Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Welder Program

The Welder program is designed to prepare learners for entry-level positions as apprentice welders in various sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, resource extraction, and resource development.

Program Overview

The program consists of multiple levels, including Foundation, Apprenticeship, and specialized training in areas such as Multi Process Alloy Welding (MPAW) Endorsement.

Foundation Program

The Foundation program is an introductory program that prepares learners for entry-level positions as apprentice welders. The program includes:

• Classroom activities to learn theoretical principles of welding
• Shop sessions to learn processes and master practical welding skills
• A SkilledTradesBC Standardized written exam after Level 1 and Level 2

Credentials Awarded

Upon completion of the Foundation program, students receive:

• Advance credit for Levels 1 and 2 of the technical training component of the welder apprenticeship
• 300 hours credit towards the workplace-based training component of their apprenticeships

Recommended Work-Based Hours

After completion of the program, it is recommended that students gain another 3,000 hours of hands-on field experience before returning to school for Level 3 technical training.

Education Requirements

To be eligible for the program, students must have:

• High school graduation (or equivalent) or mature student status
• English 11 with a minimum grade of C (or equivalent)
• Math 10 with a minimum grade of C (any Math 10 or equivalent)

General Requirements

Additional requirements include:

• Good command of the English language
• Good vision, unimpaired hearing, respiration, and good health in general
• Students must supply their own gloves, jackets, goggles, helmet, and safety-toed boots
• Tools will be advised on the first day of class

Levels 1 and 2 (Foundation Program)

The Foundation program is 28 weeks long and includes:

• Classroom and shop activities
• Theoretical principles of welding
• Practical welding skills
• SkilledTradesBC Standardized written exam after Level 1 and Level 2

Credentials Awarded

Upon completion of the Foundation program, students receive a Certificate of Completion.

Recommended Work-Based Hours

After completion of the program, it is recommended that students gain another 3,000 hours of hands-on field experience before returning to school for Level 3 technical training.

Level 3

Level 3 technical training is 10 weeks long and includes:

• Classroom and shop activities
• Theoretical principles of welding
• Practical welding skills

Course Requirements

To be eligible for Level 3, students must be certified foundation-level welders or indentured apprentices with 3,000 hours or more of workplace-based training.

Credentials Awarded

Upon completion of Level 3 welding, students write the Interprovincial Welding Exam. Those with a passing grade and 4,620 hours of workplace-based training earn:

• Welding Certificate of Qualification
• Interprovincial Red Seal Standard

Level B

Welding Level B technical training is 16 weeks long and includes:

• Classroom and shop activities
• Theoretical principles of welding
• Practical welding skills
• 1,620 hours of work experience are also required

Credentials Awarded

Upon completion of Level B, students receive a Certificate of Completion.

Level A

Welding Level A technical training is 8 weeks long and includes:

• Classroom and shop activities
• Theoretical principles of welding
• Practical welding skills
• 1,620 hours of work experience are also required

Credentials Awarded

Upon completion of Level A, students receive a Certificate of Completion.

Multi Process Alloy Welding (MPAW) Endorsement

The MPAW Endorsement program is 5 weeks long and includes:

• Classroom and shop activities
• Theoretical principles of welding
• Practical welding skills

Credentials Awarded

Upon completion of the program, successful completion of a standardized exam, and 5,400 hours of field experience, a specialty metals endorsement will be affixed to the welder's existing certificate of qualification.

Costs for Welder Programs

Fees are subject to change and include:

• Student/ancillary fees
• Books
• Personal tools and safety gear
• Health and Dental Plan
• Tool box with hand tools
• Safety Gear

Foundation Program Costs

• Foundation Tuition: varies
• Student and lab fees: varies
• Learning guides and/or textbooks: varies
• Health and Dental Plan: varies
• Tool box with hand tools: varies
• Safety Gear: varies
• Total: varies

Apprenticeship Program Costs

• Level 1 - 8 weeks: $1,073.20
• Level 2 - 8 weeks: $1,073.20
• Level 3 - 10 weeks: varies
• Level 4 - 5 weeks: varies
• Level A - 8 weeks: varies
• Level B - 16 weeks: varies

Locations

The Welder program is offered at the following locations:

• Kamloops
• Williams Lake

Next Program Intakes

The next program intakes are:

• Kamloops: September 8, 2026 to April 2, 2027 (waitlist)
• Kamloops: October 19, 2026 to May 14, 2027 (waitlist)
• Williams Lake: February 1, 2027 to July 16, 2027 (available)
• Kamloops: February 1, 2027 to August 13, 2027 (waitlist)