Learn More About Welder Apprenticeship Harmonized

In Level 1 you will learn occupational skills such as how to use and maintain measuring and layout tools, hand tools and power tools as well as how to apply lifting hoisting and rigging procedures. You will gain hands-on experience with oxy-fuel cutting, fusion and braze welding, shielded metal arc welding, semi-automatic and automatic welding processes.

In Level 2 you will advance your occupational skills and knowledge, furthering your ability in shielded metal arc welding, semi-automatic and automatic welding. You will also learn gas tungsten arc welding, basic metallurgy, how read and interpret welding drawings, perform basic drafting, fabricate weldments and estimate costs.

In Level 3 you will further advance your shielded metal arc welding, semi-automatic welding, gas tungsten arc welding, basic metallurgy welding drawings, layout and fabrication knowledge and skills. You will also gain the skills and knowledge in quality control, inspection, standards, codes and specifications to qualify for work as a welder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a relationship between an employer and an employee where the employee (the apprentice) commits to learn the trade while working for the employer, and the employer commits to provide on the job training, time away from the workplace for the apprentice to attend technical training classes, and to pay the apprentice a certain percentage of the journeyperson wage rate, which increases as the apprentice progresses through the training.
What is a journeyperson?
A journeyperson is a person who has received a ‘Certification of Qualification’ in a trade. A journeyperson is then entitled to be referred to by the trade name (ie: carpenter, electrician, welder, heavy duty mechanic, etc.)
What training will I take?
Apprenticeships normally consist of approximately 80 per cent on the job training and 20 per cent in-school technical training. While working on the job site you will learn the trade under the tutelage of a journeyperson who is assigned responsibility for your training. You will also be required to attend technical training classes. The classes are most commonly held in Colleges and depending on the trade consist of six to 10 weeks of classroom training during each year of your apprenticeship.
How long does an apprenticeship last?
An apprenticeship lasts one to five years, depending on the trade and the rate the apprentice progresses through the training. Most apprenticeships are four years.
How much will I earn?
The rate of pay depends on the rate being paid a journeyperson in the same trade with the same employer. Although it is dependent on the employer, the rates are often 50 per cent for the first six months and rising through 55 per cent, 60 per cent, 65 per cent, 70 per cent, 75 per cent, 80 per cent, 90 per cent at the end of each six month period. Rates vary by trade and by employer.
What certification will I receive upon completion of my apprenticeship?
You will receive a Certification of Apprenticeship, and upon completion of the BC exam you will also receive a BC Government Certification of Qualification. Apprentices in many trades may also write the Inter-provincial (Red-Seal) exam. This certification is recognized across the country and enables Red-Seal qualified journeypersons to work in those trades across the country. In some trades in BC, the Red-Seal exam is used as the C of Q exam.

NIC’s welding apprenticeship aligns with the ITA’s Harmonized Welder Apprenticeship program, allowing students to move across Canada without having to restart training.

Learn a variety of welding techniques, layout and fabrication, basic metallurgy, drawing for welding, occupational skills and more in NIC’s well-equipped trades facilities.

To Be Successful

You will find greater ease and success in your training if your abilities in mathematics, reading and writing are at a sufficient level. NIC Assessment Services is available to provide math and English assessments year-round. If you need to refresh your skills or upgrade in a few areas, those classes are available at NIC.
You are encouraged to develop a workplace plan with your employer to make sure you are practicing all related trade skills.
School training periods can be very intense, especially because of the quantity of reading you will be required to do. Whenever possible, you are encouraged to complete readings in advance.

Supply List

Students are required to provide the following list of basic supplies and tools:

CSA-approved full safety face shield with head gear, clear (see instructor)
CSA-approved safety glasses
Tip cleaners (long sets)
Striker (3-flint style)
Cotton work clothes
Steel-toed boots - above the ankle, green CSA-approved tag
Leather jacket and apron (see instructor before purchasing)
Welding gloves (finger style)
Welding hat
Welding helmet (see instructor before purchasing)
Adjustable wrench (Crescent 10”)
Vice grips (regular style, 10”),
C clamp 4 - 6”
Slip joint pliers (10”)
Diagonal cutters (9”)
Wire feed pliers (optional - replaces slip joint pliers and diagonal cutters)
Wire brush
Chipping hammer
Tape measure 16’ x 1” (imperial/metric graduations or separate imperial and metric tapes)