Welder Foundation, Certificate

Enrol in the seven-month full-time Camosun Welder Foundation program to boost your employability and pave the way to an apprenticeship and a career as a ticketed welder.

two women welding

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

No

Area of study

Trades Foundation

Length

28 weeks

Two paths

The difference between foundation program and apprenticeship.
Learn more

Fundamental training

Start dates vary

Conforming to industry standards, practices and procedures, the competency-based Welder Foundation program provides you with the skills you'll need to prosper in today's job market.

A spacious welding classroom with multiple workstations.

This full-time program conforms to industry standards, practices and procedures to prepare you for entry-level employment and to begin a welding apprenticeship. Over seven months your training will include:

  • Introduction and safety
  • Oxy-fuel cutting, welding and brazing
  • Shielded metal arc welding
  • Carbon arc gouging 
  • Gas metal & flux core arc welding 
  • Material handling
  • Blueprint reading
  • Welding metallurgy
  • Math

Check it out:

Virtual Trades Information Session

Hands-on learning

You'll gain competence in all welding processes and techniques through individualized and personalized instruction, supported by daily hands-on practice.

You'll develop skills including Oxy-Fuel gas cutting, welding, brazing, material handling, and welding metallurgy.

The welding shop is located in the Centre for Trades Education & Innovation on the Interurban campus. The shop is over 12,000 sq. ft. (1,115 sq. metres) in size.

 

Next up: Apprenticeship or Modular

As a graduate, you'll be ready to start employment with credit for Level 1 and 2 technical training required by welding apprentices as well as 300 of the 3,000 required hours. As an apprentice, you'll continue to build on your skills and gain the practical experience necessary to become fully qualified through Level 3 to earn your inter-provincial Red Seal certification.

Modular pathways Welder Levels B & A, as well as Upgrading and Testing are also available. If you have completed the Foundation program or have Welder Level C certification and want to advance your career with further training, contact the program leader for more information.”

What you'll learn

Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.

welders

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.

Program outline

What to expect

Located at our Interurban campus, this full-time program is 28 weeks long. Classes are scheduled for 5 days a week, 6 hours each day. Your typical day includes theory and lectures in the classroom, with the majority of your time in the shop getting hands-on training. You should be in good physical health and have good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Performance assessment will be a blend of instructor and peer review.

Camosun's Welder Foundation program will teach you the basics in welding to prepare you for your subsequent apprenticeship. Through the ten sequential program courses, you'll develop skills from Oxy-Fuel gas cutting, welding, brazing, and material handling to welding metallurgy and math supplementation.

Modules

The Practical (P) modules provide theoretical and practical introductions to individual welding processes in the WELD 110 course. The Related Knowledge (RK) modules cover areas of important background knowledge required by welders such as Metallurgy, Welding Codes or Standards.

  • P1: Introduction/Program Orientation
  • P2: Oxy-Fuel Gas Cutting
  • P3: Gas Welding & Braze Welding
  • P4: Shielded Metal Arc 1
  • P5: Carbon Arc Gouging
  • P6: Gas Metal Arc/Flux Core Arc
  • RK1: Material Handling
  • RK2: Blueprint Reading 1
  • RK3: Welding Metallurgy
  • RK2B: Math Supplement

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated Tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

Welder Foundation, Certificate

$3,115 (domestic)

Welder Level A

$890 (domestic)

Welder Level B

$1,780 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

For International students visit: International Tuition & Fees.

Student Fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial Assistance

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards 

Admission requirements

One of:

  • C in English 10 
  • C in English 10 Camosun Alternative 
  • C in ENGL 050 

And one of:

  • C+ in Apprenticeship and Workplace Math 10
  • COM in MATH 038 

Note: If a student does not have one of these preferred requirements the College will accept a "C" or higher in Foundations of Math and Pre-calculus 10, or Principles of Math 10, or Applications of Math 11, or MATH 053 

When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...

Missing admission requirements?

You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.

 

Program start dates

Training will take place at Interurban Campus. Contact Registration to confirm seat availability*, 250-370-3550.

Start DateEnd Date
February 12, 2024August 23, 2024
August 26, 2024March 21, 2025
February 10, 2025August 22, 2025
August 25, 2025March 13, 2026

Apply today

Need help applying?

Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.

Contact us

If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office.

For questions about the program contact 250-370-3856tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the Department Chair.

Faculty/staff profile

null

Dean Janzen

Program Leader, Instructor Welding

janzend@camosun.ca
250-370-3765
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Kyle Broad

Kyle Broad

Chair, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades

broadk@camosun.ca
250–370–3786
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

 Chris Stask

Chris Stask

Instructor, Welding Foundation

staskc@camosun.ca
250-370-4572
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Alfred Vis

Alfred Vis

Instructor

visa@camosun.ca
250-370-3785
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

null

Matt Fischer

Toolroom Attendant, Welding

fischer@camosun.ca
250-370-3783
Centre for Trades Education and Innovation
Full bio

A young Indigenous man working in the welding shop.

Specialty programs

Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for Women and Indigenous people. 

Contact information

Trades Apprenticeship Office

Campus location

Centre for Trades and Technology building (CTEI), room 102

Location link

Interurban Campus

250-370-3856

tradesinfo@camosun.ca


 

Admissions Questions: