Welder Apprenticeship Harmonized
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Red Seal apprenticeship pathway |
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Domestic applicants only |
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Overview
NIC’s welding apprenticeship follows SkilledTradesBC’s Harmonized Welder Apprenticeship program, offering seamless movement across Canada. You’ll gain hands-on experience and build key welding skills in state-of-the-art facilities.
Strong math, reading and writing skills are essential for success, along with practical trade skill application through work with your employer and year-round assessments and refresher courses to support your learning.
You’ll learn:
- Level 1: Tool use and maintenance, oxyfuel cutting, fusion, braze welding, shielded metal arc welding and semi-automatic/automatic processes
- Level 2: Advanced welding techniques, metallurgy, welding drawings, drafting, fabrication and cost estimation
- Level 3: Advanced welding techniques, quality control, inspection and industry standards for a professional career
Foundation vs. apprenticeship
There are two pathways to your red seal certification.
Foundation
A certificate program that gives you the basic knowledge and skills to enter a trade. You don't need an employer/sponsor.
Apprenticeship
This pathway combines on-the-job training with classroom learning. Pick this option if you're working and sponsored by a company registered with SkilledTradesBC.
Requirements and courses
Supplies
The following basic supplies and tools are mandatory:
- 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) wWire brush
- chipping hammer
- tape measure 16’ x 1” (imperial/metric graduations or separate imperial and metric tapes)
Costs
Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.
Curious about funding?
Financial support is available. Learn more about financial aid and awards.
How to apply
Apply for this program through EducationPlannerBC. After you’ve applied, you’ll receive an email from NIC with your next steps. Be sure to add @nic.bc.ca to your safe sender list.
Questions? We’re with you along the way. To contact a recruiter, email futurestudents@nic.bc.ca.
“I couldn’t have been happier choosing NIC. The staff, the alumni and the faculty were bar none some of the best people and instructors that I’ve had. I’ve gone to university in the past and I enjoyed this program a lot more. I had previous industry experience, so I was also able to help my classmates."
Levi Bauder - NIC Carpentry Apprenticeship alum
"I have a job waiting for me at JM’s Mobile Welding in Port Hardy. I’m excited to use the skills I’ve learned at NIC to help further my career in welding and metal fabrication."
Michael Gravelle - NIC Welding Level B alum
"The student-to-instructor ratio is low, so you get a lot of hands-on time and time to ask questions and really delve into the materials. I would definitely recommend coming here."
Cassandra Kuryliak - NIC Plumbing Apprenticeship alum
"I am really enjoying pursuing my career as an electrician. My NIC training has helped to prepare me with the knowledge to feel confident that I will succeed in the industry. Having access to a great trades training facility and the expert faculty has made a big difference."
Jennie Lawrence - NIC Electrician Apprenticeship Harmonized alum
Your path to Red Seal Certification
Frequently asked questions
Trades training prepares students for hands-on careers in skilled trades such as construction, mechanics, electrical work, plumbing, culinary and more. Programs combine classroom learning with practical, industry-specific skills.
NIC’s trades programs include:
- Automotive Collision and Refinishing Foundation
- Automotive Service Technician Foundation
- Carpentry Foundation
- Electrician Foundation
- Fabricator-Welder Foundation
- Furniture and Joinery
- Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation
- Instrumentation and Electrical Automation
- Motor Sport and Power Equipment (motorcycle) Foundation
- Plumbing and Piping trades Foundation
- Parts and Warehousing Foundation
- Trades Sampler
- Welder Foundation
Typically, NIC offers:
- Pre-apprenticeship (Foundation) programs: Level 1 Foundation training to prepare for entry-level positions.
- Apprenticeship programs: A combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, Level 1-4.
- Specialized certifications: Training in specific skills or safety standards, such as welding or forklift operation.
The duration depends on the type of program, but generally are:
- Pre-apprenticeship programs: Level 1 training is about 24-36 weeks.
- Apprenticeship levels: Typically 5 to 17 weeks in-class training per level, with multiple levels required for certification. There are usually 4 levels required to complete before writing the Red Seal certification exams.
- Certifications: Often a few weeks to a few months.
- To find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.
- To register with your province’s apprenticeship authority.
- To attend required technical training at a college.
NIC can help with these steps, reach out to the Trades department at trades-technicalprograms@nic.bc.ca
Yes, trades students may qualify for:
- Government grants or tax credits.
- Apprenticeship incentives for both students and employers.
- Scholarships or bursaries specific to trades programs.
NIC can give you information around funding and scholarships, reach out to the Trades department at trades-technicalprograms@nic.bc.ca
Absolutely! Colleges and industries actively encourage diversity in trades and often offer supports, mentorship programs, and funding for women and underrepresented groups.
NIC has funding available, reach out to the Trades department at trades-technicalprograms@nic.bc.ca
