Welder Foundation

Welder Foundation Courses

In the Welder Foundation program students will learn the following skills: occupational skills, cutting and gouging processes, semi-automatic and automatic welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Fusion and Braze Welding (TB) using Oxy-Fuel (OFW) process, basic metallurgy, and welding drawings, layout, and fabrication. The Welder Foundation program covers the competencies from Welder Level 1 and 2 apprenticeship programs under the Skilled Trades BC Welder designation. At the end of the program, students will write a standardized level exam from Skilled Trades BC that covers both the Level 1 and Level 2 competencies. Students will need to find a sponsor/employer to begin their apprenticeship to continue into Welder Level 3.

Locations & Dates

CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.

Entry Requirements

• English Language Arts 10 (Minimum "C") or equivalent
• Workplace Mathematics 10 (Minimum "C") or equivalent

Students who do not meet the above requirements may wish to consult with a CNC counsellor/advisor to determine their eligibility on the basis of mature student status.

Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.

CTC Option

High school students may be eligible to take this program. See your school counsellor for details.

Selective admission

A program for which seats are filled based on approved selection criteria. Such criteria may include, but are not limited to, assessment, portfolio submissions, interviews and grade point average. Meeting the minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance to the program. 

Selection process

Students are encouraged to submit a resumé and handwritten statement indicating reasons for wishing to enter the program as well as complete a test of mechanical reasoning skills, and the College English/Math Achievement Test (EMAT). These items are included in the selection criteria listed below and will be awarded points.

If the program is over-subscribed, students will be selected based on the selection criteria listed below:

1. The letter grade for English 10, English 030 or Communications 11 or equivalent will contribute its actual points to the selection process: e.g., “A” = 4.0, “B+” = 3.33, etc.
2. The letter grade for your selected math course will contribute its actual grade point to the selection process: e.g., “A”􀀀 = 4.0, “B+” = 3.33, etc.
3. The mechanical reasoning test will be awarded a maximum of 5 points.
4. A passing grade on the English portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded a maximum of 1 point.
5. A passing grade on the Math portion of the Student Readiness Assessment will be awarded a maximum of 1 point.
6. Credit in one or more trades-related courses at the Grade 12 level with a grade of “B” or higher, or successful completion of any foundation-level trades training program or documented experience of one year in a trade will be awarded 3 points.
7. Credit in any of the following: English 11 or equivalent, Principles of Math 11 or equivalent, or Trades Math 042 with a “C” grade or higher will be awarded 3 points.
8. Students are encouraged to submit a resumé and personal handwritten statement indicating their reasons for wishing to enter this program. The resumé and personal statement will be awarded a maximum of 3 points.

Maximum points available = 24

Invest in your future

The estimated cost for this program is $4,084.

• Tuition: $2,661
• Student fees: $879
• Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260
• Tool Box Purchase: $410.63 + tax

These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.

Books and Toolbox for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.