Heavy Duty

Welcome to the exciting world of repairing big machinery: bulldozers, graders, transport trucks, trailers, buses, cranes and mining equipment!

Heavy-duty mechanics repair, troubleshoot, adjust, overhaul and maintain mobile heavy-duty equipment that is used in construction, transportation, forestry, mining, and more. Work in the heavy-duty field gives you the opportunity to work with delicate electronics and computer controlled large mechanical systems and high-pressure hydraulics.

To work in the heavy-duty industry, you should:

  • Have good analytical skills and some mechanical ability
  • Have a good observation skills and the ability to multitask
  • Be able to work independently or with a team

To become a Heavy Duty Equipment Technician there are two ways to start:


Heavy Duty Pathways

Heavy Mechanical Foundation Program

  • 36-week full time program
  • September intake
  • You do not need an employer to take the Heavy Mechanical Foundation program! In fact, the main reason to take the program is to gain experience and knowledge about the heavy-duty trade to make it easier for you to find an employer to sponsor you for the remaining three levels of your apprenticeship.

If you are a high school student, contact the counseling office at your high school for information on how to become a Youth Train in Trades student and get a jump-start on your trades training while you complete your high school diploma. Learn more about the Youth Train in Trades program.

Heavy Mechanical Foundation Trades Training Schedule

ProgramLevelStartsEndsLength
*Heavy MechanicalFDTNSeptember 2, 2025May 28, 202636 Weeks
*Heavy MechanicalFDTNSeptember 8, 2026May 27, 202736 Weeks

 *Projected | All dates subject to change |


Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Program

To begin an apprenticeship to become a heavy duty equipment technician. you must:

  • Have an employer sponsor
  • Register with SkilledTradesBC, and
  • Complete your apprenticeship training

College of the Rockies offers all four levels of Heavy Duty Equipment Technician technical training.

Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Training Schedule

ProgramLevelStartsEndsLength
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician1April 7, 2026June 12, 202610 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician1October 6, 2026December 11, 202610 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician2October 20, 2025December 11, 20258 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician2April 7, 2026May 28, 20268 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician2June 23, 2026August 14, 20268 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician2October 19, 2026December 10, 20268 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician2March 30, 2027May 20, 20278 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician3February 9, 2026March 19, 20266 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician3September 8, 2026October 15, 20266 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician3February 8, 2027March 18, 20276 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician4January 5, 2026February 5, 20265 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician4June 1, 2026July 2, 20265 Weeks
*Heavy Duty Equipment Technician4January 4, 2027February 4, 20275 Weeks

 *Projected | All dates subject to change |