Cold Lake, Alberta — April 30, 2026
The sky’s the limit for students, communities and industries across northeastern Alberta associated with the aircraft industry, as Portage College prepares for takeoff with its Aircraft Structures Technician program.
Based in Cold Lake, the new program recently received certification approval from Transport Canada, marking a significant milestone for aviation training in the region and beyond.
The Aircraft Structures Technician program focuses on the inspection, repair, and overhaul of aircraft structures, including both metal and composite materials. The certification from Transport Canada confirms that the program meets the rigorous national standards that prepare students for careers in aircraft maintenance and structural repair.
With classes starting in the fall of 2026, the program already has recognition and approval with the Canadian Armed Forces, with Portage College set to train a number of RCAF members in its inaugural cohort.
“Receiving recognition from both Transport Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces highlights the quality of this program for our students, our region, and the broader aviation sector,” says Portage College’s Associate Vice President Academic Don Moore.
Cold Lake Hangar
Classes will be held in a recently renovated hangar at the Cold Lake Regional Airport. The hangar was acquired by the City of Cold Lake, in partnership with Portage College, to support the program. The facility will provide students with a learning space for both theoretical and hands-on training that flies above industry standards.
With the green light from Transport Canada, graduates of the program will be well-positioned to pursue certification and employment opportunities within Canada’s aviation sector, says Moore.
“We continue to hear about the growth in aviation, both from the civilian and the defence sector, and are eager to begin training the next generation of aircraft maintenance engineers,” he said. “This milestone speaks to Portage College’s commitment to responsive programming that meets regional, provincial, and national workforce needs.”
The Transport Canada approval enhances the program’s credibility and allows graduates to benefit from recognized training pathways toward Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) certification. This designation is highly valued across the aviation industry and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities.
Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice is looking forward to the opportunities that the program and the partnership will provide. “Graduates from this program will be able to work across our great country in an exciting industry and, if they so choose, some will be able to use the skills they learn to help defend Canada and her allies while working right here in Cold Lake,” said the mayor.
Over the last five years, the city of Cold Lake has made significant contributions toward the Air Structures Technician program and the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering certification, including $165,000 to purchase the hangar, $1.4 million to renovate and expand the facility, funding for the design plan of additional programming space, an $88,000 grant for curriculum, and the dedication of 2.37 acres at the Cold Lake Regional Airport for future program expansion.
“Aircraft Maintenance Technicians are in great demand internationally and, with our city’s long history in military aviation, it is only fitting that we are able to supply some of the labour that Canada’s aviation industry requires,” said Mattice.
The Aircraft Structures Technician program is set to begin August 31, 2026. Applications are open until August 15, 2026.
For more information on the program, visit Portage College’s program page here, email us at info@portagecollege.ca or call us at 780-639-0030 or toll free 1-866-623-5551.