Work with both on-and-off road equipment, from heavy transport haulers to excavators — Heavy Equipment Technicians repair and overhaul engines, mechanical and power shift transmissions, hydraulics and basic electrical systems on the largest and most powerful equipment.
This four year program 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. Learn about engine and electrical fundamentals and systems for trucks and trailers and more from licensed Journeyperson faculty and industry experts. In this program you can choose to specialize in Off-Road or On-Road Heavy Equipment.
This is a designated trade with restricted activities.
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.
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.
Off-Road Topics include: Advanced hydraulics; off-road steering and suspension systems and accessories; and off-road powertrains.
On-Road Topics include: On-road powertrains; steering and antilock brake systems; air conditioning; and vehicle electrical diagnosis and failure analysis.
View 2025-2026 Classroom Instruction dates through Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s Class Catalogue
View 2025-2026 Classroom Instruction Registration Opening Dates
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.
Note: Heavy Equipment has a number of designated trades within the four periods and these receive different education credentials - please refer to AIT’s Education Credential Framework for more information.
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.
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 – Heavy Equipment Technician:
First Period Training Topics include: Standard workplace safety, materials, and tools; oxy-acetylene heating and cutting; suspensions, wheel, and systems for trucks and trailers; hydraulics and hydraulic brake systems; electrical systems and electronics; and air brakes.
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 Off-road Training Topics include: Advanced hydraulics; off-road steering and suspension systems and accessories; and off-road powertrains.
Fourth Period On-road Training Topics include: On-road powertrains; steering and antilock brake systems; air conditioning; and vehicle electrical diagnosis and failure analysis.
Heavy equipment technicians maintain, repair and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial heavy equipment, and commercial transport devices connected to or moved by a power unit. Heavy equipment technicians are employed by specialized repair shops and organizations that own or lease heavy equipment used in the construction, mining, forestry, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, and agriculture and transportation industries.
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 & Technology with 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.
