Heavy Equipment Technician

Trades & Technology

Training:
Red Deer College offers the Heavy Equipment Technician program, one of the many apprenticeship training options available for students.
Apprenticeship is a career option that involves both classroom and on-the-job training. To learn the skills required of a Heavy Equipment Technician in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, a person must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice.

Learn:
The term of apprenticeship for a Heavy Equipment Technician is 4 years (four 12-month periods) including a minimum of 1500 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of technical training each year.

Employment Opportunities:
To work as a Heavy Equipment Technician in Alberta, a person must be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson.
The working environment for Heavy Equipment Technicians varies considerably from one job to another.
Some 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, agriculture and transportation industries. Other technicians work in modern laboratories overhauling pumps and fuel delivery systems. Experienced journeypersons may advance to supervisor or service manager positions.
There is some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment and power tools. However, proper safety standards are maintained at all times. Some industries that employ Heavy Equipment Technicians are sensitive to economic and seasonal changes. Travel requirements and hours of work also vary.

Continue Your Learning:
If you have a valid Alberta Journeyperson Certificate, you are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.