Become a Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
Keep large, complex machines moving in demanding environments.
Heavy duty equipment technicians repair and maintain heavy construction and off-highway vehicles, whether wheeled or tracked.
- Mechanical aptitude
- Math and measurement skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Attention to detail
- Safety awareness
Watch Nolan as he shares what a typical day looks like, from inspecting and maintaining heavy equipment to troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues. He talks about the parts of the job people may not expect, including how much technology is involved, and the challenges that come with working on complex machines in demanding environments.
Nolan also walks through how he got started, the different pathways into heavy duty equipment work in Nova Scotia, and the career opportunities available across industries like construction, mining, forestry, and transportation.
- Direct Entry
Start working with a certified journeyperson and begin your apprenticeship right away - no experience needed. Most apprentices spend about 80% of their time on the job and 20% in training. - Pre-Apprenticeship
Take a program at a college or training institution to build foundational skills before starting your apprenticeship. - Trade Experience
If you already have experience – whether in Canada or internationally – you may be able to challenge the trade qualifier exam and become certified.
- Work in repair shops, dealerships and field service environments
- Service construction, forestry, mining and industrial equipment
- Perform indoor and outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Physical work involving lifting, climbing, crawling and reaching
- Use diagnostic tools, lifting equipment and specialized service equipment
- Follow safety procedures
*Profile data compiled by Labour, Skills and Immigration – AskLMI@novascotia.ca