This program starts with academic upgrading, then heavy equipment technician training – both theory and practical and concludes with on-the-job technical training. All students will receive support in job placements which may be used for apprenticeship hours. Students will each participate in an 8-week, 200-hour, trade-appropriate work placement. Upon completion, you will graduate with a certificate which will allow credits towards apprenticeship training in the future.
Please visit the College Preparation website for the list of academic upgrading courses and the Pre-employment heavy equipment technician page for a list of heavy equipment technician courses.
Unfortunately, at this point in time, this program is not available to international students. Please click the link to view all of our international students programs.
Pre-Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician prepares students for direct entry into employment and/or further studies.
Admission Requirements
Students who do not meet the admission requirements contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process.
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Program Start/End Dates
August 28, 2025-June 19,2026
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Delivery
Blended
Tuition | $10,700.00 |
Student Association Fee | $233.40 |
Technology Fee | $165.42 |
Recreation Fee | $109.14 |
Total | $11,207.96 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies.
Fee Explanations
Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.
Rental Books, Supplies and Materials Fees
$708.36
Other purchases may be necessary for students to complete their courses/program.