Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician

New Program!

Credential:: certificate More info on program credentials
Program length:: 15 weeks Learn more about program length
Location:: In person (Main Campus) More info on program location
International applicants:: Not Accepted Learn more about international applicant eligibility
Faculty:: School of Transportation

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

The 15-week Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program is designed for those seeking to enter the thriving transport and heavy equipment industry, repairing, maintaining and overhauling transport vehicles and heavy machinery.

With courses developed in collaboration with industry, your training will be relevant and up-to-date.

In this program, you will:

learn safety practices and proper use of industry-standard tools
gain entry-level proficiency in hydraulics, pneumatic braking systems, electrical circuits, mechanical skills, and suspension systems
get hands-on experience in a shop environment supported by theory.

As a graduate, you will be prepared for entry-level roles such as heavy-duty mechanic (off-road), truck and transport mechanic and transport-trailer technician.

Your skills will apply to numerous vehicles and equipment, including, but not limited to, transport trucks and trailers, construction heavy equipment, stationary equipment and off-road vehicles. You'll also have the foundational skills to seek employment and register as an apprentice.

Apply today and propel yourself into an industry that is the backbone of construction and transportation.

Those working as heavy equipment technicians need:

good vision, hearing and sense of smell to diagnose problems
strength and stamina for working with heavy equipment and in cramped or awkward positions
mechanical ability
the ability to work alone or as part of a team
the ability to think logically
an interest in all types of machinery and engines, electronics and precision equipment.

You should enjoy doing precision work, solving problems, and working with your hands.

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training's (AIT) Heavy Equipment Technician curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT's Heavy Equipment Technician apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Graduates may also receive course credit towards classes in our two-year Transport and Heavy Equipment Technology diploma program.

After successfully completing this program, you'll receive a SAIT Pre-employment Heavy Equipment Technician certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22312, 72020, 72021,72401, 72410,72422, 72423 and 74203.

Career planning support

Unsure which career path is for you? Here are some recommended career planning resources to help you decide your future.

You can also head to Alberta alis for lots of information about careers in Alberta, including quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a path.

Finally, you can take our online career finder quiz, which can help narrow your options based on your current skills and interests.

Take our career finder quiz

Courses

The Pre-employment Heavy Equipment Technology certificate requires 15 credits (five courses) to complete.

Course	Credits
This course introduces you to the fundamentals of the hydraulic systems found in heavy machinery. You will learn how to assemble basic hydraulic circuits based on hydraulic principles, and you'll examine hydraulic system components and their operations. You will also get hands-on experience rebuilding hydraulic system components and applying the theory you have learned in a lab setting.	3
This course explores the principles of brake system operation. You will examine the operating principles and service procedures of hydraulic brake system components, power braking systems and parking brake systems, as well as the operation of air brake mechanical and system components. You'll also get hands-on practice inspecting and repairing hydraulic, pneumatic and electronically-controlled and operated brake systems.	3
This course introduces you to key topics in the theory and operation of electrical and electronic systems. You will examine how to calculate circuit values, explore the principles and theory of magnetism, and use electrical test equipment to measure electrical values and check circuit operation. You'll also service, test and charge batteries, and repair wiring harnesses, lighting circuits and circuit protection devices. The course concludes with an examination of the use and operation of electronic components and electronic control systems.	3
This course covers the key areas you need to know to work safely and effectively. You will examine the legislation, regulations and practices that help to ensure a safe workplace, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe practices for climbing, lifting, rigging and hoisting. You'll also explore safety practices for hazardous materials and fire protection in this trade. This course also includes the correct use of common hand, shop and power tools, and you'll perform basic trade calculations and accurate measurements. The course concludes with an examination of oxyfuel heating and cutting, and SMAW welding operations.	3
In this course, you will examine the operating principles, design features and repair procedures of common frame and suspension systems, and you will service common bearings, seals, wheels, tires and hubs. You'll also explore common trailer configurations and components, and you will service trailer coupling systems and landing gear. The course also covers trailer inspections and the benefits of maintenance systems used with off-road and on-road equipment.	3

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

at least 50% in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2, or 60% in Math 20-3, and
at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
at least 50% in one Grade 11 Science.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside of Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Transfer agreements

At SAIT, we evaluate post-secondary credit you have previously earned and apply it to your SAIT credential. Explore our formal transfer agreements available for this program.

We can evaluate your prior education, even if we don't have a formal agreement in place.

Submit a transfer credit application

There are no formal transfer agreements currently in place for this program.

Transfer options for graduates

Build on the knowledge you’ve learned at SAIT. The opportunity to advance your education at an accredited post-secondary institution may be available.

🔗 Visit Transfer Alberta search tool for all transfer agreements in Alberta (including UCalgary, MRU and BVC).

If there are transfer agreements with other institutions outside of Alberta, nationally or internationally, they will be listed below.

Available intakes

Summer 2025

Start dates:

Jul 07, 2025

Domestic students: Waitlisted: Application deadline: April 30, 2025

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$7,005	$483	$7,488
Total cost:				$7,488

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can't find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they're still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Transportation Advising

Phone: 403.284.8471
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca

a view of the moutains and stream in between

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.

Visit Natoysopoyiis Resource Centre

Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician

On this page:

Overview