Lac La Biche, AB. – Portage College will create 200 new student seats across eight high-demand programs thanks to more than $4.8 million in targeted enrolment expansion funding from the Government of Alberta through the 2028-29 academic year. The investment will expand opportunities for learners pursuing careers in health care, emergency medical services, early learning and child care, education, and skilled trades, helping address workforce needs across rural and northeastern Alberta and the province.
“Alberta’s government is expanding opportunities for students to pursue in-demand careers while helping address workforce needs across the province. Through this investment, Portage College will add 200 new seats in eight high-demand programs, strengthening Alberta’s talent pipeline in key sectors including health care, education, early learning and child care, emergency services, and skilled trades.”
- Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education
“At Portage College, we believe education has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and shape prosperous futures. This investment means more learners can train close to home for careers that are needed close to home. This will expand opportunities for learners while helping ensure our region has the skilled professionals needed to support community wellbeing and long-term economic growth.”
- Dr. Stephen Price, President and CEO, Portage College
Expanding Healthcare and Emergency Medical Training
Portage College will increase capacity in its healthcare and pre-hospital education programs by adding:
- 16 seats in the Practical Nurse Diploma program
- 24 seats in the Primary Care Paramedic program
- 24 seats in the Advanced Care Paramedic program
Together, these expansions will help prepare more nurses and paramedics to serve communities throughout northeastern Alberta and beyond.
“Giving students more opportunities to train close to home helps build the skilled workforce our communities need. This investment in Portage College will increase access to high-demand healthcare programs and help prepare the nurses and paramedics our region relies on. It’s a win for students, employers, and communities across northern Alberta.”
- Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals and MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche
Supporting Alberta’s Aviation Industries
Portage College’s new Aircraft Structures Technician program will offer 16 seats in Cold Lake, providing specialized training for Alberta’s growing aviation and aerospace sectors and strengthening the regional talent pipeline.
The program will prepare students with the technical skills needed for careers in aircraft maintenance and structures while supporting workforce needs in a growing industry.
“Bringing the Aircraft Structures Technician program to Cold Lake is an exciting investment in both our students and our region. These new seats will help students develop specialized skills close to home while strengthening the talent pipeline for Alberta’s aviation and aerospace sectors. When we create more pathways to build a career in rural Alberta, we support economic growth, strengthen our communities, and help retain local talent.”
- Scott Cyr, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul
Growing Early Learning and Child Care Opportunities
Portage College will also add 40 seats across its Early Learning and Child Care Certificate and Diploma programs.
Demand for the programs remains strong, with more than 800 students currently enrolled across the two offerings. The additional seats will help address the growing need for qualified child care professionals while providing more learners with pathways into careers supporting children and families.
Expanding Education Pathways
As part of the expansion, Portage College will introduce and grow opportunities for students pursuing careers in education.
The new Essentials in Teaching Certificate, expected to launch in January 2027, will offer 20 seats and provide an accelerated pathway for learners pursuing careers in education.
The College’s recently launched Bachelor of Education program currently offers 30 seats and will expand to 60 seats by 2028-29, doubling opportunities for students to pursue teaching careers close to home.
Expanding Opportunity Across Eight High-Demand Programs
“We are very pleased to receive this investment of over $4.8 million from Advanced Education. These targeted enrolment expansion dollars will allow Portage College to add 200 additional seats annually by 2028–29, across programs that are critically important to the communities we serve. Expanding access in health care, education, early learning, emergency services and aviation means more students can train closer to home and more graduates can build their careers within the region.”
- Dr. Donna Feledichuk, Vice President Academic & Research at Portage College
The expansion funding supports growth in eight programs:
- Advanced Care Paramedic
- Aircraft Structures Technician
- Bachelor of Education, Elementary
- Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
- Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
- Essentials in Teaching Certificate
- Practical Nurse Diploma
- Primary Care Paramedic
Portage College will announce program start dates and application details as they are finalized. To learn more about Portage College programs and admissions, visit www.portagecollege.ca or attend upcoming open houses on October 21 in St. Paul and Bonnyville, October 26 in Lac La Biche, and October 27 in Cold Lake.
For further information, please contact: info@portagecollege.ca or 1-866-623-5551
Media Inquiries:
Portage College
Corporate Communications
780-623-6671 or email