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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 OR
- Completion of English Language Arts 10-2 and Math 10-3
Students who do not meet the admission requirements contact Student Services regarding opportunities for placement testing. 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 28, 2025 - May 22, 2026
Fall Term: Upgrading
Winter Term: Trades Training
Spring Term: Placement
Application Deadline
August 15, 2025
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.
Pre-Apprenticeship 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.