LAC LA BIHE - An increased demand for skilled trade workers in the oil and gas industry – especially in the Lakeland region and northeastern Alberta – has meant that more people are attending Portage College to study various trades programs.
According to Donald Moore, the Dean of Trades at Portage College, while enrolment varies from program to program, officials have seen record admissions to trade programs this year.
“We began the year with a waitlist for some programs and have been able to manage it well to maximize student enrolment and look at offering additional sections where possible,” Moore told Lakeland This Week.
Portage College, he continued, with campus locations in Lac La Biche, Cold Lake, St. Paul. Frog Lake, Saddle Lake, Boyle, and Goodfish - Whitefish Lake, offers a number of programs which are directly and indirectly related to the oil and gas industry.
These programs include third- and fourth-class Power Engineering, Heavy Equipment Operator, Welding, Electrical, Steamfitter-Pipefitter, Carpentry, and Heavy Equipment Technician. Furthermore, he said, several of the college’s other programs such as Culinary and Business also align with the needs of the oil and gas industry.
As for which specific programs have experienced significant increases in student interest and demand this year, Power Engineering, Electrician, Welding and Carpentry, Moore says, stand out. Meanwhile, he added, the Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship program – which was relaunched this year – has also seen more apprentices signing up to begin their career in the trade.
Partners
“Much of it can be attributed to industry demand, promotion with our community and K-12 partners, and our program reputation as we continue to grow,” he stated.
Students are able to complete practicums as part of their studies thanks to partnerships Portage College has with various companies and industries. Moore went on by saying that while apprentices at the college are typically working in the field already, programs such as Power Engineering, Heavy Equipment Operator and Pre-apprenticeship Welding, Carpentry, Heavy or Equipment Technician all involve practicums or internships where students work alongside industry partners to further develop their skills and prepare for full-time employment.
“Our industry partners play a pivotal role in student success, and we are thankful to have such accommodating and supportive partners at Portage College,” Moore said.
