Be ready to keep the farm running.
In the Agriculture and Heavy Equipment Technician program, it takes just two semesters to learn the basics of safety, electrical, hydraulics and power train systems, and repair fundamentals on a range of farm equipment.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
You’ll get a hands-on education in our well-equipped shops, learning on industry-leading technology. You’ll put your knowledge to the test during a two-week practicum working in a repair show with a qualified journeyman. With successful completion, you’ll be able to write Prior Learning Assessments for the first two years of the Agricultural Equipment Technician or Heavy Equipment Technician apprenticeships. You’ll also have a credential to show potential employers that you’re ready to work or to be their next apprentice.
2-week
practicum in a repair facility working with qualified journeymen
3
dynamometers (dynos for short) are used for measuring the power produced by an engine, motor or other rotating prime mover
4
agricultural and heavy equipment bays within the Crooks School of Transportation
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the program, you'll be able to write exams for the first two years of Agricultural Equipment Technician or Heavy Equipment Technician. You'll also be eligible to enter the Alberta Apprenticeship program. No matter which road you take, you'll be ready to begin a career in many diverse fields, including:
- Agricultural equipment service
- Construction equipment service
- Heavy equipment service
- Journeyman Agricultural equipment technician
- Journeyman heavy equipment technician
- Mining equipment service
- Mobile repair service
- Oilfield equipment service
- Service manager/shop foreman
- Trucking equipment service
1st and 2nd
Graduates of the Ag and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate are able to write their first- and second-period apprenticeship prior learning assessment exams
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
Late August
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
1 year
International Eligibility
This program is available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew students are accepted into the Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician program for the Fall (September) term with a late August program start date.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
Applicants to this program do not require a high school diploma; however, they must satisfy the following specific course requirements (or equivalencies):
- Grade 11 English
- Grade 11 Math
The following courses or subjects are recommended for the best possible outcome in the Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician program:
- Physics, Chemistry, and Science
- Grade 12 Math and English
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded an Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate. Graduates are able to write their first- and second-period apprenticeship prior learning assessment exams, as well as will be awarded 300 hours for each of those apprenticeship periods.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| AHM-1124 | Suspension and Brakes | 6 |
| AHM-1126 | Safety and Hand Skills | 3 |
| AHM-1127 | Power Trains | 6 |
| AHM-1129 | Farm and Industrial Equipment | 3 |
| Credits | 18 | |
| Term II | ||
| AHM-1130 | Electrical and Electronics | 6 |
| AHM-1131 | Diesel Engines | 6 |
| AHM-1132 | Diesel Fuel Systems | 6 |
| AHM-1135 | Mobile Hydraulics | 3 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Apprenticeship Pathway
Students who have successfully completed Lethbridge Polytechnic's Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Certificate program can continue to obtain their Journeyman Certification by registering with Apprenticeship Alberta. For more information about Alberta's apprenticeship requirements, click here.
View course timetables
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$6,552.00
|
$2,116.00
|
$1,100.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
International Students
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$21,177.00
|
$2,116.00
|
$1,100.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
With just one online application, you can apply for all the Lethbridge Polytechnic awards and scholarships- visit our Awards and Scholarships page for more information.