Portage College’s recent growth and future plans were highlighted during the Town of St. Paul’s most recent meeting. New programs have been introduced at the St. Paul campus in response to local challenges identified by various sectors, notably in information technology and education.
Don Moore, Associate Vice President Academic, highlighted the college’s efforts to connect with community partners.
“A lot of what we’ve been hearing is this real challenge with teacher shortages and a real need for local education programming,” Moore says.
St. Paul Education has emphasized difficulties in hiring teachers and the need for rural-trained individuals who are likely to remain in their communities. To address this, Portage College aims to launch a Bachelor of Education program, initially focusing on elementary education, by Fall 2026. The program will start as a generalist one and may expand to include high school and trades teacher education.
Last year, Portage College introduced an online computer programming and information technology certificate program, which has seen strong enrollment from the St. Paul area. Encouraged by its success, the college plans to expand this to a two-year diploma program by Fall 2025. Moore noted that local tech-based businesses, like MCSNet, face recruitment challenges, sometimes having to hire entry-level IT professionals from abroad.
Fall 2025 is expected to be significant for Portage College, with plans to launch a Kinesiology Sports Studies program focusing on sports, medicine, and personal training. The college is also preparing to introduce a tourism and hospitality program in Winter 2025, offering both certificate and diploma options. This program aims to meet local and international demand, aligning with the provincial government’s interest in developing the Lakeland region for tourism. Mayor Maureen Miller expressed her enthusiasm, noting the region’s potential for tourism growth. “We love it, and we use it, but we don’t work at it. We don’t market our region,” Miller stated, emphasizing the need for further development.
Potage College is set to restart its Steamfitter-Pipefitter program this fall, providing training for plumbers, sprinkler system installers, and gas fitters in a blended online and offline format. Additionally, the college has expanded its paramedic program in response to ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector.
The college continues to foster partnerships, including a dual-credit program with St. Paul Education that allows high school students to earn credits in trade programs. It has also established degree partnerships with institutions like Athabasca University, the University of Alberta, and the University of Calgary, enhancing university studies offerings across its campuses.
Edna Gervais, Community Liaison and Program Support at the St. Paul campus, announced the arrival of several international students this fall. A town hall on June 25 will provide information on their integration into the community. Gervais emphasized the importance of cultural awareness and respect, noting ongoing efforts to secure housing and part-time employment for the students. She expressed hope that the community will warmly welcome the new students.