Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship

Get hands-on. Build your trade. Earn while you learn.

Build the mechanical, electrical and hydraulic skills to maintain and repair heavy equipment. Complete apprenticeship training while gaining workplace experience and work toward Red Seal certification as a Heavy Duty Equipment Technician.

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician students work in the shop

Program at a glance

Credential

Apprenticeship

Delivery mode

In-person
(day) Online or Blended

Time commitment

Full-Time

Duration

5-10 weeks

Program codes

  • Code: APHMET

Cost

Domestic students $815 - $1,675 estimated cost per level

Location

  • Kelowna

Available for

  • Domestic students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprentices learn how to maintain, manufacture, overhaul, recondition and repair equipment powered by internal combustion engines or electricity. Some equipment technicians work on include graders, loaders, shovels, off-highway tractors, off-highway trucks, forklifts, wheeled and tracked vehicles.

What you'll learn

  • Apply safe workplace and maintenance procedures
  • Diagnose and repair heavy equipment systems
  • Service hydraulic and electrical systems
  • Maintain and repair engines and supporting systems
  • Service brakes and alternative braking systems
  • Maintain power train components
  • Service steering and suspension systems
  • Service heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
  • Inspect and repair structural components
  • Apply manufacturer and industry service procedures
Skills you'll learn
  • Heavy equipment maintenance
  • Mechanical diagnosis and repair
  • Hydraulics
  • Electrical systems
  • Engine systems
  • Power trains
  • Brakes
  • Steering and suspension
  • HVAC systems
  • Welding and fabrication fundamentals
  • Troubleshooting
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Workplace safety
Tools you'll learn
  • Heavy equipment service tools
  • Hydraulic testing equipment
  • Electrical diagnostic equipment
  • Engine diagnostic systems
  • Hand and power tools
  • Service manuals and technical documentation
  • Computerized diagnostic tools
  • Personal protective equipment

Work-integrated learning

Earn while you learn

Apprentices complete technical training at Okanagan College while working for an employer under the supervision of a qualified journeyperson. This combination lets you apply classroom learning to real equipment and workplace situations while progressing through your apprenticeship.

To enter the technical training, you must be registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC and working for an employer with at least one qualified journeyperson.

Program Outline
  • Occupational skills
  • Brakes
  • Hydraulics
  • Electrical
  • Frames, steering and suspension
  • Trailer
  • Heating, ventilation and A/C
  • Structural components and accessories
Textbooks

The current total cost of the textbooks is approx. $875.

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Textbooks available online only at the OC Campus Store.

The booklists on OC Campus Store website will be updated 3 times a year (January, April and mid-August).
Please check back with the Campus Store 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

If you have any questions regarding the booklist, please call OC Campus Store, 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.

Required supplies
  • A Windows 11, 10 or 8 laptop or Chromebook (OS 88 or higher) with camera capable of loading Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor for assessments
  • Coveralls
  • CSA-approved steel-toed work boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Binders
  • Pencils, pens, eraser, paper
  • Calculator to write exams, preferably one of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X

Government-issued picture ID (driver’s license, photo ID or valid passport) is required to write the provincial and national exams; student ID cards are not acceptable.

Program Outline
  • Electrical
  • Engines and supporting systems
Textbooks

The current total cost of the textbooks is approx. $210.

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Textbooks available online only at the OC Campus Store.

The booklists on OC Campus Store website will be updated 3 times a year (January, April and mid-August).
Please check back with the Campus Store 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

If you have any questions regarding the booklist, please call OC Campus Store, 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.

Required supplies
  • A Windows 11, 10 or 8 laptop or Chromebook (OS 88 or higher) with camera capable of loading Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor for assessments
  • Coveralls
  • CSA-approved steel-toed work boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Binders
  • Pencils, pens, eraser, paper
  • Calculator to write exams, preferably one of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X

Government-issued picture ID (driver’s license, photo ID or valid passport) is required to write the provincial and national exams; student ID cards are not acceptable.

Program Outline
  • Power trains
Textbooks

The current total cost of the textbooks is approx. $405.

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Textbooks available online only at the OC Campus Store.

The booklists on OC Campus Store website will be updated 3 times a year (January, April and mid-August).
Please check back with the Campus Store 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

If you have any questions regarding the booklist, please call OC Campus Store, 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.

