Trades in Alberta
On this page:
- Apprenticeship Education Program
- Trades Qualifier Program
- Employment in the Trade
Heavy Equipment Technician
Heavy equipment technicians maintain, repair, and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment.
4-Period Apprenticeship Program
Compulsory Certification
Explore this trade on alis.alberta.ca.
Apprenticeship Education Program
Apprenticeship blends hands-on work experience with classroom learning, so you can build skills, knowledge, and a career all at once.
Credential
- Advanced Diploma
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
Program Requirements
- 4 periods (levels)
- All periods:
- 1500 hours work experience per period
- 8 weeks classroom instruction per period
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in all periods
- Offered at Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College, NAIT, Northwestern Polytechnic, Olds College, Portage College, Red Deer Polytechnic, and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1500 hours in all periods
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
High School Credit
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
If you have experience in the trade without an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, the Trades Qualifier Program is your pathway to qualify.
Employment in the Trade
As a designated trade under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act, employed individuals or those employing tradespeople must meet certain regulated standards.
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice, or
- working at a journeyperson level in the opinion of your employer (journeyperson certification optional).
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ two apprentices for every one assigned mentor (2:1).
- AEITP Regulation (open.alberta.ca)
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Heavy Equipment Technician journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 60%
- Period 2: 70%
- Period 3: 80%
- Period 4: 90%
- AEITP Regulation (open.alberta.ca)
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
Red Seal Endorsement
- 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.