Welding: Apprenticeship
Description
Get the skills that pay the bills!
In BC, an individual can become certified Welder by completing the Welder apprentice program. Apprenticeship programs are designed to provide students the full scope of knowledge and applied skills necessary to perform the occupation. Apprentices have an employer to sponsor them and are registered with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
KPU delivers in-school technical training for Welder apprenticeship levels 1, 2, 3 and Specialty Metals Endorsement program. The in-school technical training for level 1, 2, and 3 are 8 weeks in duration. Levels 1 and 2 include an end of level Certificate of Completion examination; level 3 includes a Certificate of Qualification examination. The Specialty Metals Endorsement program is for apprentices that have a Red Seal and is 5 weeks in duration. Additional information is available at: kpu.ca/trades/welding.
The pathway to becoming a certified Welder generally takes 4 years to complete the in-school technical training and 4500 work-based training hours. Apprentices will be eligible to write the Red Seal Inter-provincial Examination upon successful completion of Level 3 in-school technical training and work-based hour requirements. The Red Seal endorsement is recognized in all jurisdictions across Canada; additional information is at: red-seal.ca.
Employment Insurance (EI) Eligibility
Provincial program financial supports must be applied for online through the Apprentice Online Portal at http://www.apprenticeonline.gov.bc.ca/. It is recommended that apprentices apply for these supports four weeks in advance of the start of their technical training and application must be made no later than the first day of technical training.
Apprenticeship and Modular Pathways
There are two pathways for progression beyond the Welding Foundation/Welder C level. Students with an employer sponsor will progress to Welder Apprentice Level 3, followed by the Specialty Metals Endorsement. To apply for Level 3, see Apprenticeship Programs. Students without an employer sponsor will progress to Welder Level B followed by Welder Level A.
General Prerequisites
The following requirements apply:
- Active apprentice registration in the BC Apprenticeship system.
- A valid Trade Worker Identification number from the Industry Training Authority (ITA-ID). If you do not have an ITA-ID, you will need to complete an apprenticeship registration form through the ITA (www.itabc.ca) prior to enrolling (Level 1 through to 4). To determine your eligibility please consult with the Industry Training Authority.
Note: International student enrolment requires approval of the Dean.
Program Requirements
Welding Level 1 (AWLD 1010)
- Occupational Skills
- Oxy-Fuel Cutting and Gouging Processes (OFC and OFG)
- Fusion and Braze Welding (TB) Using the Oxy-Fuel (OFW) Process
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Electric Arc Cutting, Gouging and Related Processes
- Semi-Automatic Welding
Welding Level 2 (AWLD 1020)
- Occupational Skills
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Semi-Automatic Welding
- Basic Metallurgy
- Welding Drawings
- Layout and Fabricate Components
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
Welding Level 3 (AWLD 1030)
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
- Semi-Automatic Welding
- Basic Metallurgy
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Welding Drawings
- Layout and Fabricate Components
- Quality Control and Inspection
- Standards, Codes, Specifications and Welder Qualifications
- Specialized Processes
Specialty Metals Endorsement
Details on the Special Metals Endorsement are currently under development. For up-to-date information, please see the Welding information page (kpu.ca/trades/welding).
Credential Awarded
KPU will report your in-school technical training completion information to the Industry Training Authority (ITA) in order for the ITA to determine credit towards your designated apprenticeship.
