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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 12 weeks of theory and practical in the classroom and shop.
You will also have the opportunity to attain safety training certification in
Portage Welding Labs
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
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
January 5, 2026 - April 24, 2026
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, 2025
| Tuition | $3,052.49 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $107.75 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $3,577.47 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION
Fee Explanations
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.
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
These 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.
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.
Pre-Employment Welding
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.