Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician

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The Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician program at Portage College, designed to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge required to work with and maintain heavy equipment, including machinery used in construction, mining, forestry, and agriculture. This hands-on program mixes classroom learning with on-the-job training to build skills in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining heavy machinery.

Students will gain the technical training needed to advance in their apprenticeship and achieve Journeyperson status for a rewarding career. Successful graduates are ready to work as Heavy Equipment Technicians in industries like construction, mining, and agriculture.

This program is ideal for those interested in heavy machinery and seeking a career that combines technical skills with hands-on problem-solving. The program provides experienced instructors and industry-standard equipment, creating an ideal environment for students’ long-term success.

Note: Period 1 is a common pathway for students interested in becoming Transport-Trailer Mechanics. Periods 1 and 2 of Apprentice Heavy Equipment Technician are also common pathways for aspiring Off-Road Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics or Truck and Transport Mechanics.

About the Program

Heavy Equipment Technician Students will gain valuable knowledge and training throughout the 8 Weeks of lab/theory learning for each period, and will be able to then take that experience and apply it in the workforce upon successful completion of each block of training.

 

After completing all 4 periods and the required hours of work experience, students will earn Journey Person Certification, allowing them to work in the field as fully licensed Heavy Equipment Technicians. Check out Apprenticeship Industry Training to find out more about Trades certifications in Alberta.

Career Potential

Employment as an Apprentice Heavy Equipment Technician. Higher levels of apprenticeship create opportunities such as advancement in the field, enhanced skills and responsibilities, higher pay and increased job opportunities. Each level is another step to fulfilling the requirements to obtain a journeyperson ticket.

Admission Requirements
Period 1
Students must be registered apprentices with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT), meet the AIT set entrance requirements, and be eligible for identified period training.

Period 2
Successful completion of Period 1

Transferability

The technical training is the standard through the Province; therefore apprentices may take their training at Portage College or any college or technical institute in Alberta offering Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship training.

Program Start Dates

Period 1: To be Announced

Period 2: To be Announced

Application Deadlines

For each period, applications remain open until all seats are filled or until the program start date.

Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Delivery

Application Fee: $53.50

Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician Period 1

Tuition $1,044.00
Student Association $68.95
Recreation Fee $23.54
Materials & Shop Fee $77.00
Total $1,213.49

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician Period 2

Tuition $1,044.00
Student Association $68.95
Recreation Fee $23.54
Materials & Shop Fee $77.00
Total $1,213.49

Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Fee Explanations

Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.

As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.

Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

Domestic Apply

Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).

Domestic Funding Options

Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.

Domestic Information Request

If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.

Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician Period 1 Course Listing

This safety and tools course prepares students to work confidently and competently in a trades environment by teaching proper use of PPE, lifting techniques, tool operation, and safe handling of hazardous materials. Through hands-on practice, students will perform measurements, operate oxyacetylene equipment, and safely use hand, power, and precision tools in compliance with industry safety standards.
Hours: 35

This course section provides students with the knowledge and hands-on skills to inspect, service, and repair heavy-duty suspension systems, wheels, tires, hubs, bearings, seals, and trailer components. Through practical training, students will perform maintenance procedures, diagnose faults, and ensure compliance with safety and inspection standards for both on-road and off-road equipment.
Hours: 22

This course section develops student understanding of hydraulic and hydraulic brake systems, emphasizing the theory, operation, and service of drum, disc, power-assisted, parking, and electric brake systems. Students will also explore hydraulic fundamentals, perform brake servicing and diagnostics, and learn the functions and operation of key hydraulic components including pumps, valves, cylinders, and fluid management systems.
Hours: 20

This course section introduces students to foundational electrical and electronic principles, including circuit theory, magnetism, batteries, and electronic control systems. Through practical training, students will use diagnostic tools to measure electrical values, test components, repair wiring and lighting circuits, and service lead-acid batteries while building a working knowledge of both electrical and electronic systems used in the trade.
Hours: 22

This course section provides students with a comprehensive understanding of air brake systems, including their components, operation, and regulatory standards for truck, tractor, and trailer applications. Students will perform visual inspections, system testing, and component servicing—developing the skills necessary to diagnose faults and maintain both standard and antilock air brake systems safely and effectively.
Hours: 35

Practical application of the theory learned throughout the program.
Hours: 116

Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician Period 2 Course Listing

This course section introduces the core principles, components, and service procedures of internal combustion engines, including two- and four-stroke operation, cylinder blocks, pistons, crankshafts, camshafts, and cylinder heads. Students will gain hands-on experience in inspecting, measuring, and servicing engine assemblies and braking systems to develop a solid foundation in engine diagnostics and repair.
Hours: 45

This course section provides hands-on training in diagnosing, servicing, and maintaining key engine systems including air induction, exhaust, turbocharging, lubrication, and cooling. Students will learn to inspect components, use diagnostic tools, and perform essential repairs to ensure engine performance and reliability.
Hours: 8

This course section focuses on the principles and service procedures of diesel fuel injection systems, including safe fuel handling, combustion theory, and mechanical injection components. Students will develop the skills to test, diagnose, and maintain fuel delivery systems, starting aids, and emergency shutdown systems to ensure reliable engine operation.
Hours: 27

This course section explores the fundamentals and diagnostics of electronic fuel management systems, including sensor integration, computer-controlled injection, and emission control technologies. Students will gain practical experience interfacing with electronic systems, adjusting parameters, and servicing components such as HEUI, common rail systems, and after-treatment devices in compliance with EPA standards.
Hours: 42

This course section covers the principles, components, and diagnostics of heavy-duty charging and cranking systems, including both 12V and 24V applications. Students will learn to test, troubleshoot, and service alternators, regulators, cranking motors, and both electric and non-electric starting systems to ensure reliable equipment operation.
Hours: 20

This hands-on shop course equips students with the practical skills to inspect, test, service, and repair key engine systems, including fuel injection, electronic controls, lubrication, cooling, and starting/charging systems. Through guided lab work, students will use diagnostic tools and service procedures to troubleshoot faults, perform system adjustments, and complete component installations to industry standards.
Hours: 98