The 28-week Welder Foundation (pre-apprenticeship) program provides students an opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge and training necessary to enter the welder trade and covers the program competencies for Level 1 and Level 2 of the Welder Apprenticeship program. Students learn techniques in cutting, gouging, oxy-fuel welding, shield metal arc welding, semi-automatic welding, gas metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding pulsed, flux core arc welding, metal core arc welding and submerged arc welding. In addition, students will be able to perform basic weld joints using gas tungsten arc welding. The program includes classroom theory, demonstrations and practical hands-on training in a welding shop.

In this program, you will learn about:

• Applying Occupation Skills
• Cutting and Gouging Processes (OFC and OFG CAC-A, PAC)
• Fusion and Braze Welding (TB) Using Oxy-Fuel (OFW) Process
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
• Semi-Automatic and Automatic Welding
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
• Basic Metallurgy
• Welding Drawings, Layout and Fabrication

Program Structure

For a complete program description, including admission requirements, prerequisite details and technical training content about each level of training see: Welder Foundation Program.

View or download the pdf version of the program outline.

You will also take:

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods
• Basic First Aid

*Students must complete Basic First Aid within the program or have a current Basic First Aid certificate valid to the end of the program.

When you successfully finish the program you will receive:

• Level 1 and 2 Technical Training credit from SkilledTradesBC
• 300 work-based Training hours
• Certificate of Completion (ITA)
• College of the Rockies Certificate

For the 2026/27 academic year (2026/SU, 2026/FA, 2027/WI, 2027/SP)

_{*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

_{**The toolbox fee is refundable in full or in part, subject to the condition and completeness of the toolbox upon return.}

Additional Student Costs for Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies:

• Steel-toed leather work boots
• Safety glasses
• Welding gloves
• Flame retardant work clothes (cotton or wool)
• Leather welding jacket
• Welding helmet (#11 lens)
• Welding goggles (#5 lens)
• Reference manuals (Please contact the campus store or see list on the official program outline.)
• Personal half mask respirator
• p100 particulate filters (3 – 4 sets)

As a Welder, you can choose from a wide variety of job opportunities with:

• Contractors
• Welder fabricators
• Machine shops
• Aircraft manufacturers
• Ship manufacturers
• Oil and gas pipelines
• Natural resource companies
• Forest industry
• Sawmills and pulp mills
• Mining industry

With experience, you can even move into a project supervisor position or general manager for commercial projects, or even own your own welding business!

Gain insights into job expectations, career prospects, salary, and additional information through WorkBC.