The Apprentice Carpentry program at Portage College offers hands-on training and practical experience to students aspiring to become skilled carpenters. This program combines classroom instruction with extensive lab training, focusing on foundational carpentry skills such as framing, roofing, finishing, and cabinet-making. Students learn how to read blueprints, use carpentry tools, and apply safety standards, preparing them for work in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge and experience needed to pursue their Red Seal certification and craft a successful career in carpentry.
Upon completion, students will have the opportunity to gain work experience through apprenticeship placements, which are a critical part of the certification process. Successful graduates are well-prepared to pursue their Journeyperson status and begin a rewarding career as a Carpenter.
Career Potential
Employment as an Apprentice Carpenter. Higher levels of apprenticeship create opportunities such as advancement in the field, enhanced skills and responsibilities, higher pay and increased job opportunities. Each level is another step to fulfilling the requirements to obtain a journeyperson ticket.
Successful completion of Period 1
Transferability
The technical training is the standard through the Province; therefore, apprentices may take their training at Portage College or any college or technical institute in Alberta offering Carpentry Apprenticeship training.
Program Start Dates
Period 1: To be announced
Period 2: To be announced
Period 3: January 5, 2026
Period 4: To be announced
Application Deadlines
For each period, applications remain open until all seats are filled or until the program start date.
Application Fee: $53.50
Apprenticeship Carpentry Period 1
| Tuition | $1,044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Materials & Shop Fee | $77.00 |
| Total | $1,213.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Apprenticeship Carpentry Period 2
| Tuition | $1,044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Materials & Shop Fee | $77.00 |
| Total | $1,213.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Apprenticeship Carpentry Period 3
| Tuition | $1,044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Materials & Shop Fee | $77.00 |
| Total | $1,213.49 |
Apprenticeship Carpentry Period 4
| Tuition | $1,044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Materials & Shop Fee | $77.00 |
| Total | $1,213.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure.
As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Athletics & Recreation fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online.
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act.