Agricultural Equipment Technician

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does an Agricultural Equipment Technician do?

An agricultural equipment technician is certified to service, repair, assemble and maintain any agricultural equipment and attachments used for farming operations. This includes equipment for harvesting, material handling and processing, spraying and irrigation, seeding, tillage and hay and forage. An agricultural equipment technician is trained to:

• perform pre-delivery work, service and repair modern farm tractors and machinery regardless of size
• analyze failed parts and components and correct malfunctions using sophisticated diagnostic equipment and techniques
• replace engine, electrical, hydraulic, mechanical and air machine systems
• disassemble, align, fit and machine parts
• assemble, install, repair and maintain, with hand or power tools, equipment involving transmission servicing, hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, heating and refrigeration units
• rebuild, adjust and service a variety of components such as engines, transmissions, differentials, fuel delivery systems and steering systems
• communicate work details effectively to others and make recommendations relating to the proper service operation and maintenance of the equipment
• be aware of fabrication, repair or rebuild possibilities by specialty shops and recommend "outside service" when required
• use shop orders, tickets and trade-related references correctly
• service mechanical equipment, basic fuel and fuel injection systems, heating and air conditioning, emission control, lubricating and power assist, electrical and suspension systems, as well as drive lines, differential and gasoline engines

What skills/abilities are required?

Good physical condition and agility are necessary because heavy lifting and climbing may be required. An understanding of computerized machinery, mechanical systems and components, good communications and analytical skills and adaptability or flexibility are also important.

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is four years consisting of four levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1800 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training?

At school you receive training in the repair of hydraulic and diesel internal combustion engines, fuel systems, power trains and electrical and electronic systems. Other courses include heating and air conditioning, braking and steering systems, welding, electrical science and communications. Theory grades are determined by examinations in each course. Completed practical assignments are included in the evaluation of final grades.

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required. If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you can qualify as an Access Program Trainee (formerly Mature Student). Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

Note: If you are certified as a heavy duty equipment technician, a motor vehicle mechanic, or a transport truck mechanic, you may qualify for certification as an agricultural equipment technician.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are the career prospects?

Graduates have employment opportunities in the farm machinery industry, repairing and servicing a wide range of farm equipment. Long term opportunities may include field service and service management. Technicians have employment opportunities in the farm machinery industry, repairing and servicing a wide range of farm equipment. Long term opportunities may include field service and service management.

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