After two years of collaboration, Portage College and Rocksolid Building Products have launched the first-ever Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Training course for construction trades in Canada. With support from the Alberta Government, the course is a huge step towards a much-needed adoption of alternative building materials, including AAC, to complement the existing construction supply chain. 

This year marks the 100th anniversary of AAC, a lightweight concrete used extensively across Europe, Asia and Australia. It’s used in all climates for residential, commercial and industrial construction. Faster construction, increased fire resistance and affordable net zero energy efficiency will become building standard with AAC. 

President of Portage College Nancy Broadbent is so proud of the partnership that has grown in this project, “I am so grateful to have industry partners like Rocksolid Building Products working with us to provide training of construction specialists in the use of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete. It is important to Portage College that we support and promote sustainable alternatives to construction which balance economic growth with environment protection.”

These initial entry-level AAC Training courses use a blended-delivery model which includes 8 hours of online instruction, as well as onsite labs. Students will get hands on with the product and learn how to use AAC in all types of construction. “Empowering our labour force was the first priority in introducing AAC to the construction supply chain,” says Freeman Willerton, CEO of Rocksolid. “Closing the housing gap and decarbonizing buildings and construction in Canada are some of the biggest challenges we are facing, and we can’t do it without our trades.”

AAC is the most promising building material available to meet those challenges, and starting with our workforce is critical in adoption of new building technologies. Next steps include developing a full certification and training system with certification pathways for Installer, Builder, Project Professional, Inspector, Trainer. Rocksolid and Portage will continue their collaboration to make this building construction movement a reality. 

About Rocksolid Building Products

Rocksolid Building Products is a Building Materials & Technology company based in Alberta, Treaty 6. We are a supply chain enabler, distributor, and future manufacturer introducing new generations of resource-efficient building materials, technologies and construction methods to Canada and the Americas.

About Portage College 

Portage College is a public board-governed community College, operating seven strategically located campuses in northeastern Alberta. Collaboration, inclusion, and a commitment to success and accountability are at the core of the College’s values. Portage College has been serving the region for over 50 years and is proud to be the first choice for learners in northeastern Alberta.

Media Inquiries

Rocksolid Building Products
Carmen Morgan, Communications Director
780-686-8102 or email

Portage College
Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager 
780-623-6671 or email