Pre-Employment Welding

Interested in obtaining training and employment in the welding field? This pre-employment program is recommended to those with a burning desire to get into a welding career, having little or no previous exposure. It provides 16 weeks of theory and practical in the classroom and shop.

You will also have the opportunity to attain safety training certification in

  • TDG, WHMIS, H2S Alive, Confined Space, Aerial Platform, Fall Protection and more - based on individual needs for employability enhancement.

Portage Welding Labs

Portage Youtube

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.

Career Potential

Upon successful completion of the Portage College program, students will be given the opportunity to challenge the First Period Apprenticeship Welder exam.  In passing the Provincial Apprenticeship exam, you will have the opportunity to work in industry as an apprentice welder,  welder's helper, as well as other related jobs in the welding industry.

Credential
Certificate

Admission Requirements

  • English Language Arts 10-2
  • Math 10-3

Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact student services regarding opportunities for placement testing. Students will need to submit an application to the program to start the process.

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

Transferability
N/A                       

Program Start/End Dates

Winter term: January 2, 2024 to April 19, 2024

Winter 2025 term: Jan 6, 2025 to April 25, 2025

Application Deadline 
Dec, 16. 2023

Location:
Lac La Biche Campus

Domestic Student Fees
Application Fee $53.50
Tuition Deposit - $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs)

Winter Offering - Fee payment deadline December 15, 2024

Tuition $2,774.99
Student Association $116.70
Dental Insurance Fee $158.50
Health Insurance Fee $104.61
Technology Fee $82.71
Recreation Fee $54.57
Total $3,293.24

Part-time Fees
Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170.

Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION

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.

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.

Pre-Employment Welding

  • CUTTING LAB

    Course ID: PWELD161

    Name: CUTTING LAB

    Hours: 39

    Credits: 1

    This course involves 39 hours of Lab Training at Portage College, Lac La Biche Campus.  Practical training includes performing welds using GMAW, FCAW and MCAW welding processes.

  • FCAW LAB

    Course ID: PWELD162

    Name: FCAW LAB

    Hours: 50

    Credits: 2

    This course involves 50 hours of practical training, where students perform welds using FCAW and MCAW processes.

  • GMAW, FCAW, MCAW, & SAW THEORY

    Course ID: PWELD177

    Name: GMAW, FCAW, MCAW, & SAW THEORY

    Hours: 95

    Credits: 4

    This course will focus on welding equipment and consumables and shielding gases used for the welding process.

  • GMAW LAB

    Course ID: PWELD178

    Name: GMAW LAB

    Hours: 82

    Credits: 2

    This practical course will allow students to perform fillet and groove welds using the GMAW process.

  • TRADES MATH

    Course ID: WELD172

    Name: TRADES MATH

    Hours: 61

    Credits: 2

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

  • WELDING TECHNOLOGY AND PROPERTIES OF METAL

    Course ID: PWELD160

    Name: WELDING TECHNOLOGY AND PROPERTIES OF METAL

    Hours: 82

    Credits: 4

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

  • WORKPLACE SAFETY AND TOOLS

    Course ID: PWELD170

    Name: WORKPLACE SAFETY AND TOOLS

    Hours: 44

    Credits: 1

    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.

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.
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