Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician

If you’re interested in working with heavy vehicles, industrial heavy equipment, and commercial transport devices, the Pre-employment Heavy Equipment Technician program will get you started! Delivered on site at our Lac La Biche campus, this 16-week program will introduce you to hydraulics, electrical and electronics, brake systems, air brakes, hand, shop, and power tools, and workplace safety. Sometimes referred to as a Heavy-Duty Mechanic, the Heavy Equipment Technician is a high-demand career and after successfully passing the Pre-employment program you will have the opportunity to write the First Period Apprenticeship exam and begin your pathway towards a Red Seal trade.

NEW INTAKE DATE: MARCH 4, 2024!

Unfortunately, at this point in time, this program is not available to international students. Please click the link to view all of our international students programs.

Career Potential

Heavy equipment technicians are typically employed by specialized repair shops or companies that own or lease heavy equipment used in construction, forestry, agriculture, mining, materials hauling and transportation industries. An experienced journeyperson may find opportunities to advance into supervisor or service manager positions.

View more about career potential here.

Credentials

Certificate

Admission Requirements

  • English Language Arts 20-2
  • Math 20-3
  • Science 10
  • Or equivalent

Transferability N/A

Program Start/End Dates

March 4 - May 24, 2024

January 6, 2025

Location
Lac La Biche Campus

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50

Winter Term
Fee payment deadline: December 17, 2023

Tuition $2,522.72
Student Association $116.70
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $2,776.70

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.

Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.

For technical requirements, visit our Moodle page.

Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician

  • AIR BRAKES

    Course ID: HETA105

    Name: AIR BRAKES

    Hours: 61

    Credits: 3

    This course will provide the learner with the fundamentals in air brake systems, testing and service.

  • DIVERSITY AWARENESS

    Course ID: DIAW101

    Name: DIVERSITY AWARENESS

    Hours: 3

    Credits: 0

    This introductory course is designed to allow the learner to develop an appreciation of the value of diversity within our culture. A unique combination of video and animation sets the path of exploration through a fictitious company. The interactive learning environment is designed for learner engagement and participation.

  • ELECTRICAL 1 & ELECTRONICS 1

    Course ID: HETA104

    Name: ELECTRICAL 1 & ELECTRONICS 1

    Hours: 70

    Credits: 3

    This course covers electrical theory, electrical circuits, magnetism, test equipment, battery fundamentals and service, electrical wiring, lighting circuits and circuit protection, basic electronics, and electronic control systems.

  • HYDRAULICS 1 & HYDRAULICS BRAKE SYSTEMS

    Course ID: HETA103

    Name: HYDRAULICS 1 & HYDRAULICS BRAKE SYSTEMS

    Hours: 69

    Credits: 3

    This course will cover the operations and service procedures of hydraulic disc and power brake systems and anti-lock brake systems. In addition, information will be provided in the functions and principles of hydraulic system and brake system components.

  • LAB/PRACTICAL PERIOD 1

    Course ID: HETA106

    Name: LAB/PRACTICAL PERIOD 1

    Hours: 120

    Credits: 2

    This course involves 120 hours of lab training at Portage College, Lac La Biche Campus. Practical training includes, but is not limited to servicing, repairing and performing various operations involved in the first year Heavy Duty Mechanic trade.

  • ORIENTATION TO THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

    Course ID: HETA000

    Name: ORIENTATION TO THE HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN PROGRAM

    Hours: 12

    Credits: 0

    TBD

  • STANDARD WORKPLACE SAFETY MATERIALS AND TOOLS

    Course ID: HETA101

    Name: STANDARD WORKPLACE SAFETY MATERIALS AND TOOLS

    Hours: 54

    Credits: 2

    This course will provide information on legislation, regulation and practices of safety procedures used in the workplace, as well as information on the correct use of tools commonly used in the Heavy Equipment Technician trade.

  • SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND SYSTEMS

    Course ID: HETA102

    Name: SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND SYSTEMS

    Hours: 72

    Credits: 3

    This course will provide the learner with information on types of frames, suspensions and wheel-end fundamentals. Information on how to service and use preventative maintenance for each will also be provided.

  • WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM

    Course ID: SAFE071

    Name: WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM

    Hours: 5

    Credits: 0

    Students will discuss hazardous materials used in the workplace and how to find the information needed to work safely with hazardous materials. Understanding the classification of hazard symbols are covered.

We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
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