Welders are in high demand on Vancouver Island. When you take welder training at VIU you learn from dedicated instructors who have a vast range of industry experience.
You’ll build strong skills in welding and welder fitting, preparing you for jobs at both small local companies and large industry.
Small class sizes mean you’ll get personal attention and lots of hands-on learning, so you’ll be ready to work in this growing field.
How to become a welder
There are two ways to become a journeyperson or Red Seal welder in BC. You can do most of your training on the job in the apprenticeship pathway. Or you can get more of your training in school in the foundation pathway. We offer training for both options.
For both pathways you must complete:
- Welder Level 1
- Welder Level 2
- Welder Level 3
- Red Seal endorsement
Foundation pathway
The foundation pathway is popular on Vancouver Island because local employers want hires with a solid foundation of skills. With this option you take:
- 40 week Welder Foundation program (formerly Level C) which is equivalent to Levels 1 and 2
- 16 week Welder Level B program which is equivalent to Level 3
- 8 week Multi-Process Alloy Welder or MPAW (formerly Welder Level A)
When you’ve completed Level B, you will be eligible to write the Red Seal exam. After completing 4620 work based training hours you will receive your Red Seal endorsement.
Apprenticeship pathway
If you have an employer who will endorse you as an apprentice you can do the apprenticeship stream. In the apprenticeship stream you must complete 4620 hours (about 2.5 years) of work-based training. And you must take technical training:
- Level 1: 8 weeks
- Level 2: 8 weeks
- Level 3: 10 weeks
Combine the options
After you finish the Welder Foundation program, you can switch over to the apprenticeship stream. You earn 300 of your apprenticeship hours in the Foundation program. You’ll be paid as a Level 3 apprentice, so this can be a good option.
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