Heavy Equipment Technician

Duties

Heavy Equipment Technicians maintain, repair, and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment.

Maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment may include:

• internal combustion engines and components, both stationary and mobile
  
  
• tracked equipment, commonly called crawler tractors
  
  
• ground engaging equipment and components
  
  
• earth moving equipment
  
  
• rubber tired equipment, commonly called tractors
  
  
• on-highway and off-highway motor vehicles, commonly called trucks
  
  
• towed on-highway and off-highway vehicles, commonly called trailers

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 ensure that the work done meets manufacturers' specifications and legislated regulations
  
  
• write service reports

Working Conditions

The working environment for heavy equipment technicians varies considerably from one job to another. Some heavy equipment technicians work in modern laboratories. Others work at construction or industrial sites, sometimes outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Travel requirements and hours of work also vary.

There is some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment and power tools. However, proper safety standards are maintained at all times.

Skills and Abilities

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

To be successful in the 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
  
  
• the ability to work alone or as part of a team
  
  
• mechanical ability and an interest in all types of machinery and engines, electronics and precision equipment
  
  
• the ability to think logically and keep up with changes in technology

Employment and Advancement

Heavy equipment 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.

Journeyperson wage rates vary, but generally range from $30 to $60 an hour plus benefits - rates vary depending on the region.

Experienced journeypersons may advance to supervisor or service manager positions.

Working in Alberta

To work as a Heavy Equipment Technician in Alberta, a person must be a registered apprentice, an Alberta-certified journeyperson, or hold a valid recognized credential. (see Recognized Trade Certificates)

Heavy equipment technicians learn their skills by registering with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training to participate in apprenticeship training. Upon successful completion, they are awarded the Alberta Journeyman Certificate.

A heavy equipment technician who holds a valid recognized credential that does not have a Red Seal may apply for:

• an Alberta trade certificate under the Qualification Certificate Program
  
  
• an Alberta Equivalency document under the Equivalency Program.

Heavy equipment technicians who:

• hold a credential that is not recognized or is no longer valid in an Alberta-designated trade, OR
  
  
• can demonstrate their experience, skills and knowledge in an Alberta-designated trade, and meet the standards and requirements established by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board

may be eligible to apply for trade certification under the Qualification Certificate Program.

Individuals possessing a valid Alberta Journeyman Certificate, an Alberta Qualification Certificate, an Alberta Occupational Certificate, or a valid recognized credential are eligible to receive a Blue Seal business credential after completing the necessary requirements.

Apprenticeship Training

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.

• An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Heavy Equipment Technician trade or holds a related journeyperson certificate and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship. (see Accreditation Information for a list of accredited courses)
  
  
• A person who has previous training or work experience in the trade and wants to determine their level of skill and knowledge for entry or advanced standing in an apprenticeship program may apply for a Prior Learning Assessment.
  
  
• A high school student can become an apprentice and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time under the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

To learn the skills required of a Heavy Equipment Technician in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:

• satisfy the entrance requirements or pass the entrance exam (see Entrance Level Competencies, Exam Counselling Sheet, Entrance Exam Study Guide, and Entrance Exam Support Materials List)
  
  
• find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice

  Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates or technical school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.

• with their employer, complete the Apprenticeship Application and Contract and submit it to an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office
  
  
• pay the non-refundable application fee as identified on the application noted above
  
  
• complete the required on-the-job training

  - during on-the-job training, apprentice heavy equipment technicians earn at least 60 percent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 70 percent in the second, 80 percent in the third, and 90 percent in the fourth year. Apprentices are generally required to provide their own basic hand tools.

  - apprentices are required to provide their own tools (costs range from $10,000 to $25,000)

• complete the required technical training each year (see Course Outline)
  
  
• enroll in technical training (see Technical Training Centre)

  - select an educational institution that offers training for Heavy Equipment Technician apprentices, and a time to attend training

  - determine requirements for enrolling at the selected institution, and forward completed enrollment form to the selected institution

• successfully complete all required exams (see Exam Counselling Sheets)
  
  
  • review the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Policy on Cheating
    
    
  • review available resource materials (see Resource Materials - Heavy Equipment Technician)
    
    
  • review books and materials required for training (see Textbook and Resource List)

When apprentices attend technical training, they are required to pay the applicable tuition fee and purchase course supplies.

