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2023-2024 Academic Calendar

Welder-Fabricator Foundation Certificate


Location(s):

Program update

Applications to this program are currently suspended.
Please contact info@nlc.bc.ca for more information.

Welder-Fabricators weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions, using SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), MCAW (Metal Core Arc Welding), and FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) processes.

Welder-Fabricators use manual and semi-automatic welding equipment, flame-cutting, brazing, and air-arcing equipment to fabricate plates and construct templates and jigs. They also manufacture structural components from blueprints and structural steel drawings by interpreting the common weld symbols and bolted connections.

Completing this program will assist Welder-Fabricators in finding entry-level work in the custom fabrication, construction, mass production, maintenance, petroleum, mining, forestry, and shipyard industries.

This program provides technical training credit that students can transfer to Level 2 of a Metal Fabricator or Welder apprenticeship and 225 work-based hours credit towards completing their chosen pathway.

Career Prospects

Fabricator-Welders can find employment with companies that manufacture structural steel and plate work, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft, ships, and other metal products, in industries including petroleum, mining, forestry, and shipyards. They also may be self-employed in the industry.


Intakes

No intakes are scheduled at this time.


Length

960 hours; approximately 34 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

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
Total
Year 1$ 3,283.20$ 161.76$ 803.25$ 4,248.21

International Fees

 TuitionStudent FeesInstruction-related
Fees (includes GST)
International
Medical Insurance
Total
Year 1$ 11,798.40$ 161.76$ 803.25$ 828.00$ 13,591.41

Still have questions?

Contact:


Admission Requirements

Complete either A, B, C, or D:


A. English and Math

English Requirement

One of the following:

  • BC Language Arts 10 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
  • BC Language Arts 11 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
  • BC Language Arts 12 Courses – 4 credits earned, minimum individual grade of C+, or equivalent.
  • ENGL 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.
  • IELTS score of 5.5 overall with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent English placement test and score.

Math Requirement

One of the following:

  • BC Math 10 with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent
  • BC Math 11 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
  • BC Math 12 with a minimum final grade of C, or equivalent
  • MATH 030 or higher, with a minimum final grade of C+, or equivalent.

B. ESTR 037

Complete:


C. Canadian Adult Achievement Test (CAAT)

All of:

  • Reading Comprehension: 11.0 grade equivalent or higher
  • Number Operations: 11.0 grade equivalent or higher
  • Problem Solving: 11.0 grade equivalent or higher
  • Mechanical Reasoning: 51/70 (6th Stanine) or higher

Based on the results of the assessment(s), applicants may be required to participate in an assessment interview to determine admissibility. Interviews may be conducted virtually if necessary.


D. POWER

Complete:


Important Notes

  1. The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit Student Aid BC to apply for financial assistance online.  Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
  2. Students must provide personal protective equipment (CSA approved leather boot with safety toe and shank, clear lense safety glasses, flame resistant coveralls, welders’ safety clothing, 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.  NLC will provide students with a hardhat, a set of earplugs, a pair of gloves, and coveralls.
  3. The program is affiliated with SkilledTradesBC, School Districts 59, 60, 81 and 87, and Go 2 (Industry training organization who monitors all hospitality type industry training for SkilledTradesBC).

Program Requirements

Residency Requirement100% of each level must be completed at Northern Lights College or by approval of the Dean
Minimum Grade Requirements70% minimum in all courses

All of:


Credential

Certificate in Welder-Fabricator Foundation