Be ready to plow a path to a career.
As a Heavy Equipment Technician apprentice, you’ll spend eight weeks a year on campus learning and practising skills. The rest of the time is spent at your job training with a qualified mechanic. You’ll learn how to interpret work orders and technical manuals, how to maintain equipment and diagnose issues, and replace and repair parts.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Heavy Equipment Technician at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Heavy Equipment Technician apprentices learn and test their skills in our large and well-equipped Crooks School of Transportation, led by instructors who bring technical knowledge and loads of experience. Heavy Equipment Technicians are in demand in Alberta and beyond to keep vital industries like mining, forestry and construction working. You’ll need physical dexterity and strength, an understanding of the math and science of machinery, and you’ll have opportunities to keep learning as equipment and machines change over the course of your career.
41,000 square feet
in the Crooks School of Transportation facility
3 overhead cranes
for students to train on in the Crooks School of Transportation
4 ag and heavy equipment bays
make up part of your classroom
Career Opportunities
With your certification, you’ll be ready for a career in one of many industries that use heavy equipment, such as:
- Mining
- Forestry
- Construction
- Landscaping
- Agriculture
- Transportation
- Manufacturing
$77,840
the average annual salary of a heavy equipment technician working in Alberta
430
the number of new heavy equipment technician positions forecasted to be created each year in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Credential / Accreditation
Certified 'Journeyman' Papers
Duration
4 years
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Academic Centre
Admissions
Apply through MyTradesecretsAcademic Requirements
- Successful completion of English 20-2, Math 20-3 and Science 10, or a passing mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests, or entrance exam.
- English 30-2, Math 30-3, Physics 30 or Chemistry 30 or Science 30 and related career and technology studies recommended.
Additional information on apprenticeship and industry training is available on Alberta's Tradesecrets website.
Admission
You can apply for apprenticeship and industry training through MyTradesecrets.
To arrange a tour, call 403.320.3366 or toll-free 1.800.572.0103.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board
Provincial Building, Room 280
200 - 5th Avenue South
Lethbridge AB T1J 4C7
Telephone: 1-800-248-4823
Outside of North America: 1-403-476-9757
Fax: 403-381-5795
Ask about the Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarship Program. You might discover you’re eligible for a financial award!
Apprenticeship programs require eight weeks of classroom training each year in addition to on-the-job training.
Courses include:
- Air brakes
- Air conditioning
- Diesel fuel injection systems
- Electrical 1 and electronics 1
- Electronic fuel management
- Engine fundamentals, service and repair
- Engine systems
- Heavy duty charging and cranking systems
- Hydraulics 1 and hydraulic brake systems
- Hydraulics 2
- Powertrain (specific to off-road)
- Powertrain (specific to truck and transport)
- Standard workplace safety, materials and tools
- Steering and antilock brake systems
- Steering and suspension systems and accessories (specific to off-road) and apprenticeship
- Suspensions, wheels and systems
- Vehicle electrical diagnosis, failure analysis and apprenticeship
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 2
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 3
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
| Year 4
|
$1,008.00
|
$268.00
|
$800.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
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.
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!
The Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship is delivered on campus with some blended and hyflex components.
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship programs require eight to 12 weeks of classroom training each year in addition to on-the-job training. You’ll work with an employer and our experienced instructors to gain the best of both worlds as you work and earn money while training.
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.
Featured Graduates
Vance Poisson
“My employer sent all of the apprentices to Lethbridge College because he felt it was the best program for us. The quality of education I received was excellent. We were able to cover and understand everything we needed to without feeling rushed or lost.”