You can begin the classroom instruction without a sponsor. However, you must secure an employer to log your required on-the-job training hours and complete your certification.
Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship
Work hands-on with the heavy machinery that powers Alberta’s construction, energy, and transportation sectors. The Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Program at Keyano College trains you to maintain, repair, and overhaul a wide range of equipment, from diesel engines and tracked vehicles to hydraulics and powertrains. Over four years, you’ll combine classroom learning with real-world experience, gaining the expertise needed to become a certified journeyperson and Red Seal tradesperson.
What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a post-secondary training model that combines paid, hands-on work experience with in-class technical instruction. Apprentices are registered learners who develop practical skills under the guidance of experienced journeypersons while completing formal education in their trade.
For Heavy Equipment Technicians, the apprenticeship spans four 12-month periods, each requiring:
- A minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training, provided by an employer who acts as your sponsor
- 8 weeks of technical classroom instruction, delivered at Keyano College by qualified instructors
This alternating structure allows you to apply what you learn in the classroom directly to real job-site situations, reinforcing technical knowledge through experience. You are considered both a student and an employee throughout the program, and you’ll earn wages while progressing through your training.
Here’s How It Works
- Register as an Apprentice through Alberta’s MyTradesecrets system
- Secure a Sponsor/Employer to begin logging on-the-job hours
- Attend Technical Training for each of the four periods (typically once per year)
- Pass Period Exams after each level of classroom instruction
- Pass the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam (in the final period, if eligible)
- Receive your Journeyperson Certificate and Advanced Diploma upon completion
You must show active progress within 18 months of registering, either through classroom training or logging job hours, otherwise, your apprenticeship status may become inactive.
Graduates of the Heavy Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Program may also earn Red Seal certification, allowing them to work across Canada without additional provincial testing or licensing.
What You’ll Learn
By completing the Heavy Equipment Technician program, you will be able to:
- Diagnose, maintain, and repair heavy equipment used in construction, mining, agriculture, and transportation
- Work confidently with diesel engines, fuel injection systems, hydraulic systems, and powertrains
- Use specialized tools and diagnostic technology to ensure repairs meet safety and regulatory standards
- Interpret technical manuals, service reports, and schematics
- Perform preventative maintenance and compliance inspections
Career Opportunities
With this skill set as a Heavy Equipment Technician, you’ll be ready for employment in diverse industries, including:
- Heavy equipment technician or field service technician
- Truck and transport mechanic
- Equipment technician in mining, forestry, construction, or energy sectors
- Shop supervisor or service manager
- Independent contractor or business owner
Hear From Our Students
"The course gave me the knowledge and skills to obtain full-time employment with Suncor Energy, and I’ve now been with them for over two years. I highly recommend this course!"
– Erika
"I’m now working as a heavy equipment operator at Suncor. I wish I’d taken this course 20 years ago."
– Jim
"This course led me to a full-time job at Suncor, and I love the six-on, six-off schedule. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made!"
– Tiffany
"The course was the stepping stone I needed to get hired by Syncrude. I began my co-op right after completing it."
– Michael
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an employer to start the program?
Will I learn to diagnose equipment using digital tools?
Yes. The program includes training on diagnostic software and electronic systems used in modern heavy equipment.
What kind of equipment will I work on?
You will work on diesel engines, tracked machines, trailers, power shift transmissions, hydraulics, and other components used in industries such as construction, transportation, and oil and gas.
What is the difference between an apprentice and a journeyperson?
An apprentice is a learner in the trade, completing both job-site hours and classroom training. A journeyperson is fully certified and qualified to perform all restricted activities in the trade.
What certification will I earn after completing the apprenticeship?
You’ll earn a Journeyperson Certificate and an Advanced Diploma. You may also qualify for Red Seal endorsement, allowing you to work across Canada.
Can I transfer my apprenticeship training from another province?
Yes, Keyano College and Alberta Apprenticeship programs recognize some out-of-province training. Contact Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) for transfer eligibility.
Are apprentices paid while completing on-the-job training?
Yes. Apprentices typically earn a percentage of the journeyperson wage, which increases as they progress through their training levels.
What kind of support does Keyano College provide for apprentices?
Keyano offers academic support, career advising, and help connecting with potential employers and sponsors through job boards and career services.
What tools or gear do I need for this program?
You will need steel-toe boots (Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved), safety gear, and basic hand tools. A full list is provided at the start of the program.
Admission Requirements and Tuition Cost
To begin, you must meet one of the following:
Minimum Requirements:
- English 20-2
- Math 20-3
- Science 10
OR - Pass all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests
OR - Successful score on the Apprenticeship Entrance Exam
Recommended Path:
- Alberta High School Diploma with:
- English 30-2
- Math 30-3
- Physics 30, Chemistry 30, or Science 30
- Career and Technology Studies in related trades
You can attend first-period technical training without a sponsor, but sponsorship is required to earn on-the-job hours.
For more information, please consult Alberta’s TradeSecrets Entrance Requirements for the Trades.
Tuition and Fees
| Item | Domestic Students (8-week term) |
International Students |
| Full-Time Tuition | $1,040.00 | Not currently offered |
| Students' Association Fee | $56.00 | – |
| Campus Recreation Fee | $38.00 | – |
| Technology Fee | $100.00 | – |
| Materials Fee | $89.00 | – |
| Total per Intake | $1,331.96 |
Refund Policy
- $250 admission deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- If an apprentice withdraws 10 business days before the first day of class, a 50% refund of tuition (minus the $250 admission deposit) is available.
- If the college cancels a program, a full refund will be granted.
- See the Keyano College Credit Calendar for full details.
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Start Building Your Future in the Trades.
Register on My Trade Secrets OR
Submit an Apprenticeship Industry Training Enrollment Form in person or by email to:
Keyano College, Office of the Registrar
8115 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2H7
Phone: 780-791-4801 or 1-800-251-1408 ext. 4801
Fax: 780-791-4952
Email: registrar@keyano.ca