Program Description
A Welder is a person who has training in and is capable of welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions, on both plate and/or pipe, using SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes. Welders use manual or semi-automatic welding equipment. They use flame-cutting, brazing and air-arcing equipment. Additionally, they use machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines. Welders generally plan work from drawings or by analyzing the job tasks, determine the materials required and welding processes, then use their knowledge of welding to complete the job. They may specialize in certain types of welding such as custom fabrication, ship building and repair, pressure vessel welding, pipeline construction welding, structural construction welding or machinery and equipment repair welding. Workers use blueprint symbols to determine machining operations. They check product specifications using precision measuring instruments, and maintain equipment and replace parts when required.
Effective March 31, 2014, a new Welder Apprenticeship training model will replace the Modular levels Welding C, B and A. The new program will provide a Welder Certificate of Qualification with a Red Seal Endorsement. The information contained in this section reflects the new training model.
The Welding Apprenticeship program is comprised of three levels of in-school technical training. Apprentices completing Level 1 and Level 2 technical training, and 3,000 work-based training hours are eligible for Certification from the Industry Training Authority (ITA). Apprentices who complete Level 3 are eligible to write their Interprovincial Red Seal exam on their last day of training. The ITA will award a Welder Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal Endorsement upon successful completion of Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 technical training, the Welder Interprovincial Red Seal Exam and 4,500 work-based training hours.
Certified welders will qualify to test for Pressure Welding Procedure tests in British Columbia (PWP), BCP-100. Pressure procedure tests are administered by the BC Safety Authority. Welders use a logbook to record training, competencies, certifications, endorsements and employment history.
WELDER ENDORSEMENT: Multi-Process Alloy Welding (MPAW)
This is a supplementary course. Individuals who have completed the Welding Apprenticeship Program can further their qualifications by completing this additional certification for specialty metals fabrication skills.
Career Prospects
Welders are in high demand in western Canada. Wages and job prospects are well above the national average.
Details
Location: Dawson Creek Campus
Length: 26 weeks (780 hours)
Start: Current Apprenticeship level program schedule
Fees: Current Fee Schedule
Admission Prerequisites
Admission eligibility as per the Industry Training Authority
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAid BC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Students who complete Level 3 are eligible to write their Interprovincial Red Seal.
- Students requiring additional time to complete must make arrangements with their instructor and pay for additional weeks.
- A complete list of tools and equipment will be provided by Admissions upon acceptance to the program.
Students will require appropriate personal safety clothing and CSA approved steel toed boots. Safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves, leather jacket or apron, welding helmet and cutting goggles are also required.
- The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council. Download a PDF of the Apprenticeship Program Completion Guide or the Welder Endorsement: Multi-Process Alloy Welding (MPAW) Program Completion Guide
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Program Instructor: Darcy Suchy
Apprenticeship Contact: Department
Courses
*NOTE: As of April 2017 the WELA 210 Welder Level 2-3 Gap Training course provides the additional course and Instructional Knowledge required by the ITA, for students moving from the discontinued Level 2 (WLAT 200) into the Harmonized Level 3 Curriculum.