BC welding training comes in more formats than most trades. Here is how the foundation, A-B modular and level-based routes fit together, and where to take them.
Welders fuse metal parts using manual and computer-controlled equipment, in every position, for structures, pipelines, vessels and machinery. With experience, the trade leads into specialties such as pressure welding (SkilledTradesBC). Welding is not a compulsory trade in BC, but employers on structural and pressure work usually ask for tickets, so the certificate matters in practice.
| Levels | Foundation; Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 (or the older A-B modular levels); Multi-Process Alloy Welder (MPAW) after certification |
|---|---|
| Technical training (school) | 26 weeks over 3 years |
| Work-based training (on the job) | 4,620 hours |
| Certification | Red Seal |
The school rows below show two apprenticeship formats. Some schools still schedule the Welder A-B modular levels; others run harmonized Levels 1, 2 and 3. Check which one the school offers before you register, so your hours line up. Trade qualifiers who challenge the certificate must score 70% or more on the Red Seal written exam before they can book the practical exam (SkilledTradesBC).
MPAW is an advanced program for welders who already hold the Welder (or Welder B) Certificate of Qualification with Red Seal. It covers specialized alloys in any manual process and position (SkilledTradesBC).
Fees as each school publishes them.
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Welder Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, MPAW | 5–9 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 3): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level MPAW): Open; Jan 4, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby, Level 1): Open +2 more (TTBC schedule) | Price not published, ask provider | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Welding, Level A Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 52 weeks | Not published | Books & supplies / $406 (general estimated cost, and subject to change) (source) | Program page |
| British Columbia Institute of Technology BBY - Burnaby | Welder Foundation Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 27–30 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 23, 2026 (BBY - Burnaby): Closed; Jan 25, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby): Closed; Mar 15, 2027 (BBY - Burnaby): Closed (TTBC schedule) | Books & supplies / $580 (general estimated cost, and subject to change) (source) | Program page |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Cloverdale | Welding Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 8–10 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Cloverdale, Level 2): Open; Mar 29, 2027 (Cloverdale, Level 3): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Cloverdale | Welding Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 8–16 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 15, 2027 (Cloverdale, Level A): Open; Mar 15, 2027 (Cloverdale, Level B): Open (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Kwantlen Polytechnic University Cloverdale | Welding Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 28 weeks | Not published | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| UA Piping Industry College of BC Delta Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | Welding Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | Not published | Not published | Welder B — Registration Fee – $100 Welder B — Tuition – $2,550 Welding Level A — Registration Fee – $100 Welding Level A — Tuition – $1,300 (source) | Program page |
| UA Piping Industry College of BC Delta Private; SkilledTradesBC-approved (list) | Welding Foundation Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 28 weeks | Not published | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| University of the Fraser Valley Trades and Technology Centre (CEP) | Take your welding skills to the next level Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 7–16 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Trades and Technology Centre (CEP), Level B): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (Trades and Technology Centre (CEP), Level A): Closed; Mar 1, 2027 (Trades and Technology Centre (CEP), Level A): Closed (TTBC schedule) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| University of the Fraser Valley Trades and Technology Centre (CEP) | Welding Foundation – certificate Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 35–36 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Sep 8, 2026 (Chilliwack): Full (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camosun College Interurban | Metal/Welding Trades Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, MPAW | 5–10 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level 2): Closed; Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level MPAW): Open; Mar 1, 2027 (Interurban, Level 3): Open (TTBC schedule) | Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 2 $697.50 