School of Trades and Technology Menu
Welder
What makes TRU’s program unique:
- We have an exceptional legacy of producing students who have excelled in the workforce and at Provincial, National and World Skills Competitions
- All of our welders and fabrication equipment meets or exceeds industry standards
- Our instructors are leaders in their field including having Provincial Instructor Diplomas, Welding Inspector or Metal Fabricator designation.
A welder is a person who has training in and is capable of welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions, on both plate and/or pipe, using SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes. Welders use manual or semi-automatic welding equipment. They use flame-cutting, brazing and air-arcing equipment. Additionally, they use machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines.
Welders generally plan work from drawings or by analyzing the job tasks, determine the materials required and welding processes, then use their knowledge of welding to complete the job. They may specialize in certain types of welding such as custom fabrication, ship building and repair, pressure vessel welding, pipeline construction welding, structural construction welding or machinery and equipment repair welding. Workers use blueprint symbols to determine machining operations. They check product specifications using precision measuring instruments, and maintain equipment and replace parts when required.
Welder Level 1 & 2
Introductory program that prepares learners for entry level positions as apprentice welders in most sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, resource extraction and resource development. Students engage in a variety of classroom and shop activities. In the classroom, they learn theoretical principals of welding. Shop sessions provide the hands on opportunity to learn processes and master practical welding skills. (SkilledTradesBC Standardized written exam after Level 1 and Level 2).
Credentials awarded
- 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’s recommended that students gain another 3,000 hours of hands-on field experience before returning to school for Level 3 technical training.
Education requirements
- 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
- Good command of English language is recommended.
- Good vision, unimpaired hearing, respiration and good health in general are recommended.
- Students must supply own gloves, jackets, goggles, helmet and safety-toed boots.
- Tools, will be advised on first day of class.
Welder
Levels 1 and 2 (Foundation Program)
Introductory program that prepares learners for entry level positions as apprentice welders in most sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, resource extraction and resource development. Students engage in a variety of classroom and shop activities. In the classroom, they learn theoretical principals of welding. Shop sessions provide the hands on opportunity to learn processes and master practical welding skills. (SkilledTradesBC Standardized written exam after Level 1 and Level 2).
Course length
28 weeks - Foundation Program
Credentials awarded
Certificate of completion
Recommended work-based hours
After completion of the program, it’s recommended that students gain another 3,000 hours of hands-on field experience before returning to school for Level 3 technical training.
Level 3
Course length
Ten weeks
Course requirements
For certified foundation-level welders and for indentured apprentices who have 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 in length. 1,620 hours of work experience are also required. (Equivalent to Welding Apprenticeship Level 3.) For non-registered apprentices.
Level A
Welding Level A technical training is 8 weeks in length. 1,620 hours of work experience are also required. (Equivalent to Welding MPAW Endorsement.) Applicants must have completed Welding Level B. For non-registered apprentices.
Multi Process Alloy Welding (MPAW) Endorsement
Course length
Five weeks
Course description
For certified welders who wish to expand their skill sets, gain advanced certification, and enhance career opportunities.
Credentials awarded
Specialty metals endorsement.
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.
Apprenticeship training dates
| From | To | Location | Availability (updated weekly) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are no upcoming dates for this program | ||||
| From | To | Location | Availability (updated weekly) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welding B - Level B | September 2, 2025 | December 19, 2025 | Kamloops | Available |
| Welding B - Level B | March 30, 2026 | July 17, 2026 | Williams Lake | Available |
| From | To | Location | Availability (updated weekly) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| There are no upcoming dates for this program | ||||
to the interest list for an apprenticeship course
Contact
apprenticeship@tru.caCosts for Welder programs
Fees are subject to change.
Costs include items such as student/ancillary fees, books, personal tools and safety gear, which are kept by students when they graduate from the program.
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| Level 1 - 8 weeks | $1,053.07 |
| Level 2 - 8 weeks | $1,053.07 |
| Level 3 - 10 weeks | {{ formatPrice(appr.ten) }} |
| Level 4 - 5 weeks | {{ formatPrice(appr.five) }} |
| Level A - 8 weeks | {{ formatPrice(weld.welda) }} |
| Level B - 16 weeks | {{ formatPrice(weld.weldb) }} |
