 

Course Description

Dig into the science of soil with this comprehensive 5-day course designed for professionals working in municipal infrastructure. You’ll explore the origins and classifications of soils, learn how to interpret lab test results, and understand how soil behavior impacts roadbed design, drainage, and pavement performance. 

From frost action to geotextiles, this course equips you with the knowledge to identify performance issues and implement effective solutions. A lab-based field trip and practical assignments ensure you’re ready to apply your learning directly to the job site. 

Course Details

  • Construction Inspectors 
  • Pavement Designers 
  • Maintenance Planners 
  • Technicians and Technologists 
  • AORS’ Certified Road Supervisor (CRS) candidates 
  • MEA’s MIT Certification Candidates 
  • Engineers seeking PEO PEAK professional development hours 
  • Origin of Soils 
  • Glacial Geology 
  • Soils Identification 
  • Flexible Pavement Design 
  • Laboratory Testing 
  • Interpretation of Lab Test Results 
  • Sewer, Culvert, and Structure Backfill 
  • Random Testing 
  • Construction Practices 
  • Frost Action and Transition Point Treatments 
  • Construction and the Environment 
  • Geotextiles 
  • Prior experience with soils and/or road work is an asset 
  • PPE may be required for the lab field trip (details to be confirmed) 
  • AORS: Elective course for Certified Road Supervisor – Intermediate level (CRS-I) 
  • MEA: Mandatory course for the MEA’s Municipal Infrastructure Certification in Construction Materials 
  • OACETT: Eligible for all exam programs including technical specialist, technician, and technologist programs (Point Value: 10) 
  • Engineering Institute of Canada: Awards 3.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) 

Benjamin de Haan, Director of Transportation, United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry – Ben is a licensed professional engineer and County Engineer for the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Ben is responsible for the overall management of the Roads Department, includes design, rehabilitation and maintenance of approximately 1000 kilometres roads and 200 bridges. After obtaining his degree from McGill University in 2003, Ben started his career as municipal engineer at a local consulting firm. Ben left consulting in 2009 to work for SDG. 

Les Shepherd P.Eng., Instructor, TJM Maintenance – Les is head of maintenance east for MTO and has 33 years of wide ranging experience in engineering, maintenance and construction administration working for the Ontario Public Service and two Ontario Counties. His resume covers a wide range of the province, including MTO Central and Northeast Regions, County of Haliburton Director of Public Works, United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Director of Public Works, plus MTO East Region. 

Question:
Do I need prior experience with soils to take this course?

Answer:

Prior experience is helpful but not required. The course is designed to build foundational knowledge.

Question:
Will there be hands-on components?

Answer:

Yes, including lab testing and a field trip focused on soil identification and analysis.

Question:
What is the evaluation process?

Answer:

Evaluation includes case studies, quizzes, work assignments, and a comprehensive final exam. A passing grade is 60%.