Level 3 Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 1 Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 2 $926.00 Level 3 … (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Metal/Welding Trades Apprenticeships Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 8–18 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level A): Open; Jan 4, 2027 (Interurban, Level B): Open; Mar 1, 2027 (Interurban, Level B): Open +1 more (TTBC schedule) | Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 1 Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship / $810.25 Level 2 $697.50 Level 3 Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 1 Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship / $926.00 Level 2 $926.00 Level 3 … (source) | Program page |
| Camosun College Interurban | Welder Foundation, Certificate Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 27–29 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Feb 16, 2027 (Interurban): Open (TTBC schedule) | Welder Foundation, Certificate / $3,241 (domestic) Welder Level A / $926 (domestic) Welder Level B / $1,852 (domestic) (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Campbell River, Port Alberni - Tebo | Welder Apprenticeship Harmonized Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 8–35 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 16, 2026 (Campbell River, Level 3): Open; Nov 16, 2026 (Campbell River, Level 1): Open; Nov 16, 2026 (Campbell River, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | This education pathway will help you get ready to become a Red Seal certified Welder. / $66,739* Tuition / $865 Lab / $0 Student Union / $50 Learner Resource / $40 Total / $955 … (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Campbell River, Port Alberni - Tebo | Welder Apprenticeship Harmonized Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 8–35 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Nov 16, 2026 (Campbell River, Level A): Open; Nov 16, 2026 (Campbell River, Level B): Open (TTBC schedule) | This education pathway will help you get ready to become a Red Seal certified Welder. / $66,739* Tuition / $865 Lab / $0 Student Union / $50 Learner Resource / $40 Total / $955 … (source) | Program page |
| North Island College Campbell River, Port Alberni - Tebo | Welder Foundation Harmonized Certificate Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 27–28 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Fall and winter terms (no dates posted) (Campbell River); Fall and winter terms (no dates posted) (Port Alberni) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | This education pathway will help you get ready to become a Red Seal certified welder. / $66,739* Tuition / $2,705 Lab / $350 Student Union / $170 Learner Resource / $145 Total / $3,655 (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Nanaimo | Welding Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Level B | 15–16 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 25, 2027 (Nanaimo, Level B): Open (TTBC schedule) | Amount / Tuition (7 months x $519.36 per month) 378.61 / Student Activity fee (7 months x $20.78 per month) 145.46 / Student Services fee (7 months x $22.94 per month) 160.58 / VIU Students' Union fee (7 months x $50.08 per month) 350.56 / Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) Amount / Tuition (1 week x $119.88 per week) … (source) | Program page |
| Vancouver Island University Nanaimo | Welding Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 39–41 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Feb 1, 2027 (Nanaimo): Anticipated to be full soon (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Amount / Tuition (7 months x $519.36 per month) 378.61 / Student Activity fee (7 months x $20.78 per month) 145.46 / Student Services fee (7 months x $22.94 per month) 160.58 / VIU Students' Union fee (7 months x $50.08 per month) 350.56 / Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) Amount / Tuition (1 week x $119.88 per week) … (source) | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Welder Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, MPAW | 4–9 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Not published | Application Fee: / $30.00 Tuition: / $934.08 Student Association Fee: / $18.40 Total / $982.48 Tuition: / $1,167.60 Student Association Fee: / $23.00 … (source) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Welder Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 7–18 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Not published | Application Fee: / $30.00 Tuition: / $934.08 Student Association Fee: / $18.40 Total / $982.48 Tuition: / $1,167.60 Student Association Fee: / $23.00 … (source) | Program page |
