LAC LA BICHE - New carpentry and heavy equipment apprenticeship programs will soon be offered at Portage College, allowing apprentices to learn locally while addressing a growing demand for these trades in northeastern Alberta.
On April 16, Portage College announced that, beginning in August, apprenticeship carpentry, as well as periods 1 and 2 of apprenticeship heavy equipment technician, will be offered at the Lac La Biche campus.
“These apprenticeship programs will support the growth of talent in the Northeast, as well as access to training for those working through their apprenticeships,” said Donald Moore, the associate vice president academic/dean for Portage College.
“Having these opportunities offered locally will mean that individuals will be able to work and learn where they live, continuing to grow our talent here and support the growth of local talent.”
Northeastern Alberta has seen significant growth in both trades, with projected growth to continue for years to come. With the number of new mega projects, along with the growth in both oil and gas and construction, demand continues to rise for both qualified tradespeople and the training required to get them there, said Moore.
According to information from Portage College, students in the heavy equipment technician apprenticeship program will study hydraulic brake systems, wheel and suspension systems, engine fundamentals, and fuel systems.
Apprenticeship carpentry will focus on teaching skills such as floor and roof framing, residential and industrial estimating, as well as exterior finishing. Students will have the opportunity to work toward their Red Seal carpentry certification through the program.
Once students have completed the carpentry and heavy equipment technician apprenticeship programs, Moore continued, there are several companies in the region looking to hire apprentices.
For carpentry, there are opportunities in residential, commercial, industry and civil construction, which includes home building, renovations, and larger infrastructure projects.
Heavy duty technicians can work in various fields, including oil and gas, construction, forestry, and transportation.
“As they service and maintain heavy equipment, there are opportunities in the private sector, working with municipalities, and major equipment dealers,” Moore added.
John Hunter, the interim associate dean of trades and technology for Portage College, said as an institution committed to addressing the workforce needs of the region, the new apprenticeship offerings will provide students with the training necessary to meet the growing demands of the region.
“By offering these new opportunities, we are not only equipping the individuals with high-demand technical expertise but also strengthening the local economy and ensuring the continued growth of industries that are vital to our communities,” said Hunter.
“Apprenticeship learning is a post-secondary education that blends hands-on work experience with classroom-based training," said Moore. About 80 per cent of an apprentice’s training occurs on the job, and most apprentices have an employer before beginning their training.
Apprentices work with qualified journeyperson supervisors who oversee their development and skill refinement, while also releasing them to institutions like Portage College for two to three months of the year for classroom-based training.
