Pre-Apprentice Line Program

This one-semester certificate program prepares students to be successful in applying for groundmen and apprentice positions within the line trade. It was developed in response to a nation-wide shortage of skilled line workers. A recent survey of the National utility industry indicates that there will be a significant need for new apprentice positions each year. Individuals holding skills offered by this training for the next decade will help keep up with industry needs.

The program has a limited number of spots available. Admission to Highlands College does not guarantee admission to the Pre-Apprentice Line Program. The following criteria must be met before admission will be granted to the Pre-Apprentice Line Program.

1. Application. Initial admission to the program is based on a first-come/first-served process. The first individuals who apply for a specific semester will have a slot reserved pending submission of the remaining items listed below (numbers 2-5).
2. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. Applicants must complete and pass the DOT physical. Applicants should contact their personal physician to fulfill this requirement. A copy of the completed DOT examination form must be submitted to the Admissions office (address below). Please keep your original card
3. Age. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age before the first 2 weeks of the semester of study are complete.
4. Official Transcripts. Currently enrolled high school students can reserve their spot by submitting an unofficial high school transcript. However, an official high school transcript must be submitted immediately after graduation. Otherwise, the student risks losing his or her spot. All students who have received college credit at another college or university must submit official transcripts from that institution. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted for courses that are currently in-progress but official ones must be sent to MT Tech after course completion.

These items must be submitted to the Montana Tech Admissions Office (1300 W. Park St.) before December 15^th(for Spring entry) and July 15th (for Fall entry). If an applicant feels he or she will not meet the criteria for acceptance into the Pre-Apprentice Line Program, he or she should notify the Admissions Office immediately so his or her slot can be opened for another applicant.

Applicants from western states should contact the Director of Financial Aid for details about the WUE tuition rate and how to apply. Certain western states participate in this reciprocity agreement that can reduce the cost of out-of-state tuition. Students must show proof of health insurance or purchase the college’s insurance before classes begin. Individuals who wish to live in the residence halls at Montana Tech are invited to do so, although Highlands College students are not required to live on campus.

All individuals who apply to Montana Tech should also complete the following:

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid. The FAFSA can be found online at www.fafsa.gov.

Commercial Driver’s License (A) Training Permit

Students will no longer be required to have their CDL-A permit as part of the admissions requirements; however, students who can obtain the written permit in the State of Montana in advance of attending are encouraged to do so. If not, you will only have Friday’s to do so and only one month to complete.

Students in the training will need to supply their work clothes and boots. Hard hat, safety glasses, tools, belts, and certification costs will be covered in the cost of the program. Instructional texts and specialized safety equipment (leather work-gloves and boots) must be purchased separately from the Tech bookstore at an approximate cost of $200. Upon final selection of participants, determined by completion of the items listed on the previous page, students will be required to e-mail lineprogram@mtech.edu to discuss the appropriate footwear.

Students will also have the opportunity to earn the following certifications:

• Commercial Driver’s License (Class A)
• Flagger Training
• First Aid/CPR/AED
• Rigging Cert
• OSHA 10-hour ET&D

Outcomes

1. At graduation, students earning a Certificate in the Pre-Apprentice Line Program will have the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain placement within the discipline.
2. Students within the Pre-Apprentice Line Program will demonstrate competency in the use of tools, technology and safety equipment typically used in industry.
3. Demonstrate problem solving, informational literacy, technological and communication skills in team and individual learning exercises.
4. Provide students with the skills that will promote occupational growth and life-long learning.

Assessment

• Student evaluations
• Student portfolios
• Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Survey
• Graduate Placement Survey
• Survey of students
• Alumni
• Advisory Board