| College of the Rockies Main Campus | Welder Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 27–29 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Jan 4, 2027 (Cranbrook); Jan 4, 2028 (Cranbrook) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Merritt | Welder Foundation Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 28 weeks | Not published | Not published; check with the school | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Welder Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 7–9 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 30, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 2): Open; Mar 30, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level 3): Limited/WL (TTBC schedule) | Domestic students / $1,395 - $1,675 estimated cost per level Estimated cost per level / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $1,395 - $1,675 Estimated cost per level / Vernon: $1,342 - $1,618 Domestic students / $1,395 - $1,675 Collapse all / Level 1 - estimate: $1,395 Tuition / $1,055 … (source) | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC | Welder Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 7–15 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 30, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level A): Open; Mar 30, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, Level B): Limited/WL (TTBC schedule) | Domestic students / $1,395 - $1,675 estimated cost per level Estimated cost per level / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $1,395 - $1,675 Estimated cost per level / Vernon: $1,342 - $1,618 Domestic students / $1,395 - $1,675 Collapse all / Level 1 - estimate: $1,395 Tuition / $1,055 … (source) | Program page |
| Okanagan College 1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC, 5054 48th Ave SE Salmon Arm, BC, Duncan Ave. Penticton | Welder Foundation Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 28–30 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 11, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC): Open; Jan 25, 2027 (1000 K.L.O. Rd. Kelowna, BC): Open; Feb 1, 2027 (5054 48th Ave SE Salmon Arm, BC): Open (TTBC schedule) | Domestic students / $5,069 estimated total program cost Estimated first-year cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $5,069 Estimated first-year cost / Vernon: $4,967 Estimated total program cost / Kelowna, Penticton and Salmon Arm: $5,069 Estimated total program cost / Vernon: $4,967 Domestic students / $5,069 … (source) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Silver King Campus - Nelson | Welding - Apprenticeship Level 1 - 3 Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3, MPAW | 9–16 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 15, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level MPAW): Open; Mar 15, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level 3): Open; Mar 15, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level 1): Open +1 more (TTBC schedule) | Tuition / $1,480 Mandatory Fees / $196 Student Union Fees / $92 Total / $1,768 Book Costs / $456 Supply Costs / $46 … (source) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Silver King Campus - Nelson | Welding - Apprenticeship Level 1 - 3 Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 9–16 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Mar 15, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level B): Open; Mar 15, 2027 (Silver King Campus - Nelson, Level A): Open (TTBC schedule) | Tuition / $1,480 Mandatory Fees / $196 Student Union Fees / $92 Total / $1,768 Book Costs / $456 Supply Costs / $46 … (source) | Program page |
| Selkirk College Silver King Campus - Nelson | Welding Foundation - Certificate Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 29 weeks | Not published | Tuition / $3,450 Mandatory Fees / $423 Student Union Fees / $183 Health and Dental Insurance / $285 Total / $4,341 Book Costs / $372 … (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops, Williams Lake | Welder Apprentice levels · Welder A-B Modular Apprenticeship Levels A, B | 8–16 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Kamloops, Level A): Open; Jan 4, 2027 (Kamloops, Level B): Open; Mar 1, 2027 (Kamloops, Level A): Open +1 more (TTBC schedule) | FoundationTuition / $3,245.83 Student and lab fees / $1,125.42 Learning guides and/or textbooks / $640.00 Health and Dental Plan / $248.00 Tool box with hand tools / $250.00 Total / $6,059.25 … (source) | Program page |
| Thompson Rivers University Kamloops, Williams Lake | Welder Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 24–30 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Oct 19, 2026 (Kamloops): Available; Feb 1, 2027 (Williams Lake): Waitlist; Mar 1, 2027 (Kamloops): Available; Sep 7, 2027 (Kamloops): Available (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | FoundationTuition / $3,245.83 Student and lab fees / $1,125.42 Learning guides and/or textbooks / $640.00 Health and Dental Plan / $248.00 Tool box with hand tools / $250.00 Total / $6,059.25 … (source) | Program page |
