The Work of a Heavy Duty Equipment (trucks and construction machines) Technician in a Construction Company

Calgary heavy equipment mechanic jobs

In Canada, the work of a technician is vast, especially in the construction company. A technician is someone who has a variety of techniques and skills when understanding technical and theoretical construction work principles. An experienced technician is expected to understand theory and proficiency when they are compared to the average laymen. There are different jobs that a technician is expected to perform on a construction site. He is expected to be the one who can find solutions to site problems, like in the audio, computer and even mechanical equipment. The technician may not be as effective as an engineer but they are more experienced when it comes to some technicalities that the engineers may not be able to handle in machines.

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Technician in Alberta

In Alberta, the demand for skilled heavy equipment technicians has become increasingly prominent, mirroring the province’s expanding construction and resource extraction sectors. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring the functionality and reliability of machinery fundamental to these industries, such as trucks and other large equipment. Their expertise in maintenance and repair minimizes downtime and promotes operational efficiency, underlining the significance of their role in Alberta’s economic infrastructure. This necessity makes the journey to becoming a heavy equipment technician not only a pursuit of a promising career but also a contribution to the foundational industries that drive the province’s prosperity.

Required Skills and Traits

Heavy equipment technicians are skilled tradespeople who thrive in roles that require both autonomy and teamwork. They are self-motivated and comfortable working alone or in collaboration with others. This profession is especially fulfilling for those who are mechanically inclined and enjoy working with their hands.

To succeed as a heavy equipment technician, individuals must possess:

Good vision, hearing, and sense of smell to effectively diagnose problems.
The strength and stamina necessary to handle heavy equipment.
The willingness to work in cramped or awkward positions.
Comfort in both solitary and team-oriented work environments.
Mechanical ability and a keen interest in machinery, engines, electronics, and precision equipment.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically.
A commitment to staying updated with technological advancements.
A valid driver’s license for operating equipment during testing.
A dedication to maintaining safe work practices.

These skills and traits ensure technicians can maintain, repair, and overhaul heavy vehicles and industrial equipment effectively, adhering to manufacturers’ specifications and safety regulations.

Certification and Training Pathways

Traditional Training Pathway

Aspiring heavy equipment technicians in Alberta can pursue the traditional apprenticeship route. This pathway involves four years of training, including both on-the-job experience and classroom instruction. Each year consists of a minimum of 1,500 to 1,800 hours of on-the-job training coupled with eight weeks of classroom learning. Apprentices must successfully complete each period of training to progress, culminating in the achievement of journeyperson status upon meeting all requirements.

Diploma Pathway

Graduates from the Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program may receive course credits towards a two-year Transport and Heavy Equipment Technology diploma. This program enhances their foundational skills and broadens their knowledge in various heavy equipment maintenance and repair techniques, preparing them for more advanced roles within the industry.

Pre-employment Pathway

The 15-week Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician program offers an entry point for individuals aiming to enter the heavy equipment sector. This program focuses on safety practices, the proper use of tools, and gaining proficiency in hydraulics, pneumatic systems, and electrical circuits. It aligns with the first period of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s curriculum, allowing graduates to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam. Successful completion of this exam and subsequent apprenticeship periods enables individuals to pursue further education or enter directly into the workforce.

Career Opportunities and Specializations

Transport Trailer Mechanic

Transport trailer mechanics specialize in maintaining, repairing, and overhauling commercial transport devices. These professionals work on a variety of equipment including flat decks, refrigerated vans, tankers, and more. Their tasks involve interpreting technical manuals, diagnosing malfunctions, and ensuring repairs meet manufacturers’ specifications.

Truck and Transport Mechanic

Truck and transport mechanics focus on on-highway vehicles such as trucks and buses. They maintain and repair internal combustion engines, and components, ensuring that all work adheres to legislative regulations. Certified journeypersons and sponsored apprentices are authorized to perform these duties.

Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic (Off-Road)

These mechanics handle the maintenance and repair of heavy vehicles and industrial equipment used in industries like construction and mining. Their responsibilities include working on crawler tractors, earth-moving equipment, and off-highway motor vehicles, ensuring operational efficacy and safety.

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Job Calgary

These construction site technicians may be full time or part time workers. They are seen working in many fields and with a job title that designates them as ‘technicians’ in a particular field. This means that these technicians have a lot of titles depending on the work that they find themselves in. These technicians do not get work if they are not knowledgeable in a particular field that the construction site needs. They are expected to have certification and a license that proves they are skilled and able to work in construction. A technician can earn up to C$15.90 per hour. This rate varies according to province, experience and company size including the requirement of the technician depending on the state or company’s rules. This is why a lot of technicians are going back to school to upgrade.