Trades & Applied Technology Programs

Welding

• 7–Month Welder Level C (21 credits)
• 3–Month Welder Fitting (9 credits)
• Weld Level B and A
• Accredited Weld Test Facility for C.S.A (CWB) or A.S.M.E.
• Offered at the Nanaimo and Powell River campuses
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Welder Level C: Forms and Information
• Apply for Welder Level B or A: Information

The Program

The Welder Level C program is taught in a modular format, with practical and related knowledge modules. Classes are limited to 18 students. Graduates of the welding program have found employment in shipyards, fabrication shops, and construction industries. Level B welders have found jobs in sawmills or areas that requires a welder who is qualified to do pressure procedures. Level A holders are employable in almost any location. In general, welding is an extremely useful skill, and is used in many of the trades.

Upon completion of 1000 hours of work–based experience as a welder apprentice, the student will be granted Level C qualification by the Provincial Ministry.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent, or mature student status.
• Mature students without Grade 12 will be required to complete an assessment test.
• Minimum 17 years of age.
• See also Trades general admission requirements.

Note on Admission

• Adequate vision, and free from respiratory ailments.
• Physically suited to the trade.
• Applicants who do not possess the minimum educational requirements may have their work experience assessed in lieu of educational requirements.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Welder Level C is offered in September and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For further information regarding program start dates and program contacts check the Program Availability List for the Nanaimo and Powell River campuses.
Welder Fitting is offered yearly and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For further information regarding the program start dates and program contacts check the Program Availability List.
Welding Levels B and A are self–paced programs; students applying for Welding B and A can contact the Chair of Welding at (250) 740-6139 or email Grant Easterbrook for further information.

Note: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada may assist students in this program; contact your local Employment Centre regarding eligibility for sponsorship.

Program Outline

Level B

This training is available to holders of Level C. Students must successfully complete four months of training and eight months of work experience as a welder before being granted the Provincial Ministry Level B qualification.

Level A

This training is available to holders of Level B. Students will complete Level A in one or two months, and spend the remainder of the year working as a Welder. After satisfying these requirements, students will earn Level A qualification from the Provincial Ministry.

Weld Testing

Accredited weld testing facility for C.S.A. (CWB) and A.S.M.E. testing is available Monday to Friday. To arrange a testing date please contact Mark Gall at (250) 740-6139 or email Mark.Gall@viu.ca.

Updated: January 25, 2012