Domestic Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
We make sure you are industry ready!
Learn how to measure, lay out, assemble, fabricate, maintain and repair piping systems which carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel used in heating, cooling, lubricating and other processes utilizing not only steel but alloys, plastics, fiberglass as well.
You'll learn how to join sections of pipe properly, read blue prints and create your own detailed fabrication drawings, manufacture supports and brackets for piping systems, and work with qualified welders to tack fittings and supports in place.
NOTE: Period 1 of Steamfitter-Pipefitter is common period among pipe trades. Apprentice plumbers, gasfitters and sprinkler system installers are eligible to enroll in the same Period 1.
This trade is made for someone who:
- Is mechanically inclined
- Can multitask
- Can creatively solve problems
- Can visualize and execute complex instructions
- Comfortable with math and science
- Enjoys working in a physically active environment
This trade requires certification, meaning that a person must either be a registered apprentice working under the guidance of a certified journeyperson or they must be a certified journeyperson themselves. Portage College will help you earn this certification.
Domestic Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Domestic Information Request
If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.
Career Potential
Employment as an Apprentice Steamfitter-Pipefitter. 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 journeyman ticket.
Steamfitter-Pipefitters have a versatile skillset, allowing them to work in a number of settings. These can include: iHospital and other commercial building construction and maintenance, pulp mills, ship building, off shore oil platforms, mining sites (both mineral extraction and open pit oil extraction), SAGD oil extraction, chemical and plastic processing facilities, LNG transportation and distribution centers as well as power plants of every type.
Admission Requirements
Period 1
Students must be a registered apprentice with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) and be eligible for identified period training.
Period 2
Successful completion of Period 1
Period 3
Successful completion of Period 2
Period 4
Successful completion of Period 3
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 Welder Apprenticeship training.
Program Start Dates
Period 1: August 18, 2025
Period 2: October 20, 2025
Period 3 & Period 1 Blended: January 6, 2025
Period 4: March 3, 2025
Application Deadlines
Period 1: August 4, 2025
Period 2: October 6, 2025
Period 3 & Period 1 Blended: December 1, 2024
Period 4: February 17, 2025
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Apprenticeship Steamfitter-Pipefitter Period 1
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Apprenticeship Steamfitter-Pipefitter Period 2
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Apprenticeship Steamfitter-Pipefitter Period 3
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Apprenticeship Steamfitter-Pipefitter Period 4
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
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.
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
Apprenticeship Steamfitter-Pipefitter
We acknowledge that Portage College’s service region is on the traditional lands of First Nation Peoples, the owners of Treaty 6, 8 and 10, which are also homelands to the Métis people. We honour the history and culture of all people who first lived and gathered in these lands.