Required supplies
  • A Windows 11, 10 or 8 laptop or Chromebook (OS 88 or higher) with camera capable of loading Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor for assessments
  • Coveralls
  • CSA-approved steel-toed work boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Binders
  • Pencils, pens, eraser, paper
  • Calculator to write exams, preferably one of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X

Government-issued picture ID (driver’s license, photo ID or valid passport) is required to write the provincial and national exams; student ID cards are not acceptable.

Program Outline
  • Apply work practices and procedures
  • Service alternative brake systems
  • Service power train components
  • Service A/C system
Textbooks

The current total cost of the textbooks is approx. $670.

5% GST is not included in price. Price is subject to change.

Textbooks available online only at the OC Campus Store.

The booklists on OC Campus Store website will be updated 3 times a year (January, April and mid-August).
Please check back with the Campus Store 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

If you have any questions regarding the booklist, please call OC Campus Store, 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.

Required supplies
  • A Windows 11, 10 or 8 laptop or Chromebook (OS 88 or higher) with camera capable of loading Respondus Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor for assessments
  • Coveralls*
  • CSA-approved steel-toed work boots*
  • Safety glasses*
  • Binders
  • Pencils, pens, eraser, paper
  • Calculator to write exams, preferably one of the following: Sharp EL-520W, EL-520X, EL-531X
  • Lock for locker*

* Only required if the course is offered on campus
Government-issued picture ID (driver’s license, photo ID or valid passport) is required to write the provincial and national exams; student ID cards are not acceptable.

Apprentices who are studying Heavy Duty Mechanics have training options to consider upon completing Level 3 of their apprenticeship. Their Level 4 options to obtain Red Seal certification include:

Apprentices can also just complete Level 4 of Heavy Duty Mechanic Apprenticeship

Program duration

  • Level 1: 10 weeks
  • Level 2: 8 weeks
  • Level 3: 6 weeks
  • Level 4: 5 weeks (effective for classes starting April 1, 2024 onwards) - usually offered online or in-person

The textbook list above was current at the time it was posted and may be used for initial planning purposes. Please check back with the bookstore 2 weeks before your program starts under Current Book List for a final, updated list of book titles and prices, and to order!

Textbooks available online only at OC Campus Store. If you have any questions, call 250-862-5638 or email campusstores@okanagan.bc.ca.

It takes approximately two to three business days to fill the online orders, please be sure to purchase the necessary items prior to the 1st day of class.

Tuition and fees

Domestic students

$815 - $1,675

estimated cost per level

Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm

Fee Level 1
Tuition $1,315
College anciliary fees $274
Student association fees $86
Health & dental $0
Materials/other $0
Estimated total $1,675
Fee Level 2
Tuition $1,055
College anciliary fees $256
Student association fees $84
Health & dental $0
Materials/other $0
Estimated total $1,395
Fee Level 3
Tuition $790
College anciliary fees $128
Student association fees $44
Health & dental $0
Materials/other $0
Estimated total $962
Fee Level 4
Tuition $660
College anciliary fees $112
Student association fees $43
Health & dental $0
Materials/other $0
Estimated total $815

Financial incentives

Financial Incentives

WorkBC Apprenticeship Supports

Apprentice financial supports are available to eligible apprentices while they’re completing their classroom apprenticeship training. Apprentices may be able for supports which cover costs such as child card, transportation, disability, and more. Once an apprentice completes the WorkBC application online, a 16-digit reference code will be emailed to them. Use the 16-digit reference code for the Service Canada EI application. 

Service Canada EI Application

Apprentices attending full-time technical training (sometimes referred to as block-release training), they may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while unemployed and attending your course. Refer to the Service Canada website for application details.

Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program who meet the eligibility requirements may receive up to $4,000 in loans per period of technical training. The purpose of the CAL is to provide apprentices registered in Red Seal trades with loans to assist with the costs to attend technical training.

Apply for a loan

The LNG Canada Trades Training Fund supports small and medium employers that employ, sponsor and train apprentices in Northwest BC.  To be eligible to apply for funding support, the employer and student need to be a resident of Northwest BC (Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, and surrounding areas of Highway 16 to Houston, BC).  Applications to the Trades Training Fund can be made by employers with business operations in Northwest BC on behalf of their apprentices and must be received one month prior to the class start.

Apply for funding

The federal government will now provide tax recognition for the costs that many employed tradespeople incur to provide their own tools in their employment duties. A deduction (up to a maximum of $500/year) will be allowed for the total cost of new tools acquired by an employed tradesperson in a tax year in excess of $1000. Employer will need to certify that the employee is required to obtain those tools for use in employment activities.

