Heavy Equipment Technician

Heavy Equipment Technicians repair, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy equipment such as highway transport vehicles, construction and earth-moving equipment, tractors and mobile industrial equipment.  Heavy Equipment Technicians employed by organizations that maintain their own heavy duty equipment (eg. commercial trucking lines, construction firms, oil, mining and logging companies) usually follow a regular checklist of inspections for preventive maintenance and make any necessary repairs.

In general, Heavy Equipment Technicians:

• interpret work orders and technical manuals
• keep equipment cleaned, lubricated and maintained
• diagnose faults or malfunctions
• adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems
• test repaired equipment for proper performance and to ensure that the work done meets manufacturer's specifications and legislated regulations
• write service reports.

In large or specialized shops, Heavy Equipment Technicians may specialize in engine overhaul, power shift transmissions, fuel pumps and injectors, hydraulic controls, electrical and electronic equipment, air conditioning, or track equipment.

The working environment for Heavy Equipment Technicians varies considerably from one job to another.  Some Heavy Equipment Technicians work in modern laboratories overhauling fuel injection pumps and delivery systems.  Others work in construction fields, sometimes in an oily or greasy environment or in inclement weather.  Travel requirements and hours of work also vary.  There is some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment and power tools.

Qualifications

To be successful in this trade, Heavy Equipment Technicians need:

• good vision, hearing and sense of smell to diagnose problems
• the strength and stamina required to work with heavy equipment and work in cramped or awkward positions
• mechanical ability and an interest in all types of machinery and engines, electronics, and precision equipment
• the ability to work alone or as part of a team
• the ability to think logically and keep up with changes in technology.

The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy achieving expertise with precise work, problem-solving and working with their hands.

In Alberta, the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act requires that anyone working in the trade be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyman or hold a recognized trade certificate.  To enter the Heavy Equipment Technician apprenticeship program, applicants must have an Alberta high school transcript with at least a pass mark in Math 20 or 23, Applied Math 20 or Pure Math 20; English 20 or 23; and Science 20, Physics 20, Biology 20 or Chemistry 20; or equivalent (or pass an entrance exam), and find an appropriate employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice.  Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates or technical school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.  Courses in english, mathematics and sciences are particularly important.  Apprentices must also supply their own set of tools (costing from $10,000 to $25,000).

To register, the apprentice and the employer complete an application form together and submit it to the closest Apprenticeship and Industry Training office located at most Alberta Career Development Centres and Canada Alberta Service Centres.

Once the application is approved, a contract is drawn up and signed by the apprentice and the employer.

The term of apprenticeship is four years (four 12 month periods) with a minimum of 1500 hours of employment each year.)  In addition to on-the-job training the term also requires eight weeks of classroom training for each year.  An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Heavy Equipment Technician trade or holds a related journeyman certificate and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship.

Employment and Advancement

Heavy Equipment Technicians are employed by specialized repair shops and firms that own or lease heavy equipment used in the construction, mining, forestry, material handling, landscaping, land clearing, farming and transportation industries.  In industries that are sensitive to economic changes, Heavy Equipment Technicians may experience periods of unemployment.  Overall, employment growth for Heavy Equipment Technicians for the next few years is expected to be average.

Experienced Heavy Equipment Technicians may advance to supervisor or service manager positions. With additional training, they can transfer their skills and knowledge to positions in planning or preventative maintenance, or related occupations such as aircraft mechanic, farm equipment mechanic, millwright or auto service technician.

For more information about the Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship program please contact Trades and Manufacturing at Red Deer College 403.342.3100 or Apprenticeship and Industry Training 403.340.5151.

You can also find more information at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.