If you’re interested in working with heavy vehicles, industrial heavy equipment, and commercial transport devices, the Pre-employment Heavy Equipment Technician program will get you started! Delivered on site at our Lac La Biche campus, this 12-week program will introduce you to hydraulics, electrical and electronics, brake systems, air brakes, hand, shop, and power tools, and workplace safety. Sometimes referred to as a Heavy-Duty Mechanic, the Heavy Equipment Technician is a high-demand career and after successfully passing the Pre-employment program you will have the opportunity to write the First Period Apprenticeship exam and begin your pathway towards a Red Seal trade.
NEW INTAKE DATE: January 5, 2026
Career Potential
Heavy equipment technicians are typically employed by specialized repair shops or companies that own or lease heavy equipment used in construction, forestry, agriculture, mining, materials hauling and transportation industries. An experienced journeyperson may find opportunities to advance into supervisor or service manager positions.
View more about career potential here.
Credentials
Certificate
Admission Requirements
- English Language Arts 20-2
- Math 20-3
- Science 10
- Or equivalent
- Or a pass mark in all five Canadian Adult Educational Credential(CAEC)
Transferability N/A
Program Start/End Dates
January 5, 2026 – April 24, 2026
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)
Winter Offering – Fee payment deadline December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $3,052.49 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $107.75 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $3,577.47 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
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.
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
These 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.
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.