Tools deduction forms

Apprentices who complete their third and four year of any apprenticeship program may be eligible for a tax credit. The apprentice will receive the tax credit when they file their annual income taxes. Apprentices will be eligible for a tax credit of $2,000 for completing Level 3 and a credit for $2,500 for completing Level 4 of any apprenticeship. For more information visit www.sbr.gov.bc.ca. 

Tax credit form

Your T2202A tax form is available online via myOkanagan on the last day of February.
To access your tax form:

  1. Login to myOkanagan
  2. Username: firstname.lastname@myokanagan.bc.ca
  3. Password: your OC network password
  4. Click the "T2202A Tax Form" link under Online Services

If you have any problems accessing your myOkanagan account, please call IT Services at 1-866-839-4032 or complete an online myOkanagan password reset request.

Login to myOkanagan

Admission and program requirements

  • Registered as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC.
  • Must be working for an employer with at least one qualified journeyperson.
  • Not registered as an apprentice? Ask your employer to register you as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC. It’s free, simple, and can be completed within a few minutes online. More details can be found at skilledtradesbc.ca

Schedule and campus options

Level:
1
Start/End dates:
Feb. 15, 2027 - Apr. 23, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Limited
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
1
Start/End dates:
Aug. 16, 2027 - Oct. 22, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Open
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
2
Start/End dates:
Feb. 15, 2027 - Apr. 09, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Limited
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
2
Start/End dates:
May. 17, 2027 - Jul. 09, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Limited
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
2
Start/End dates:
Aug. 09, 2027 - Oct. 01, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Open
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
3
Start/End dates:
Jan. 04, 2027 - Feb. 12, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Limited
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
3
Start/End dates:
Apr. 26, 2027 - Jun. 04, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Open
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
3
Start/End dates:
Oct. 04, 2027 - Nov. 12, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Open
Note:
Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
4
Start/End dates:
Nov. 16, 2026 - Dec. 18, 2026
Location:
Online
Delivery mode:
Online
Application status:
Waitlisting
Note:
  • 5 weeks fully Online (except IP exam: Face to Face)
  • Intake capacity is limited to 32 seats
Level:
4
Start/End dates:
Jan. 04, 2027 - Feb. 05, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
Blended
Application status:
Limited
Note:
  • Week 1-4 Online, Week 5 Face to Face
  • Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
4
Start/End dates:
Apr. 12, 2027 - May. 14, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
In-person
(Day)
Application status:
Limited
Note:
  • 5 weeks fully Face to Face
  • Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level:
4
Start/End dates:
Nov. 15, 2027 - Dec. 17, 2027
Location:
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Delivery mode:
Blended
Application status:
Open
Note:
  • Week 1-4 Online, Week 5 Face to Face
  • Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
Level
Start/End dates
Location
Delivery mode
Application status
1
Feb. 15, 2027 - Apr. 23, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Limited
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
1
Aug. 16, 2027 - Oct. 22, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Open
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
2
Feb. 15, 2027 - Apr. 09, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Limited
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
2
May. 17, 2027 - Jul. 09, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Limited
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
2
Aug. 09, 2027 - Oct. 01, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Open
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
3
Jan. 04, 2027 - Feb. 12, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Limited
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
3
Apr. 26, 2027 - Jun. 04, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Open
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
3
Oct. 04, 2027 - Nov. 12, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Open
Note: Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
4
Nov. 16, 2026 - Dec. 18, 2026
Online
Online
Waitlisting
Note:
  • 5 weeks fully Online (except IP exam: Face to Face)
  • Intake capacity is limited to 32 seats
4
Jan. 04, 2027 - Feb. 05, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Blended
Limited
Note:
  • Week 1-4 Online, Week 5 Face to Face
  • Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
4
Apr. 12, 2027 - May. 14, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
In-person
(Day)
Limited
Note:
  • 5 weeks fully Face to Face
  • Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats
4
Nov. 15, 2027 - Dec. 17, 2027
Kelowna
(Kelowna Trades Complex)
Blended
Open
Note:
  • Week 1-4 Online, Week 5 Face to Face
  • Intake capacity is limited to 16 seats

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Trades and Apprenticeship

contact information
Address

T115 - 1000 KLO Rd.
Kelowna BC V1Y 4X8
Canada

Phone
250-762-5445
1-877-755-2266 (toll-free)
Email
trades@okanagan.bc.ca
Office Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday - Friday: 7:30-4:00
Saturday: Closed