Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician at Olds College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

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Program overview

The Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for entry-level positions in the heavy equipment industry. Students will learn to maintain a variety of equipment, including trucks, trailers, off-road, and earthmoving machinery. The program emphasizes basic diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, along with workplace safety. Graduates will receive a certificate upon successful completion, which qualifies them to write the First Period Apprenticeship exam if they meet the necessary requirements.

Program structure

The Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a period of 12 weeks. The program is delivered on-campus at Olds College, ensuring hands-on experience in a practical environment. Key features of the program include:

Intensive training with experienced industry instructors.
Access to discipline-specific labs and an extensive tool room.
Preparation equivalent to the technical training of the first year of apprenticeship.
Summer intake, with applications opening in October.

This program is ideal for those looking to gain foundational knowledge and skills in heavy equipment maintenance and repair, setting the stage for a successful career in the industry.

Featured Experiences

The Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and practical application:

Hands-on training in discipline-specific labs.
Access to an extensive tool room for practical learning.
Workplace safety training integrated into the curriculum.
Opportunity to challenge the First Period Apprenticeship exam upon meeting GPA requirements.
Engagement with industry-trained instructors who bring real-world experience into the classroom.

Career Options

Graduates of the Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Heavy Equipment Technician: Maintain, repair, and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment.
Field Service Technician: Provide on-site repairs and maintenance for heavy machinery at various job sites.
Shop Technician: Work in a repair shop, diagnosing and fixing equipment issues.
Equipment Operator: Operate heavy machinery for construction, mining, or agricultural purposes.
Maintenance Supervisor: Oversee maintenance teams and ensure equipment is serviced and operational.

These roles are critical in various industries, including construction, agriculture, and transportation, providing a solid foundation for a rewarding career in heavy equipment technology.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Olds College official website

Last updated on 2025-07-10

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Completion of Grade 11.
Academic Upgrading and High School Applicants must submit proof of enrollment and any available interim/midterm marks. Final marks must be submitted within one month following the completion of the course(s) and no later than one month prior to the program start date.
For those seeking Alternate Admission Status, the following materials are required:
- Transcript(s) showing any completed high school and post-secondary courses.
- A Letter of Introduction and Intent, outlining:
  - Introduction of yourself.
  - Reasons for wishing to enroll in the program.
  - Career goals.
  - Relevant experience related to the program and industry.
- A resume detailing work history, extracurricular activities, and volunteer service for the last 5 years.
- Optional: Copies of any tickets and/or certificates (e.g., first aid, safety tickets).
- Optional: Up to two letters of reference from current or past employers/coaches.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

International Applicants are welcome, provided they have completed their high school education outside of Canada and meet all Academic Requirements.

For any clarification and support regarding the admission process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

The language of instruction at Olds College is English. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that they have completed at least three years of academic study conducted entirely in English.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement must demonstrate language proficiency through successful completion of an accepted English Language proficiency assessment dated within two years of application submission. All English Language Proficiency Assessments will be verified online by an Admission Officer.

Accepted English Language Proficiency Assessments include:

Duolingo English Test - score of at least 110
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT - overall score of no less than 80 with no academic section below 18
International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic Stream) - a score of 6.0 or higher in each band
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) Online - overall score of no less than 60, with no band below 50
Pearson Test of English (PTE) - score of at least 55 with no skill profile below 55
Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) - no band below 5, with an overall score of no less than 6

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!