Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Diploma
"The Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Diploma Program is a very good opportunity to become fully introduced into both the agricultural and heavy equipment technician trades that exist in the province of Alberta. The quality of instruction provided by the instructors is outstanding and, when paired with the practical training also provided, it is easy to develop an in-depth understanding of the trade and it’s practices very quickly. The college boasts a wide variety of heavy/agricultural machinery in which students regularly diagnose, disassemble and rebuild as instructed in class. I plan on working in the heavy equipment technician trade upon my graduation, and eventually, start my own heavy equipment repair contracting business to service the western Canadian oilfield. My experience in my program so far has been amongst the best in my life, and I feel very confident about the benefits it provides me."
Dan Theoret, 1st Year Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Diploma student (2017)
What can you expect from the program?
This comprehensive program will give you a thorough understanding of the fundamentals in engines, hydraulics, braking, electrical, starting, charging, fuel systems and more. Students in this program will have the option of choosing one of two majors; Agricultural Equipment or Heavy Equipment. After program completion, you have the option of writing apprenticeship exams for full technical accreditation towards your specific trade. You will also be well placed to attain Alberta Journeyman Status, pending completion of job training hours specified by Alberta Industry Trade Board.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
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What will you learn?
Our classrooms are discipline specific (e.g. motor lab, machinery lab) with a small student to instructor ratio and personal workbenches. With our experienced, Journeyman certified, industry-trained instructors, you will receive an education placing you at the forefront of the technical curve. Our extensive tool room exposes students to a wide range of tooling solutions for better problem solving and the large workshops comfortably house industry equipment for overhaul projects.
Agricultural Equipment Major
Agricultural equipment students will learn to repair, overhaul and maintain agricultural equipment including tractors, tillage equipment, seeding equipment, and harvesting equipment. They may also 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.). A strong pathway into precision farming systems is also included.
Heavy Equipment Major
Heavy equipment students will learn to maintain, repair, and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment. They may also learn how to maintain and repair various types of vehicles and equipment including internal combustion engines, tracked equipment, earth moving equipment, rubber tired equipment, on- and off-highway trucks, or towed on- and off-highway trailers.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Olds College has a solid reputation working with employers in the industry! This directly translates into jobs for our graduates. Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Diagnostic and repair technician
- Equipment maintenance and servicing
- Construction companies
- Heavy equipment repair facilities
- Agricultural equipment dealerships
- Parts, sales and distribution
- Company service representative
- Farm worker/equipment repair
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Program at a glance
Length of Program:
Certificate + 1 Year
Program Intake:
Fall Intake - September Start
Delivery:
Olds Campus
Applications Open:
October 1
Tuition & Fees:
$5,950*
Credential: Diploma
Length of Program: Certificate + 1 Year
Method of Delivery: On-campus
Program Intakes: Fall Intake - September program start
Program Dates: Please visit our Dates & Schedules page to confirm start and end dates of your desired program and confirm campus closures.
Applications Open: October 1 for the Fall Intake
Selection Process for Admission: First Qualified, First Accepted
Tuition, Mandatory Fees, Books, and Supplies: Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for details.
- Tuition & Fees: $5,950 / Books & Supplies: $1,070
*These fees are provided as estimates only for the purposes of budgeting. Please note that this is an estimate for domestic students (international students should refer to the Fee Schedule) and all fees are subject to change.
What do I need to apply?
Admission Requirements: 2.0 GPA in the 30 credits from the Olds College Agricultural & Heavy Equipment Certificate program or its equivalent.
Out of Province Applicants: Please refer to the Provincial Equivalency Chart for course equivalencies.
International Applicants: Olds College welcomes applications from international applicants and those who have completed their high school education outside of Canada. Please note, it is still necessary to meet all of the noted admission requirements, including English Language Proficiency. Further information can be found on our website under International Students.