Overview
Forge the basics for a skilled career with this Welding Foundation Program. As a welder, you will operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. If this interests you, and you are seeking a variety in your day-to-day activities, you should consider this rewarding career path. Upon successful completion of the foundation program, students will receive a certificate.
Careers
As a graduate of the Welding Foundation program, you’ll be qualified for a variety of jobs in the construction and metal working industries. You’ll also be prepared to successfully complete employers’ skill assessments. Possible job titles include:
- Production welder
- Maintenance welder
- General Welder
- Flash Welder
- Torch Blazer
- Self Employed Welder
- Pressure Welder
Governing bodies
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.
Welder Foundation: Program Outline
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.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Spring 2026 |
Mackenzie |
In Class |
28 weeks |
| Spring 2026 |
Quesnel |
In Class |
28 weeks |
| Fall 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
9 months |
Entry Requirements
Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:
Note: WorkSafe BC regulations apply to all Trades programs; students are
expected to adhere to these regulations. While in the shop, all students must wear and use
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the area in which they are working and
follow the safe work procedure which applies to the task. This may include, but is not limited to
CSA certified safety footwear, safety glasses, hearing protection, and any other PPE dictated by
common sense and/or WorkSafe BC regulations. Students must be aware they are working in an
industrial setting with potential hazards and remain aware of their surroundings at all times. If a
safety concern is identified, you must report this to your instructor immediately.
Program Specific Recommendations
The following courses or their equivalent, with a minimum grade of "C":
This course includes an off-site practical experience component. The scale of this component is
dependent on the state of the local economy and community partnerships.
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.
Limited Admission
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission requirements. This is called "first qualified, first accepted". If you qualify after the program is full, you will be put on a waitlist.
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: $473.70 + 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.