| School and campuses | Program (type, SkilledTradesBC program) | Length | Next intakes / seats | Tuition and fees (as published) | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Mountain College Terrace | Welding | Foundation (CIP 48.0508) Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 29 weeks | Oct 19, 2026; Sep 7, 2027; Oct 18, 2027 (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Tuition: / $2,340.80 Student Union Fees: / $115.36 Mandatory Fees: / $1,428.84 Health Insurance*: / $295.00 Tuition Total: / $4,180.00 Books and Resources / $700.00 … (source) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Prince George - Main Campus, Quesnel | Apprentice Welding L1 Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 8–10 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Jan 4, 2027 (Prince George - Main Campus, Level 1): Open; Feb 1, 2027 (Quesnel, Level 3): Open; Mar 1, 2027 (Prince George - Main Campus, Level 2): Open (TTBC schedule) | Fees* / Starting at $1,057.13 Invest in your future / Tuition for levels 1-3: $1,057.13-$1,084.42 WorkBC offers financial support to apprenticeship students. / Apprentices may qualify for interest free loans of up to $4,000 per level of technical training through the Canada Apprentice Loan program. (source) | Program page |
| College of New Caledonia Mackenzie, Prince George - Main Campus, Quesnel | Welder Foundation Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 27–30 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Fall 2027 (Prince George); Spring 2028 (Quesnel) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Fees* / $4,084 Invest in your future / The estimated cost for this program is $4,084.Tuition: $2,661 Invest in your future / Student fees: $879 Medical/Dental Fee (Fall semester only): $260 (source) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek | Welder Apprenticeship Apprentice levels · Welder Apprentice Apprenticeship Levels 1, 2, 3 | 8–10 weeks (varies by intake/level) | Seats/intake not published by the school. SkilledTradesBC schedule lists: Dec 7, 2026 (Dawson Creek, Level 2): Open; Dec 7, 2026 (Dawson Creek, Level 1): Open (TTBC schedule) | Level 1 / $ 897.12 Level 1 / $ 72.23 $ 130.62 $ 1,099.97 Level 2 / $ 897.12 Level 2 / $ 72.23 … (source) | Program page |
| Northern Lights College Dawson Creek | Welder Foundation Certificate (CIP 48.0508) Foundation · Welder Foundation — Foundation | 32 weeks | September (yearly cohort) (Dawson Creek) (school page, checked Oct 8, 2026; source) | Year 1 / $ 3,141.60 Year 1 / $ 162.46 $ 673.90 $ 3,877.96 Year 1 / $ 12,987.00 $ 289.80* … (source) | Program page |
Find a sponsor (usually an employer), register together on the SkilledTradesBC Portal, then complete 26 weeks of school and 4,620 work hours and pass the certification exam (70% pass mark, up to 4 attempts). A foundation program is optional and can count toward Level 1. Full walkthrough: how to register an apprenticeship; rules from SkilledTradesBC.
Foundation (optional)Usually a few months full-time. The length is on each school’s page in the table above.
Apprenticeship26 weeks of technical training spread over 3 years, in blocks of school between work periods
Work-based training4,620 hours with your sponsor
CertificationExam with a 70% pass mark and up to 4 attempts. Trade Qualifiers must pass within 24 months of approval.
Program length per SkilledTradesBC trade pages. Exam rules per SkilledTradesBC.
Published school fees, usually without tools or student fees.
| Item | Published amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Books and supplies · British Columbia Institute of Technology | Books & supplies: $580 (general estimated cost, and subject to change) | school page |
| Foundation program · Camosun College | Welder Foundation, Certificate: $3,241 (domestic) | school page |
| Foundation program · Coast Mountain College | Tuition:: $2,340.80 | school page |
| Foundation program · College of New Caledonia | Fees*: $4,084 | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of New Caledonia | Fees*: Starting at $1,057.13 | school page |
| One apprentice level · College of the Rockies | Tuition:: $934.08 | school page |
| Certification exam as a Trade Qualifier (challengers only) | $120 application, which includes your first attempt. The 2nd attempt is free; the 3rd and 4th cost $100 each. | SkilledTradesBC |
Job Bank wages for Welders and related machine operators in British Columbia (2023–2024 reference period; Job Bank wage report). Journeyperson ranges, not apprentice pay. See also BC trades salaries.
EI, loans, grants and tool deductions for apprentices: apprentice funding in BC.
No. A foundation program is optional. You can register as a Level 1 apprentice once you have a sponsor. Foundation programs can make you easier to hire and usually count toward Level 1.
No, but only hours worked as a registered apprentice count toward certification.
Possibly, as a Trade Qualifier ($120, see the cost table). With less experience you can challenge a level exam instead.
Usually, yes, if you are eligible for EI. Apply for WorkBC Apprentice Services up to 4 weeks before your training starts to get the reference code you need for the EI claim.
SkilledTradesBC lists 26 weeks of technical training over 3 years and 4,620 work-based hours. A foundation program adds time at the start, but it may count toward Level 1.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.