Excitement is building in Portage College’s School of Skilled Trades. With additional funding provided through Advanced Education and Alberta Industry and Training (AIT), Portage College is thrilled to introduce two new apprenticeship programs. Beginning in August 2025, the College will offer Apprenticeship Carpentry, as well as Periods 1 and 2 of Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician at our Lac La Biche campus.

The Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician and Apprenticeship Carpentry programs will allow students to continue through their training to achieve full journeyperson certification, whether enrolling as First Period students or building on the skills developed through our Pre-Apprenticeship and Pre-Employment programs currently being offered. By providing pathways and apprenticeship programs, students will have clear and viable paths into a rewarding and successful career in the Skilled Trades, especially as demand for trade workers continues to increase across Alberta.

“As an institution committed to addressing the workforce needs of our region, our new offerings of Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician and Apprenticeship Carpentry will provide our students with the training necessary to meet the growing demands of the region.  By offering these new opportunities, we are not only equipping the individuals with high-demand technical expertise but also strengthening the local economy and ensuring the continued growth of industries that are vital to our communities,” said John Hunter, the Interim Associate Dean of Trades and Technology.

Each of the new programs offered by Portage College aims to address the demand for skilled workers in various trade industries. As part of the Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician curriculum, students will study hydraulic brake systems, wheel and suspension systems, engine fundamentals, and fuel systems. Periods 1 and 2 of the Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician curriculums will also serve as a common learning pathway for students interested in becoming Truck and Transport Mechanics or Off-Road Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics, with Period 1 additionally serving as a common learning pathway for Transport-Trailer Mechanics.

Apprenticeship Carpentry will teach students skills such as Floor and Roof Framing. Residential and Industrial Estimating, and Interior and Exterior finishing. By offering the Apprenticeship Carpentry Program, students will be able to work towards earning their Red Seal certification entirely from Portage College’s programming.

It's an exciting time in the trades industry for Portage College, says Associate Vice President Academic and Dean of Trades Don Moore.

“Expanding our Carpentry and Heavy Equipment Technician offerings to now include Apprentice pathways speaks volumes to the needs of industry, as well as the hard work and dedication of many individuals here at Portage College.  We continue to hear about the increasing demand for these trades within our region, from home construction to increased activity in transportation and the oil and gas sector. Portage College is excited to do our part in helping to meet these ever-increasing demands in rural Alberta.”

Portage College will be hosting a Trades Open House on May 22, 2025, to showcase all of the trades programs available, including the brand-new programs set to begin later this year. The Open House will be hosted at our Lac La Biche campus and will be open to the public, in addition to schools and partners within the region.

For additional information on the upcoming Open House or for program-specific information, email us at info@portagecollege.ca or check out our website at https://www.portagecollege.ca/

Program Inquiries:

Portage College

780-623-5551 or email

Media Inquiries:

Corporate Communications Department

780-623-6671 or email