Be ready to power up your future.
Our Pre-Powerline Technician certificate program is designed for people who aren’t yet employed in the trades. You’ll learn foundational skills in the utility electrical field, safety practices, and have a two-week practicum to build on-the-job experiences. In 15 weeks, you’ll complete a credential that demonstrates you’re ready to become an apprentice.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Pre-Powerline Technician at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Our Pre-Powerline Technician certificate covers first-period technical training from the Powerline Technician apprenticeship curriculum. This includes important safety and equipment training, the math and science of electrical and transformer theory, and the mechanics of overhead line construction. This program will prepare you to write the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship exam. Employers are often reluctant to hire apprentices who don’t have any experience with the work. This program is a way to demonstrate that you have the skills and commitment to be their next apprentice.
15
Number of weeks to go from no experience to writing the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship exam
1st
the pre-employment programs provide the first year of the Alberta Apprenticeship curriculum
2
weeks the length of your work-integrated learning placement
Career Opportunities
As a journeyperson in the Powerline industry, you will have opportunities in:
- Local, provincial, and national powerline industry service providers
- Maintenance of existing powerlines and service areas
- Overhead distribution maintenance and installation
- Transmission maintenance and installation
- Underground distribution maintenance and installation
Additional information can be found at the following links:
Powerline Technician: Occupations in Alberta
Tradesecrets - Powerline Technician
Curriculum Guide
$125,684
the average annual salary of a powerline technician working in Alberta
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and February
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
15 weeks
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants are accepted into the Pre-Powerline Technician program for the Fall (September) or Winter (February) terms.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, pass Apprenticeship Entrance Exam, or passing mark in all five Canadian General Education Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests.
- A valid driver's license (class 3 is recommended).
Non-Academic Requirements
- This program takes place on a remote campus at the Agriculture & Trades Training Facility (former Animal Husbandry Building) 211034-Hwy 512 on the jail road.
- Safety and climbing equipment are required to be purchased by students.
- The ability to lift heavy objects weighing in excess of 25 kilograms.
- Be comfortable working at heights.
- Good physical coordination and manual dexterity.
- Mechanical ability.
- Good hearing and color vision.
- The ability to work at heights and in varying extreme climates.
- The ability to work as a member of a team and adapt to changing tasks and locations.
- Responsibility to do all work tasks expected of an apprentice Powerline Technician.
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Pre-Powerline Technician certificate.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| PWL-1100 | Standard Workplace Safety and Codes | 3 |
| PWL-1101 | Introduction to Electrical Theory | 6 |
| PWL-1102 | Introduction to Transformer Theory | 3 |
| PWL-1103 | Overhead Line Construction | 6 |
| PWL-1104 | Practicum Placement | 1.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 19.5 | |
Upon successful completion of The Pre-Powerline Technician program, you will:
- be prepared to write the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship Examination.
- be prepared to be employed within the Powerline Technician industry in Alberta.
- have learned valuable employability skills through classroom and hands-on training.
- obtain a Pre-Powerline Technician certificate.
View course timetables
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerline Technician
|
$7,800.00
|
$985.28
|
$4,200.00
|
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage prior to the end of the first week of class.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Pre-Employment Powerline Technician program is delivered on campus through an apprenticeship-style training but may have some blended and hyflex components.
Blended
This program includes both face-to-face/on-campus and online delivery in both synchronous (learning occurs in real-time on a set schedule) and asynchronous (learning does not occur at the same time or same place) formats.
Hyflex
This program is offered both on-campus and online; lectures and hands-on training opportunities are delivered through video conference, allowing students the option to attend classes in-person or remotely.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.