Unique Pathways & Off-campus Education
Dual Credit - Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician
In partnership with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), this Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician course prepares students to enter the workforce and become a Heavy Equipment Technician apprentice. This program provides an alternative entry into the industry.
A heavy equipment technician is a mobile mechanic and travels to where equipment broke down. They are responsible for maintaining, repairing, and servicing large machinery used in various industries – if its bigger than an F350, its heavy equipment! These professionals work on equipment both “on highway” (garbage truck, street sweepers, etc.) and “off highway” (like bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders), ensuring they operate efficiently and safely. Technicians diagnose mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues, perform routine inspections, and carry out necessary repairs or part replacements. They may also calibrate systems, troubleshoot complex malfunctions, and use specialized tools to fix problems.
Students will start by learning workplace safety skills, materials and tools. They will then learn suspension, steering, brake systems, electrical level one and basic maintenance.
A high school (dual credit) specific page has not yet been created on the SAIT website, however, students are encouraged to visit the Adult Pre-Employment page for an overview of the program (ignore timelines, dates and tuition costs!). For a specific breakdown of the first period topics and associated CTS credits, see the course outline.
Students can also visit the SAIT Dual Credit Handbook for further information about being a SAIT dual credit student.
Program Benefits
- Get a jump start on your post-secondary education and pathway to apprenticeship while still in high school
- Build confidence through developing learning strategies and skills that support your learning transitions
- Learn about on-going opportunities and experience post-secondary learning
- Taught by experienced instructors who are connected to industry and support students in making meaningful connections to career pathways
- Earn high school credits and post-secondary credits
16 Credits, 30 level CTS
and
15 post-secondary credits
Student Eligibility
Open to CBE high school students who:
- Are in grades 11 or 12 during the program
- Have a strong interest in exploring a pathway in heavy equipment repair
- Are excited about taking a post-secondary course
- Have completed the following pre-requisite courses:
- In order to be eligible for SAIT credentials, students are required to be on track to successfully pass the following courses or equivalents:
- 50% in Math 20-1 or Math 20-2, or 60% in Math 20-3, and
- English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
- Science 20, Bio 20, Chem 20 or Physics 20
Program Delivery & Location
Delivery
This program is offered in-person
Location
SAIT Main Campus - 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from SAIT campus
- Students are expected to be in attendance each day of this full year program
Workload
Students will be expected to attend all in person class times (12 hours per week) and can expect approximately 3-5 hours of additional independent study time.
Students must meet all program deadlines, as set by the instructor
Program Dates
- Full Year | September - June
- Monday - Thursday 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Assessment
- Assessment of program outcomes will include theory tests and practical skill assessments.
- Students will be eligible to challenge their Period 1 Apprenticeship Alberta Industry Training (AIT) exam at the end of the program.
Considerations
- Students must have space in their full year timetable to accommodate the program delivery, location, and dates indicated below.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the program location. Support may be available – reach out to your Off-campus Coordinator or guidance counsellor or email
uniquepathways@cbe.ab.ca if you require support.
- Students are expected to attend every day and meet all safety and behavioural expectations of the program partner site. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.
- Students must meet all course assignment, quiz and test deadlines.
- Students must submit a
personal learning schedule with their application, which outlines when they will work on their Dual Credit course work outside of class time.
- Students must be registered as a full-time student, taking at least one course at their home high school during the program (work experience excluded).
- Students will be expected to communicate with both their CBE supervising teacher and course instructor regularly.
How to Apply
- Read through the course(s) and/or program(s) of interest.
- Review program choice with your school Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counsellor for program readiness and timetabling concerns.
- You are highly encouraged to attend the
Unique Pathways Information Night to ask questions of our program partners and determine if the program is a good fit for you. Connect with your Off-campus Coordinator or Guidance counsellor if you are unable to attend.
- Download and fill in the Dual Credit Application Form Package when available.
- Refer to the application checklist and ensure all items are complete.
- Book an appointment with your Off-campus Coordinator and/or Guidance Counselor before the deadline to complete your application, including signatures from all parties.
- The school will submit the application to Unique Pathways on your behalf.
Program Partner
Application Deadline
Applications for Summer and Fall programs are now closed. Check back in October for Winter (Semester 2) program applications.
Information Sessions
Past Information Session information and recordings can be found on our
Information Sessions page.
