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.
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.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council.
Career Prospects
Welders are in high demand in western Canada. Wages and job prospects are well above the national average.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Level | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dawson Creek | 1 | December 2026 | Cohort |
| Dawson Creek | 1 | April 2026 | Cohort |
| Dawson Creek | 2 | December 2026 | Cohort |
| Dawson Creek | 2 | April 2026 | Cohort |
| Dawson Creek | 3 | September 2026 | Cohort |
| Dawson Creek | MPAW | February 2026 | Cohort |
Length
26 weeks (780 hours)
Level 1 is 240 hours; approximately 8 weeks long.
Level 2 is 240 hours; approximately 8 weeks long.
Level 3 is 300 hours; approximately 10 weeks long.
MPAW is 150 hours; approximately 5 weeks long.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Trades/Apprenticeship (Tier 2)
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, instruments, supplies, uniforms/clothing and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $ 854.40 | $ 71.09 | $ 131.24 | $ 1,056.73 |
| Level 2 | $ 854.40 | $ 71.09 | $ 131.24 | $ 1,056.73 |
| Level 3 | $ 1,068.00 | $ 74.09 | $ 192.95 | $ 1,335.04 |
| MPAW | $ 534.00 | $ 66.59 | $ 152.29 | $ 752.88 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $ 3,530.40 | $ 75.21 | $ 147.34 | $ 289.80* | $ 4,042.75 |
| Level 2 | $ 3,530.40 | $ 75.21 | $ 147.34 | $ 289.80* | $ 4,042.75 |
| Level 3 | $ 4,413.00 | $ 78.21 | $ 319.25 | $ 289.80* | $ 5,100.26 |
| MPAW | $ 2,206.50 | $ 70.71 | $ 175.21 | $ 289.80* | $ 2,742.22 |
*Per four months
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Admission Requirements
Eligibility as indicated by SkilledTradesBC.
Important Notes
- The program is not eligible for Canada Student Loans.
- Students must provide personal protective equipment (appropriate personal safety clothing, CSA approved steel toed boots, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves, leather jacket or apron, welding helmet, and cutting goggles).Students are required to have a computer (laptop or other mobile device) with minimum computer requirements.
- The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC.
- As of April 2017, the WELA 210 – Welding Level 2-3 Gap Training course provides the additional course and Instructional Knowledge required by SkilledTradesBC, for students moving from the discontinued Level 2 (WLAT 200) into the Harmonized Level 3 Curriculum.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 70% minimum in all courses |
| Safety Requirements | Students will sign and adhere to the Trades and Apprenticeship Rules and Regulatory Practices for Students Policy. |
Levels:
- WELA 100 – Welder Apprenticeship Level 1 (240 contact hours)
- WELA 200 – Welder Apprenticeship Level 2 (240 contact hours)
- WELA 300 – Welder Apprenticeship Level 3 (300 contact hours)
- WELA 310 – Multi-Process Alloy Welding (150 contact hours)
Gap training options:
- WELA 210 – Welding Level 2-3 Gap Training (30 contact hours)
Credential
Training results are reported to SkilledTradesBC