Please note the renovation and expansion of the W.J. Elliott Building (Trades Building) at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is set to begin in Summer 2025. As part of this project, relocation efforts will start on May 1, 2025 to ensure readiness for the August 2025 semester. Details may be subject to change as the project progresses. For the most current information, please visit our dedicated webpage to keep you informed throughout the renovation.
Work with all the latest agricultural machinery as you learn how to repair and overhaul engines, mechanical and power shift transmissions, tractor hydraulic and electrical systems, tillage machinery, and spraying and harvesting equipment.
This four year apprenticeship consists of eight weeks each year of classroom instruction, and a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training per period of classroom instruction. You will learn welding, engine fundamentals, basic electrical and hydraulics skills on agricultural equipment and more in your first two years. To follow, you will be trained in maintenance and repair of spraying equipment, advanced powertrains, off-road power trains, and seeding and precision farming systems.
Accreditation
This is a Red Seal trade. Apprentices who have obtained Journeyperson certification are encouraged to write the national standard exam. The Red Seal, when affixed to a provincial or territorial trade certificate, indicates that a tradesperson has demonstrated the knowledge required for the national standard in that trade. The Red Seal endorsement promotes excellence to employers, instills pride in skilled workers, and facilitates labour mobility.
This is a designated trade with restricted activities.
There are equivalencies between the Agricultural Equipment Technician (AET) and Heavy Equipment Technician (HET) trades. AET Period 2 is equivalent to HET Period 2 and AET Period 4 is equipment to HET Period 3. Apprentices may choose to pursue their dual trade certification.
Classroom Instruction Enrolment:
Check out the 2024-2025 Classroom Instruction dates via MyTradesecrets account.
Credentials
When you graduate from your apprenticeship education program, you will earn an Advanced Diploma. A credential in a designated trade also qualifies you for an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, which authorizes you to work unsupervised in your trade. You'll receive both at the same time.