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.
Career Potential
Pre-Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician prepares students for direct entry into employment and/or further studies.
Admission Requirements
- English Language Arts 10-2
- Math 10-3
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 31, 2026 – June 25, 2027
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Delivery
Blended
Domestic Student Fees
Yearly Fee payment deadline August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $10,700.00 |
| Student Association Fee | $302.35 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $248.13 |
| Recreation Fee | $132.68 |
| Course Materials | $278.57 |
| Book Rental | $438.39 |
| Total | $12,426.62 |
Textbook Rentals
Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore:
By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit Portage Bookstore for other 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.
Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.
Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.
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.