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Graduates of Bachelor's programs are able to further their studies in Master's or PhD programming.
Find Your Career Potential
Portage College
Portage College has scholarships, awards and bursaries available for students.
Many of the scholarships, awards and bursaries are made possible through the generosity and kindness of donors.
Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries
Students can choose from a wide selection of university courses offered in person, hyflex, or online.
Program Flexability
Transfer agreements are in place with many different post-secondary institutions across the province and country including University of Alberta, University of Calgary and MacEwan University.
Transfer Credits with Ease
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DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
*If you need to upgrade first, we offer courses that can assist you.
Apprenticeship Electrician at Portage
Professional Instructors
If you would like to receive more information about our trades programs, fill in this request form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.*
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*The personal information you provide through this form is collected in accordance with Section 4(c) of the Alberta Protection of Privacy Act (POPA). The information will be used for the purpose of tracking program interest and responding to program inquiries.
Train with our experienced, professional instructors in a program that combines hands-on skills and technical knowledge.
We offer small class sizes and a comfortable learning environment.
With many industries facing a shortage of skilled professionals, a trade education not only offers job security but also the chance for career advancement and personal growth.
Small Class Sizes
Career Potential
Start training for a rewarding career in the trades.
Trades Programs at Portage College
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.
Lac La Biche Campus
9531 - 94 Ave.
Lac La Biche, Alberta T0A 2C0
Our students agree – “it’s a great learning environment where you’ll get a more personal experience”.
We will meet you wherever you are in your education.
Portage College has been serving the region for over 50 years and is proud to be the first choice for learners in northeast Alberta.
Portage College connects people with knowledge, skills and opportunities, empowering them to transform themselves and make a difference. Collaboration, inclusion, and a commitment to success and accountability are at the core of the College’s values. The College boasts seven strategically located campuses throughout the region.
Professional Cooking Certificate
The Professional Cooking Certificate gives students the opportunity to complete the certificate program. The course will be a blended delivery with theory classes being online and all lab training is face-to-face.
Certificate
Courses include Kitchen introduction, Baking and Pastries, Stocks, Soups & Sauces, and Kitchen Management - All in the professional commercial kitchens in the new, state-of-the-art Training Centre.
This program after successful completion is transferable to our Culinary Arts Diploma.
Culinary Arts Diploma
The Portage College Culinary Arts Diploma provides you with all the specialized knowledge and professional skills needed for the ever-changing and equally exciting food service industry.
Diploma
Courses include Kitchen introduction, Baking and Pastries, Stocks, Soups & Sauces, and Kitchen Management - All in the professional commercial kitchens in the Hospitality Training Centre.
Culinary Arts Program Graduate
Andrea Gauthier
“I was looking forward to learning about international cuisine and how some of the dishes are created, cooked and presented. And because the class sizes were not too big, we were able to get the instruction and attention we needed to make our food even better.”
Learn how to measure, lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes utilizing not only steel but alloys, plastics, and fibreglass as well.
Note: Period 1 of Steamfitter-Pipefitter is a common period among pipe trades. Apprentice plumbers, gasfitters, and sprinkler system installers are also eligible to enroll in this same period 1.
Steamfitter-Pipefitter
As part of this apprenticeship program, you’ll learn GMAW, SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW welding techniques to fuse and repair metal components commonly used in construction and manufacturing. We offer all 3 Welding Periods as you progress your education towards obtaining your Red Seal, all from our Lac La Biche campus!
Welding
Our students will earn valuable experience both in class and on the job through practicum placement as part of this program and will prepare you to write associated ABSA exams upon completion of each program. Programs are currently available for both 4th Class and 3rd Class Power Engineering at our Lac La Biche campus.
Power Engineering
Learn to install, maintain, repair, and operate electrical wiring and devices safely with this comprehensive apprenticeship program. All four periods can be completed straight from our Cold Lake campus, providing you with the necessary skills to obtain your journeyman certificate and Red Seal Examination.
Electrician
Whether you are working on your bachelor of arts degree, education, or otherwise, Portage College can help you take your career to the next level.
Why Portage College?
Trades and Technology at Portage College
Receive More Information About Trades Programs at Portage College
This is the perfect program for those students with an interest in working with heavy vehicles, industrial equipment, or commercial transport devices. As an introductory program, over the course of 12 weeks you’ll be introduced to various tools and heavy equipment you’ll see in the workforce
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Students who successfully pass this Pre-Employment program will have the opportunity to write the 1st-period apprenticeship exam and begin an exciting pathway toward obtaining a Red Seal!
New this year: Apprenticeship Periods 1 and 2 of Heavy Equipment Technician are now being offered at Portage College with two intakes for both periods occurring in the Fall and Winter semesters.
Note: Period 1 is a common pathway for students interested in becoming Transport-Trailer Mechanics. Periods 1 and 2 of Apprentice Heavy Equipment Technician are also a common pathway for students interested in becoming Off-Road Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics or Truck and Transport Mechanics.
New this year: Apprenticeship Carpentry returns to Portage College with all four periods being offered. The program combines classroom instruction with extensive lab training, which will provide foundational carpentry skills in framing, roofing, and finishing, estimating and drawing interpretation at a residential level and eventually at a commercial level in later periods.
Carpentry
A unique program to Northern Alberta, Aircraft Structures Technician is a one-year program designed to provide students with comprehensive training in the construction, repair, and maintenance of aircraft structures, including sheet metal, composite, and fabric materials. The program will operate out of a state-of-the-art hangar at the Cold Lake Regional Airport, providing an authentic learning environment for students.
Note: The first intake of this program will occur in August 2026. As such, applications for this program will open on October 1, 2025.
Aircraft Structures Technician
Hair professionals today require a balance of technical, creative, interpersonal and entrepreneurial skills to succeed in a competitive industry. Train with our experienced, professional instructors in a program that combines hands-on skills and technical knowledge. We offer small class sizes and a comfortable learning environment. Our program is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship Industry Training, and upon successful completion, you'll be able to work in the industry and work towards your apprenticeship hours.
