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.
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.
View 2025-2026 Classroom Instruction dates through Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s Class Catalogue.
View 2025-2026 Classroom Instruction Registration Opening Dates
Program Delivery: This program will be delivered On-Campus and at Netook Crossing.
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.
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.
Please visit Alberta’s Apprenticeship & Industry Training website to Begin an Apprenticeship.
Please refer to the current Fee Schedule for complete details.
Alberta Apprenticeship & Industry Training – Agricultural Equipment Technician:
First Period Training Topics include: standard workplace safety, materials, and tools; electric welding and oxy-acetylene cutting; basic electrical; basic hydraulics; agricultural equipment; and powertrains.
Second Period Training Topics include: engine fundamentals, service, and repair; engine systems; diesel fuel injection systems; electronics fuel management; and heavy duty charging and cranking systems.
Third Period Training Topics include: spraying equipment; air conditioning and heating systems; advanced powertrains and preventative maintenance; braking systems; and seeding and precision farming systems.
Agricultural equipment technicians repair, overhaul and maintain agricultural equipment including tractors, tillage equipment, seeding equipment and harvesting equipment. Most agricultural equipment technicians are employed by retail agricultural equipment dealerships.
Visit ALIS to find Occupational Profiles with current wages, industry trends and more!
Find out when your term start and end dates are, so that you know when you are expected to be in attendance. For more information, please review the Program Dates & Fee Schedule.
You will be registered into your classes automatically. This will happen approximately 1 month prior to the start-date for your program. You will be notified once you have been timetabled into your courses. You will be able to see your class schedule in your My Olds College account. If you need to make any changes to your class registration, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
It is strongly recommended that you come to Olds College of Agriculture & Technologywith the following technology:
As part of your student accounts, all students have access to Office 365 for the duration of their time with Olds College. To access this you just need to follow these steps:
This will give you access to the full Office suite on your computer, for both Windows and Mac based platforms.
The following items are required:
You will be required to purchase "tool chips" at a cost of $50. These tool chips allow you to use specialized tools out of the tool room and also include the cost of shop towels, locker rentals and supplies that will be used in the lab classes. At the end of the year, $20 will be refunded if you return all of your tool chips.
Safety Regulations: Wearing safety equipment and abiding by industry safety standards is mandatory within our program.
Apprenticeship ILMs: We use the Apprenticeship ILMs (Individual Learning Modules) as our reference material. These modules take the place of textbooks and are available at the Olds College Campus Store at 1.800.661.6537 or 403.556.4630. They are packaged by classroom instruction period.
Employment Insurance: Information on applying for Employment Insurance benefits is provided in your MyTradesecrets account
At Olds College, our Trades faculty are experienced professionals who bring real-world skills and industry expertise into every classroom and shop. With backgrounds in fields like welding, heavy equipment, electrical and mechanics, they’re dedicated educators who deliver practical, hands-on training that prepares students for in-demand careers across the skilled trades.
Whether they’re Red Seal certified, master technicians, or industry-recognized leaders, our Trades instructors are at the core of what makes an Olds College education workforce-ready and future-focused.
Living on campus at Olds College offers the ultimate convenience, just a five-minute walk from all buildings. Enjoy a vibrant community, academic support, and exciting activities, all within reach. With cost-effective living, including furnished rooms and inclusive utilities, your campus life is hassle-free.
Our facilities provide practical options for staying active and healthy, featuring three gymnasiums, a racquetball/squash court, a 200-metre running track, and a range of workout equipment. Engage in intramural leagues or explore outdoor adventures with gear rentals through the Outdoor Centre. Whether you're pursuing athletic training, fitness classes, or competitive play, we have something for everyone. Embrace an active, healthy lifestyle with us at Olds College.
If you can’t find the information you’re looking for or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out! Our Student Success team is ready to help you navigate your academic journey and provide the support you need.
