Portage College outlined major program expansions, regional partnerships, and future plans during a delegation to MD of Bonnyville council.

The presentation included Dr. Steven Price, Portage College’s new president, former president Nancy Broadbent, and Associate Vice President Academic Dr. Don Moore.

Strong regional focus

Dr. Price emphasized the college’s connection to the communities it serves.

“Portage College is in a very strong position because of how integrated it is with the communities it serves,” Price said.

Over the past five years, more than 400 students from the Bonnyville area have attended Portage programs, with nearly half of in-person students attending the Cold Lake campus.

Trades and workforce training

Portage highlighted significant growth in trades programming.

“Trades continue to be the backbone of northeastern Alberta,” said Moore. “The jobs are here, and our goal is to make sure people can get trained here to fill them.”

Programs include electrician, welding, carpentry, heavy-duty mechanic, and a new steamfitter and pipefitter apprenticeship using a blended delivery model.

“If we can train people in northeastern Alberta, they are far more likely to stay in northeastern Alberta and continue contributing to the region,” Price said.

New and upcoming programs

Portage confirmed a new Aircraft Structures Technician program will launch in fall 2026.

“We’re launching the Aircraft Structures Technician program in partnership with the City of Cold Lake, Transport Canada, and the Department of National Defence,” Moore said.

The college is also pursuing degree-granting status, including a proposed Bachelor of Education program.

“One of the biggest needs we heard across the region was teachers,” Moore said. “That’s why we’re working toward delivering that program in a way that allows people to stay and work in their communities.”

Council thanked Portage College for the update and accepted the presentation as information.