Overview
Prepare for a career in the field of transport and heavy equipment maintenance and repair with technical training in diagnosing, installing, maintaining, and repairing transport vehicles and off-road heavy equipment. This program will give you hands-on learning opportunities with training in the classroom, online and in a shop environment. You will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of modern equipment and diagnostic tools used to work on transport trucks and trailers, backhoes, excavators, dozers, farm equipment and other types of off-road equipment.
You will learn about mechanical, electrical and hydraulics systems, and more, through theory and lab training that aligns with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training course outline for Heavy Equipment Technician. You will also learn about communication and business to prepare you for entry into the workforce as an apprentice and to advance your career into positions such as shop foreperson or service manager. You also have the option to complete a voluntary, work-integrated learning (WIL) component between your second and third semesters where you will have the opportunity to work in industry and become registered as an apprentice.
Is this the right fit for me?
Students who have taken automotive mechanics in high school as well as achieved higher grades in their previous schooling experience greater success in the Transport and Heavy Equipment Technology program.
Students who experience success in this program and the profession:
are self-directed, detail-oriented, and well organized
possess strong communication skills in both written and spoken English
are customer-oriented
are able to work with diverse groups of people
Your Career
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in light and heavy construction, oil field support, forestry, mining, marine, transportation, public utilities, agriculture or any industry that relies on heavy equipment. Potential positions include:
Heavy equipment technician apprentice
Shop foreperson
Manufacturer district service representative
Factory quality control inspector
Service manager
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
Expected September 2025
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
1301-16 Avenue NW,
CALGARY,
Alberta (AB),
T2M 0L4, Canada
Completion of the following courses or equivalents: at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1, at least 60% in Biology 30, and, at least 60% in Chemistry 20 or Science 20.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission.
English language requirement:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.0 in each skill/category
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL): 60 overall band
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): A minimum score of 20 in each category
Canadian Language Benchmark Assessment (CLBA): A score of 8 in each section
Pearson Test of English (PTE): A minimum score of 53
Michigan English Test (MELAB): A minimum score of 51
Duolingo: 105 minimum
SAIT equips its students for success in a global marketplace through industry expertise and hands-on learning, supported by world-class facilities.