Unfortunately, at this point in time, this program is not available to international students. Please click the link to view all of our international students programs.
We make sure you are industry ready!
This short apprenticeship training is sure to spark a bright future. You'll learn GMAW, SMAW, FCAW and GTAW welding techniques to fuse and repair metal components used in construction and manufacturing.
For more information about getting registered as an apprentice, check tradesecrets.alberta.ca.
Portage College is also an approved test centre for the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB).
Tristan came to Portage College from the nation’s capital after hearing about the program from a friend with an Alberta connection.
Portage College offers all three periods of Apprenticeship Welder training at the Lac La Biche Campus. Each training period is eight weeks. As a pre-requisite, students must be registered as an apprentice with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).
Tristan Patterson - Period 3 Welding
“I took a welding course in Ottawa but I learned a lot at Portage College - solidifying my own skills in the processes: MIG, TIG, Flex and Metal Core, Arc, Stick and a whole lot more.”
Apprenticeship Welding Students
Listen to what these students have to say about their experience when taking apprenticeship welding with us.
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).
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 Welder. 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.
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
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/End Dates
Period 3: August 28, 2023
Period 1: October 23, 2023
Period 2: March 4, 2024
Application Deadlines
Period 1: October 9, 2023
Period 2: February 22, 2023
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Apprenticeship Welder 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 Welder 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 Welder Period 3
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
Apprenticeship Welder
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.