Grants, scholarships and other financial assistance may be available. More information is available at www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca or by contacting an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.

Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program

This trade does not participate in the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

Equivalency Program

To qualify for an Equivalency document based on a recognized credential, a person must:

• have a valid recognized credential that does not have an Interprovincial Standards Red Seal
  
  
• complete the Equivalency Application and deliver it in person to an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office. Government issued photo identification is required.
  
  
• pay the non-refundable application fee as identified on the application noted above

  A person who holds a valid recognized credential, as described above, does not require an Alberta Equivalency document to work in the trade in Alberta. However, some employers may require Alberta documentation as proof that the holder is allowed to work in the trade or that the holder's credential is recognized.

Qualification Certificate Program

To qualify for a Qualification Certificate based on a recognized credential, a person must:

• hold a valid recognized credential that does not have an Interprovincial Standards Red Seal
  
  
• complete the Qualification Certificate – Recognized Credential Application and submit it to an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.
  
  
• pay the non-refundable application fee as identified on the application noted above
  
  
• prepare for the two required exam(s)
  
  
  • HET - Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off Road) qualification exam

    - prepare for the Heavy Equipment Technician – Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off Road) exam (see Exam Counselling Sheets)
    

    • review the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Policy on Cheating
      
      
    • review available resource materials (see Resource Materials - Heavy Equipment Technician – Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off Road))
      
      
      
  • HET - Truck and Transport Mechanic qualification exam

    - prepare for the Heavy Equipment Technician – Truck and Transport Mechanic exam (see Exam Counselling Sheets)
    

    • review the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Policy on Cheating
      
      
    • review available resource materials (see Resource Materials -Heavy Equipment Technician – Truck and Transport Mechanic)
      
      
• successfully complete the two required exam(s)

To qualify for an Alberta Qualification Certificate based on work experience, a person must:

• have at least 9,000 hours and 72 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a heavy equipment technician
  
  
• there are exceptions if the applicant has a recognized journeyperson certificate in a related trade

  - a certified heavy duty equipment mechanic (off road) must have at least 2,250 hours and 18 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a heavy equipment technician

  - a certified truck and transport mechanic must have at least 2,250 hours and 18 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a heavy equipment technician

  - a certified transport trailer mechanic must have at least 4,500 hours and 39 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a heavy equipment technician

  - a certified automotive service technician must have at least 4,500 hours and 36 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a heavy equipment technician

  - a certified transport refrigeration technician must have at least 6,750 hours and 54 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a heavy equipment technician

  - a certified agricultural equipment technician must have at least 4,500 hours and 36 months of ‘hands-on’ work experience as a heavy equipment technician

Time spent on supervisory or foreman duties, counter work, heading the tool crib, or on a training course is NOT counted as ‘hands-on’ work experience.

• complete the Qualification Certificate - Work Experience Application (and review the Application Guide) and submit it to an Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office
  
  
• pay the non-refundable fees as identified on the application noted above

  This application fee covers the review of the application, the assessment and confirmation of the applicant's work experience hours/months, the administration of the applicant’s demonstration of competency, and one attempt at the Qualification Certificate theory examination. The Qualification Certificate practical examination requires a separate fee as identified on the application noted above.

• prepare for the two required exam(s)
  
  
  • HET - Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off Road) qualification exam

    - prepare for the Heavy Equipment Technician – Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off Road) exam (see Exam Counselling Sheets)
    

    • review the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Policy on Cheating
      
      
    • review available resource materials (see Resource Materials - Heavy Equipment Technician – Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off Road))
      
      
      
  • HET - Truck and Transport Mechanic qualification exam

    - prepare for the Heavy Equipment Technician – Truck and Transport Mechanic exam (see Exam Counselling Sheets)
    

    • review the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Policy on Cheating
      
      
    • review available resource materials (see Resource Materials -Heavy Equipment Technician – Truck and Transport Mechanic)
      
      
• successfully complete the two required exam(s)