Portage College Launches Aircraft Structures Technician Program

Portage College is proud to unveil its upcoming Aircraft Structures Technician Certificate program, set to launch with its first student intake in August 2026.

Developed in close collaboration with the Cold Lake Regional Airport, the program responds to growing regional and national demand for skilled aircraft structure technicians.

To support this initiative, the City of Cold Lake has acquired a large hangar at the regional airport, which is being transformed—through a partnership with Portage College—into a dedicated instructional space. The facility will feature both a classroom and fully equipped lab space for hands-on training.

“The Aircraft Structures Technician Program is a direct result of our strong partnership with Portage College and a shared vision to address Canada’s growing need for aviation professionals,” said Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland. “With 4 Wing Cold Lake overhead and deep roots in aviation, our community offers students a unique place to begin their journey in the aerospace industry.”

The new certificate will offer students the foundational knowledge and skills to build and maintain aircraft structures, covering a range of materials and repair techniques vital to the field. The program comes at a critical time, as demand for trained aircraft structure technicians rises—especially in northeastern Alberta, home to one of Canada’s largest air force bases and a hub of ongoing aviation activity.

“We’re excited to expand our programming in partnership with the City of Cold Lake,” said Dr. Donna Feledichuk, Vice President, Academics and Research at Portage College. “This initiative reflects our commitment to delivering relevant, career-focused education tailored to the needs of our communities.”

Looking ahead, Portage College is also exploring additional collaborations with personnel from CFB Cold Lake to further enrich the program and expand local opportunities in the aerospace sector.