Welding Technician

• 24-week certificate of achievement
• Fall and Winter start
• New industry-driven offering
• High industry demand

Program Description

Over the course of this 24 week program you will learn the skills and theory taught in the first and second period of the Welder apprenticeship program.  You will learn how to join and sever metals using various processes used in the welding industry. You'll also learn how to use other tools used in the welding industry.

Upon successful completion of your first 12 weeks, you will be eligible to write the first period Welder apprenticeship exam.  At the end of the 24 weeks, providing you pass the first period exam and the last 12 weeks of the course, you will be eligible to write the second period Welder apprenticeship exam.

Your Career

Work conditions for welders vary from one job to another.  Welders may work outdoors on construction sites, or indoors in production and repair shops.  Travel may also be required on jobs such as oilfield-related welding.  A 40-hour work week is typical, but overtime is occasionally required to meet project deadlines.

If you choose a career as a welder, you'll need the following characteristics: manual dexterity, patience, good vision (corrective lenses are acceptable), good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to concentrate on detailed work.  Being a welder is a rewarding career if you enjoy working with metal, physical work and working with little direction or supervision.

Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of Alberta Grade 9 with a pass mark in Grade 9 English, Grade 9 Mathematics and Grade 9 Science or equivalent; or receive a pass mark in the Alberta Apprenticeship Entrance Examination.
  For information about the Alberta Apprenticeship Entrance Examination, visit Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT).
• All applicants to SAIT Polytechnic must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. For more information, please see English Proficiency.
• View High School Course Equivalencies Admission Equivalencies by Province.

Selection (2010-2011)

There are no additional selection requirements. Admission to this program will be offered on a first-qualified, first-accepted basis. 

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate of achievement in Welding Technician.

Transferability

Upon successful completion of the program you may be eligible to register as an apprentice in the Welder apprenticeship (WEP) program, once you find employment.  You will also be able to challenge the first and second period WEP apprenticeship exams.

Tuition And Fees (Subject To Change)

• For the most up to date information on estimated 2012-13 tuition and fees, please call 403.284.8641 or Email ma.info@sait.ca.
• This program is eligible for Student Loan Funding, as well as the Skills Investment Program (SIP).

Books And Supplies (Subject To Change)

• For the most up to date information on estimated 2012-13 books and supplies, please call 403.284.8641 or Email ma.info@sait.ca.
• Tools needed will be approximately $300, however will fluctuate based on brand and quality chosen.

Program Outline (2010-2011)

To find the course description for a course shown below, please go to our Course Finder and enter the course acronym and numbers (I.E. DMST-350) into the Quick Search by Course Code field.

For More Information

Phone: 403.284.8641
Email: ma.info@sait.ca
More information:  School of Manufacturing and Automation

Related Links (Internal):

• School of Manufacturing and Automation
• Academic Calendar