Pre-Apprenticeship Welding

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This unique Pre-apprenticeship program prepares students to enter the exciting, dynamic profession of Welding. This program incorporates an Academic Upgrading portion which will be delivered online or blended, with courses unique to each student. Theory will be assessed through tests and exams, while performance-based outcomes will be assessed in the lab. Students will each participate in an 8-week, 200-hour, trade-appropriate work placement which may be used for apprenticeship hours. Graduates are eligible to challenge the period one examination administered through Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. Our enthusiastic, experienced instructors integrate individual learning needs and imaginative, innovative classroom and lab experiences.

Please visit the College Preparation website for the full list of courses available to take through our academic upgrading and the Pre-employment welding page for a full listing of welding courses.

Career Potential
Pre-Apprenticeship Welding prepares students for direct entry into employment and/or further studies.

Admission Requirements

  • Placement testing for the enrollment of English Language Arts 10-2 and Math 10-3

OR

  • The completion of Portage College’s COMM 300 and Math 300 courses

Students will need to submit an application to the program to start this process.

Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

Program Start/End Dates
August 31, 2026 – June 25, 2027

Fall Term: Upgrading
Winter Term: Trades Training
Spring Term: Placement

 

Application Deadline
August 15, 2026

Location
Lac La Biche Campus

Delivery
Blended

Domestic Student Fees

Yearly Fee payment deadline August 15, 2025

Tuition $10,700.00
Student Association Fee $302.35
Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
Health Insurance Fee $163.25
Technology Fee $248.13
Recreation Fee $132.68
Course Materials $278.57
Book Rental $438.39
Total $12,426.62


Textbook Rentals
Rentals can be arranged through the Portage College Bookstore:
By Phone: Toll free 1.866.623.5551 ext. 5647 or 780.623.5647 Visit  Portage Bookstore for other 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.

Health & Dental Fees
You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan.

Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609.

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.

Click here to view Other Fees for Service

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Funding Your Education

Program Information Request Form

Pre-Apprenticeship Welding Course Listing

TBD
Hours: 4

This program is offered through a Multimedia Interactive Video CD-ROM Computer system designed to give students some basic training for working in a large construction site, with the emphasis being on safety, students are tested on what they have been taught. The training is done individually and takes an average of 4.5 hours to complete. This Alberta Construction Safety Association program is divided into 12 lessons of various health and safety topics.
Hours: 8

This introductory course is designed to allow the learner to develop an appreciation of the value of diversity within our culture. A unique combination of video and animation sets the path of exploration through a fictitious company. The interactive learning environment is designed for learner engagement and participation.
Hours: 3

This course will provide information welding technology and the properties of metals. It will focus on drawing interpretations and joint and weld types.
Hours: 72
Credits: 4

This course involves 34 hours of Lab Training at Portage College, Lac La Biche Campus. Practical training includes performing welds using GMAW, FCAW and MCAW welding processes.
Hours: 34
Credits: 1

This course involves 44 hours of practical training, where students perform welds using FCAW and MCAW processes.
Hours: 44
Credits: 2

This course will provide information on legislation, regulation and practices of safety procedures used in the workplace. As well as information on the correct use of tools commonly used in the Welding trade.
Hours: 35
Credits: 1

This course will focus on mathematical concepts such as decimals, fractions, ratios and percentages, formulas and metric and imperial measures.
Hours: 44
Credits: 2

This course will focus on welding equipment and consumables and shielding gases used for the welding process.
Hours: 88
Credits: 6

This practical course will allow students to perform fillet and groove welds using the GMAW process.
Hours: 43
Credits: 1

This course covers the health hazards that workers in the petroleum industry could incur when exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S). The Petroleum Industry Training Service industry standard certificate is issued upon successful completion of the course, and is valid for three years. To receive certification, the student must obtain a mark above 69% in a written exam, as well as prove through demonstration, that they have learned the practical skills required. The course provides information on the health hazards and physical properties of H2S. The student learns how to protect himself/ herself with the use of proper protection equipment and basic rescue techniques. The student is shown how to operate and use a self-contained breathing apparatus and a detector tube device. The students also practice rescue breathing techniques on a mannequin.
Hours: 8

Confined Space Entry Safety Course
Hours: 8

Fall Protection Safety Course
Hours: 8

<p>Apply what you learn in the classroom to a work environment. Work placements will be completed with natural resource industry partners where students will assist in day-to-day field operations and learn valuable hands-on skills needed to be a successful employee.<br /></p>
Hours: 120
Credits: 3