Portage College looks to further expand its offerings in Cold Lake

On Tuesday’s Cold Lake city council meeting featured significant updates regarding further education with Portage College. In an exclusive interview with Lakeland Connect, Mayor Craig Copeland shared updates on various programs, including an aircraft maintenance certification program that addresses the shortage of aircraft maintenance professionals. The program, a collaboration between the city and Portage College, will be hosted at the regional airport owned by the city and is expected to initially accommodate 10 to 20 students.

“We’re gonna set up a school with Portage and get the curriculum from another school,” Mayor Copeland explained, “Portage is really growing.”

Additionally, Portage College is expanding its offerings to include Addiction Counseling and Occupational Health Programs. The mayor highlighted the college’s growth, especially its ability to offer online courses, which is attracting foreign students and expanding its reach beyond Cold Lake. Reflecting on the evolving landscape of education, Mayor Copeland noted, “And, uh, you know, with being able to teach online now, it’s really kind of, you know, expanded the horizon.” Expanding online learning opportunities allows students from various backgrounds to access quality education conveniently.

Mayor Copeland highlighted the attraction of foreign students to Portage College, stating, “And getting a lot of foreign students too.” This influx of international students not only enriches the campus community but also contributes to the cultural diversity of Cold Lake, fostering global connections and perspectives.

The mayor expressed optimism about the future, stating, “It’s exciting times in the city with our relationship with Portage.” The collaboration between Cold Lake and Portage College signifies a promising partnership to advance education, foster economic growth, and enhance the overall quality of life in the region.