Welding Levels B and A
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Red Seal pathway |
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Domestic applicants only |
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Overview
Advance your welding skills with this SkilledTradesBC-approved program, designed to prepare you for the Interprovincial Red Seal designation. Building on the Welder Foundation Harmonized Certificate, Level B expands your practical and theoretical knowledge, while Level A offers specialized training to refine your expertise.
You’ll learn:
- Welding techniques, layout and fabrication, basic metallurgy and drawing for welding
- Occupational skills essential for entry-level employment in industrial manufacturing and welding shops
- Advanced training in welding and metallurgy for specialized expertise
- Earn a Certificate of Qualification upon completing Levels 1 to 3, linked to the Red Seal exam
- Receive technical training credit for Levels 1 and 2 and 300 work-based hours toward your apprenticeship
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.
Other welding training
NIC offers welding skills development courses to qualified welders.
- WSR 010 Welding Skills Development - 1 day
- WSR 050 Welding Skills Development - 3 days
- WSR 060 Welding Skills Development - 1 week
- WSR 065 Welding Skills Development - Stainless Steel and/or Aluminum - 1 week
- WSR 070 Welding Skills Development - 4 weeks
- WSR 080 Welding Skills Development - Theory - 4 weeks
- ASME Welder Performance Qualification Testing
NIC’s welding centres are authorized testing stations for the Boiler Branch. Qualified welders may challenge Welder Performance Qualification tests in accordance with the Power Engineers and Boiler and Pressure Vessels Safety Act regulations and directives, subject to available space.
Welding Performance tests are incorporated in the following courses: WP-007 and WPW-010.
Requirements and courses
Costs
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
