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Agricultural Equipment Technician

Photo/Video Credit alis.alberta.ca

Agricultural equipment technicians repair, overhaul and maintain agricultural equipment including tractors, tillage equipment, seeding equipment and harvesting equipment.

Agricultural equipment technicians may specialize in service and repair of fuel injection pumps and injectors, engine overhaul, hydraulic systems, power shift transmissions or specific types of equipment (combines, forage harvesters, tractors, etc.).

In general, agricultural equipment technicians:

  • service and repair engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems, and the electrical and electronic systems of agricultural equipment,
  • pinpoint problems by discussing equipment operation with owners, visually checking and listening to machinery in operation, and using testing equipment,
  • take defective units apart and repair or replace broken, worn-out or faulty parts, reassemble, adjust, lubricate and test repaired units,
  • assemble and adjust new agricultural equipment, and
  • learn and apply precision farm technologies such as automated steering systems.

To be authorized to perform Restricted Activities in this designated trade, a worker must be a sponsored apprentice, a certified journeyperson, deemed qualified by their employer, or be self-employed. For more information, see Classes of Individuals.

Program Information

Program Information & Requirements
Apprenticeship
  • The term of apprenticeship for an agricultural equipment technician is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
  • 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.
  • Apprentices may attempt the Interprovincial Exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training and, if successful, be granted a Red Seal.
  • 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.

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Technician
  • Heavy Equipment Technician - Heavy Duty Mechanic (Off Road)
  • Heavy Equipment Technician - Transport Trailer Mechanic
  • Heavy Equipment Technician - Truck and Transport 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.