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Overview
The Pre-Employment Mobile Crane program is designed to offer an alternative route to those who wish to enter the Crane and Hoist Equipment Operator trade.
This program covers all course materials taught in apprenticeship-level first-year technical training for the Crane and Hoist Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane, and Crane and Hoist Equipment Operator - Boom Truck Apprenticeships as well as additional value-add programming which focuses on safety and field operations.
Students in this program will be provided with the opportunity to operate cranes in both a simulated, and field environment. They will operate various types of mobile cranes: all-terrain, rough-terrain, lattice-boom crawler (simulated), and swing-cab boom truck.
The program prepares students to enter into an apprenticeship with hands-on skills. Upon successful completion of the program, students will qualify to challenge the first year Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator - Boom Truck Crane and Hoist Equipment Operator - Mobile Crane apprenticeship exams.
Is this the right fit for me?
Mobile Crane operators are employed by general contractors and subcontractors in the forestry, mining, construction and oil industries, and by crane rental companies. Employment prospects change with seasonal and economic climates.
If you chose a career as a Mobile Crane Operator, you'll need the following characteristics:
- good vision
- depth perception
- manual dexterity
- the ability to work at heights
- the strength, stamina and ability to use proper lifting techniques to lift items weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
- the ability to work as part of a team and communicate to ground crews, usually using hand signals and voice communication
Credentials
Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a SAIT certificate and may be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for the first-year Crane and Hoisting Operator apprenticeship.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in the forestry, mining, construction and oil and gas industries and are prepared to become indentured mobile crane operator apprentices.
Potential career progression includes:
- mobile crane operator journeyperson
- supervisory positions
Related careers include:
- heavy equipment operator
- oil and gas transportation services occupations
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $8,273
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for winter 2023 opened on March 30, 2022.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 10, 2023 |
Admission requirements
Application dates
- Winter 2023 start: Applications opened on March 30, 2022, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Program requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 10C, Math 10-3, Pure Math 10, or Applied Math 10,
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2,
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
- A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (Level 2) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
Note: General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Pre-Employment Mobile Crane and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Program Outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course Code | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AMAT 202 | Workplace Safety | 1.5 |
| AMEC 206 | Boom Trucks and Cranes | 1.5 |
| AMEC 207 | Rigging Equipment and Procedures | 1.5 |
| OPER 205 | Load Charts Reading and Interpretation | 3.0 |
| RREG 205 | Equipment Operation | 3.0 |
| SIMU 202 | Specialty Lifts and Workplace Coaching | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 12.0 |
Transfer Options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs 2021/22
Domestic tuition and fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health and dental plan | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,597 | $121 | n/a | n/a | $7,718 |
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $46
- Universal transit pass (Upass): n/a
- Student support fee: $38
- Student technology fee: $38
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding
Books and supplies*
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $677
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $8,124 | $149 | n/a | $8,273 |
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $49
- Universal transit pass (Upass): n/a
- Student support fee: $50
- Student technology fee: $50
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding
Saitsa fees
Student Association fees
Students registered in pre-employment programs do not pay student association fees.
Health and dental fees
Students registered in pre-employment programs are not eligible for health and dental plans.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Winter 2022
How to register for classes
You’ll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Steel-toe CSA-approved work boots
- reflective marked vest
- hard hat
- work gloves
Preparation courses
To support your success, you are required to complete two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.652.6886
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca
Academic Chair
Jason Purdy, Academic Chair
Email: jason.purdy@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
