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Heavy Equipment Technician

Photo/Video Credit alis.alberta.ca

Heavy equipment technicians maintain, repair, and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment.

Maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment may include:

  • internal combustion engines and components, both stationary and mobile,
  • tracked equipment, commonly called crawler tractors,
  • ground engaging equipment and components,
  • earth moving equipment,
  • rubber tired equipment, commonly called tractors,
  • on-highway and off-highway motor vehicles, commonly called trucks, and
  • towed on-highway and off-highway vehicles, commonly called trailers.

In general, heavy equipment technicians:

  • interpret work orders and technical manuals,
  • keep equipment cleaned, lubricated and maintained,
  • diagnose faults or malfunctions,
  • adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems,
  • test repaired equipment for proper performance and ensure that the work done meets manufacturers' specifications and legislated regulations, and
  • complete service reports.

To be authorized to perform Restricted Activities in this designated trade, a worker must be a sponsored apprentice or a certified journeyperson. For more information, see Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship
  • The term of apprenticeship for a heavy equipment technician is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
  • This trade participates in two Red Seal Programs: heavy equipment technician - heavy duty equipment mechanic (off-road) and heavy equipment technician - truck and transport mechanic. See those trade profiles for detailed information.
  • Apprentices are expected to demonstrate progress in their apprenticeship program within 18 months by engaging in an activity that will lead to the completion of a period of the program.
  • Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice will receive a journeyperson certificate and an educational credential (Advanced Diploma).
Trade Qualifier

Program Credit

Category Information
High School Credit
Related Trades

Applicants with an Alberta or recognized trade certificate in one of the following trades may be eligible for credit towards their apprenticeship or Trades Qualifier program requirements.

  • Agricultural Equipment Technician
  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Transport Refrigeration Technician
  • Transport Trailer Mechanic

Supporting Resources

 
Description
Description / Resources
Resources
Trade Information Get important information about the duties, working conditions, and skills and abilities needed to work in this trade. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Job Information View job postings in this trade, and learn about the current job market, average wage and resources for finding a job. (You will be re-directed to the alis website.)
Entrance Requirement You must satisfy the educational requirements or pass the entrance exam to start an apprenticeship program. If you are writing the entrance exam, there are entrance-level competencies to help you prepare, as well as an exam counselling sheet and study guide.
Curriculum Guides Get information on all of the program requirements and what you will learn.
Classroom Instruction View a list of currently scheduled classes.
Financial Assistance Student loans, grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. For more information visit our Financial Assistance section, visit an Apprenticeship and Industry Training office or call toll-free to 1-800-248-4823.
Examinations Get exam counselling sheets for your upcoming apprenticeship, interprovincial or qualification exam.
Recognized Credentials A person who holds a valid recognized credential is permitted to work in Alberta, but some employers may require Alberta documentation as proof that the holder is allowed to work in the trade or that the holder's credential is recognized.
Legislation For more information regarding undertakings, activities, and certification requirements, please review the Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation and the Designated Trades’ Activities and Certification Requirements Order.