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.
We make sure you are industry ready!
This short apprenticeship training is sure to spark a bright future. You'll learn MIG, ARC and TIG welding techniques to fuse and repair metal components used in construction and manufacturing.
For more information about getting registered as an apprentice, check tradesecrets.alberta.ca.
Portage College is also an approved test centre for the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB).
Tristan came to Portage College from the nation’s capital after hearing about the program from a friend with an Alberta connection.
Portage College offers all three periods of Apprenticeship Welder training at the Lac La Biche Campus. Each training period is eight weeks. As a pre-requisite, students must be registered as an apprentice with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).
Tristan Patterson - Period 3 Welding
“I took a welding course in Ottawa but I learned a lot at Portage College - solidifying my own skills in the processes: MIG, TIG, Flex and Metal Core, Arc, Stick and a whole lot more.”
Apprenticeship Welding Students
Listen to what these students have to say about their experience when taking apprenticeship welding with us.
Canadian Apply
Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).
Canadian Funding Options
Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.
Canadian Information Request
If you have lots of questions and are not sure who to ask or where to look, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions to help you get the information you need.
Career Potential
Employment as an Apprentice Welder. Higher levels of apprenticeship create opportunities such as advancement in the field, enhanced skills and responsibilities, higher pay and increased job opportunities. Each level is another step to fulfilling the requirements to obtain a journeyman ticket.
Admission Requirements
Period 1
Recommended path:
English 30-2, Math 30-3, Physics 20 or Chemistry 20 or Science 20. Related Career and Technology Studies courses.
Minimum Requirements: English 10-2, Math 10-3 or a pass mark in all five Canadian General Education Development (GED) tests or Entrance Exam Category A. Must be registered as an Apprentice Welder with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).
Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.
Period 2
Successful completion of Period 1
Period 3
Successful completion of Period 2
Transferability
The technical training is the standard through the Province; therefore apprentices may take their training at Portage College or any college or technical institute in Alberta offering Welder Apprenticeship training.
Program Start/End Dates
Period 3: March 13, 2023 to May 5, 2023
Application Deadlines
Period 1: August 22, 2022
Period 2: October 14, 2022
Period 4: March 6, 2023
Location
Lac La Biche Campus
Apprenticeship Welder Period 1
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Apprenticeship Welder Period 2
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Apprenticeship Welder Period 3
| Tuition | $1044.00 |
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $1,136.49 |
Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Other purchases may be necessary in order for students to complete their courses/program.
Apprenticeship Welder
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.