Portage College is thrilled to announce the launch of our Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate.  In close consultation with the Cold Lake Regional Airport, the demand for such a specialized program within our region was clear.  The expectation will be for the program to begin with the initial intake of students in August 2026.

As part of the new program, the City of Cold Lake recently purchased a large hangar at the Cold Lake Regional Airport. In partnership with Portage College, the hangar is being turned into an instructional area for the Aircraft Structures Technician program that will include lab space for hands-on learning and a classroom

“The Aircraft Structures Technician Program is the result of a strong community partnership between the City of Cold Lake and Portage College in response to a national labour-force need. We are the proud home of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 4 Wing Cold Lake, and students training to join Canada’s aerospace industry will do so in a community steeped in aviation history, with men and women of the RCAF flying overhead. I offer my thanks to Portage College for their partnership in this program, and my best wishes to the students who will join Canada’s aviation industry through their training here,” said Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland.

The Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate will provide a unique opportunity for students with a keen interest in aircraft maintenance and structural integrity.  The demand for Aircraft Structure Technicians continues to grow across Canada, particularly in northeastern Alberta as Cold Lake is home to one of the largest air force bases in Canada, in addition to other aircraft activity that happens in the region.

Within the Aircraft Structures Technician program, students learn the fundamentals of aircraft structures, how to work with various materials associated with aviation and the specific repair and maintenance techniques required for work in the field.

“We are excited to work with community partners to bring new programs to the region. We are thankful for the City of Cold Lake’s dedication to this project and are thrilled to be offering Aircraft Structures Technician starting in 2026,” said Dr. Donna Feledichuk, Vice President, Academics and Research at Portage College.

As plans for the Aircraft Structure Technician program prepare for take-off, Portage College is exploring additional partnership opportunities for personnel at CFB Cold Lake.

For more information on Portage College’s Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate, please visit Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate on the Portage College website.

Inquiries:

Tyler Dennison - Marketing Specialist, Trades & Technology

Email: info@portagecollege.ca

Phone: 780 623 5551