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Overview

Prepare for a career in 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 various 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'll 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 the Heavy Equipment Technician program. You'll 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.

If you meet the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) grade requirements, you can challenge the AIT Heavy Equipment Technician (HET) technical training exams. These exams are part of the AIT requirements for completing a HET apprenticeship. To complete your HET apprenticeship, you must become registered as an apprentice and complete the AIT on-the-job training requirements.

You'll experience success in this program and the profession if you:

  • are self-directed, detail-oriented, and well organized
  • possess strong communication skills in both written and spoken English
  • are customer-oriented
  • can work with diverse groups of people
  • have the ability to lift heavy objects
  • have good manual dexterity and stamina
  • can stand for long periods
  • have strong vision and hearing.

It's an asset if you've taken automotive mechanics in high school and achieved higher grades in your previous schooling.

Once completing this program, you can continue your training and complete an apprenticeship that includes an Alberta Journeyman Certificate as a Heavy Equipment Technician and an Inter-provincial Standards Red Seal for this trade.

You'll have the option to complete a voluntary, 15-week work-integrated learning (WIL) term between your second and third semesters, where you can work in industry and become registered as an apprentice.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Transport and Heavy Equipment Technology diploma.

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Careers and opportunities

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

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

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Courses

The Transport and Heavy Equipment diploma requires 60 credits (19 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two to three semesters in year one (depending on if you choose to complete the optional work term) and two semesters in the second year.

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Course Credits

Learners will gain an understanding of the strategies and skills required for effective communication in a professional environment. Topics include active listening, conflict resolution, writing industry specific reports and documents, developing interview skills, and giving and receiving feedback.

1.5

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

In this course, you will gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the operating principles of various cranking and charging systems used in the heavy equipment trade. The material and coursework provide opportunities to diagnose, service and repair cranking and starting systems, both off-equipment and on-equipment. In addition, the content covers different charging components and alternative cranking systems found in today’s vehicles and equipment.

Pre-requisites:
  • HDMC 227
1.5

This course introduces you to mechanical fuel injection systems. Topics include diesel fuel properties and correct storage, combustion process and starting aids, basic mechanical fuel supply and transfer systems and high-pressure hydraulic fuel injection systems. You will have the opportunity to perform fuel system testing and diagnosis. Throughout the course, you will apply the theories in a shop setting to get hands-on experience.

Pre-requisites:
  • HDMC 223
  • HDMC 228
1.5

In this course, you will expand on the material covered in other courses to include computer-controlled and electronically controlled fuel injection systems in current vehicle and equipment models. Topics include electronic system fundamentals, various electronically controlled fuel injection systems, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and common service and repair practices. The material also covers present-day emission control systems and the history of emissions controls. Additionally, you will discuss repair procedures for alternate fuel systems and engine braking systems. To put theory into practice, you will have opportunities to demonstrate diagnosis, service and repairs in a lab setting.

Pre-requisites:
  • HDMC 227
3

This course provides an in-depth exploration of heavy equipment engine fundamentals, combining theory in class and application in a shop setting. Topics include the components and operating of an internal combustion engine, design and function of engine components, as well as understanding timing and the interconnected nature of the engine. Students will have ample opportunities to perform basic service and repairs on different engine components.

Pre-requisites:
  • HDMC 228
6

In this course, students will further their understanding of engine systems through theory and practice. The material covers the principles and functions of air, lubrication, cooling and exhaust systems used in today’s internal combustion engines. Learners will perform diagnostics, service, and repair of the systems and apply the theory in a shop setting.

Pre-requisites:
  • HDMC 223
  • HDMC 228
1.5
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Course Credits

This cooperative work term course provides the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a practical workplace setting, as well as gain valuable industry experience. This course is optional.

Pre-requisites:
One of:
  • BLPR 229, MACH 203, MACH 201, MATH 266, MNFG 201, MNFG 202, EMTL 204, BLPR 235, MACH 211, MACH 252, MATH 267, MNFG 212, and MNFG 256
  • COMM 267, HDMC 254, HDMC 262, HDMC 251, HDMC 252, and HDMC 250
  • WLDG 217, WLDG 225, WLDG 228, WLDG 220, and WLDG 266
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Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students 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 meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • at least 50% in Math 20-1 or 20-2 OR 60% in Math 20-3
  • at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2
  • at least 50% in a Grade 11 Science

OR

  • students who have graduated from SAIT’s Diesel Equipment Technician certificate within the last five years may be given advanced standing into year two of the program, depending on seat availability.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside 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 out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

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

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English language proficiency

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

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Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: Oct. 26. 2023
International students: Closed
  • Application deadline: Sept. 28, 2023

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Costs

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $9,150 $1,570 $11,080
2 2 $9,510 $1,570 $11,080
Total cost:
$22,160

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $19,020 $1,570 $20,590
2 2 $19,020 $1,570 $20,590
Total cost:
$41,180

Books and supplies are approximately $2,000 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.

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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.

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Application process

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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.

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

Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:

School of Transportation Advising

Phone
403.284.8471
Email
transportation.info@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone
403.284.8852
Email
international@sait.ca