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Welder Foundation

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Welders use manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal pieces together. They use flame-cutting, brazing and soldering equipment to melt and fuse pieces to form a permanent bond. They also use metal shaping machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines.

Welder Foundation training (formerly Level C) involves welding various steel and aluminum parts using the SMAW, GMAW and FCAW processes, in the fabrication, construction, erection and repair of components or structures, in plate and structural applications.

Welder is a nationally designated trade under the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.

Other programs in this sector:

 Ironworker (Generalist)
 | Ironworker (Reinforcing)
 | Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
 | Metal Fabricator Endorsement: Marine Fitter
 | Sheet Metal Worker
 | Welder A-B Modular
 | Welder Apprentice
 | Welder Upgrading

Explore job expectations, education requirements, salary and more:WorkBC Career Profile |Find Jobs on WorkBC

Recommendations

Grade 10 or equivalent education is recommended (Grade 12 preferred).

 

Two separate Welder program pathways are available to students: an Apprenticeship model comprising Levels 1-to-3, with an optional Multi-Process Alloy Welding (MPAW) endorsement, and the non-apprentice programs of "Welder B and A".

 

1. Students without an employer sponsor may register in the Welder Foundation program. If they are unable to secure a sponsor they can continue in the non-apprentice pathway, Welder A-B Modular.

 

2. Students with an employer sponsor will follow the Welder Apprentice pathway. Those that have already completed Welder Foundation are eligible to begin at Level 3.