Overview

Whether aiming to work in Alberta’s thriving oil and gas industry or seeking opportunities in construction and manufacturing, our Pre-Employment Welding program provides the foundational skills necessary for entry-level positions and beyond.

You’ll learn to join, shape and cut metal parts for various applications, from pressure vessels to industrial components. You will focus on skills pertinent to Alberta’s oil service, pipeline and construction sectors.

Benefit from a mix of in-class theory, hands-on labs and extensive self-guided study.

As a student, you will:

  • learn wire feed welding, joint and weld types, identification of weld faults, and operation of oxyfuel equipment
  • develop skills in welding techniques including Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Metal Cored Arc Welding (MCAW)
  • become proficient in oxyfuel cutting and gain an understanding of the oxyfuel process and safety
  • adopt safe work practices throughout all aspects of welding.
You will learn from faculty who provide industry insights and mentorship, gain hands-on experience with current welding technologies and equipment, and get exposure to a network of industry and trade contacts and potential employers.

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 for jobs such as oilfield-related welding. A 40-hour workweek is typical, but overtime is occasionally required to meet project deadlines.

If you’re looking for a solid start in the welding profession, are self-driven in your approach to learning, and are committed to personal study, this program is for you.

Welders tend to be objective, methodical and innovative. 

You need:  

  • manual dexterity 
  • good vision (corrective lenses are acceptable) 
  • strong hand-eye coordination 
  • attention to detail 
  • patience. 
You should enjoy building things and working with little direction or supervision.

This program aligns with the first period of Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s (AIT) Welder curriculum.

Graduates are eligible to register as apprentices and challenge the first-period exam.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you may register for SAIT’s Welder apprenticeship program beginning in period two.

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Welding certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni. 

people icon 100% graduate employment rate

Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 22302, 72010, 72104, 72106, 92023, 94105, 95101.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Pre-Employment Welding certificate requires 15 credits (6 courses) to complete.

Course Credits

Off Campus Welding Tours will introduce learners to the real world of welding. Learners gain an understanding of the various welding processes used industry and how safety in implemented the work place.

1.5

This course is an introduction to welding theory. Learners are introduced to wire feed welding, joint and weld types, weld faults and oxy-fuel equipment. Emphasis is placed on safe work practices.

3

This course provides opportunities to develop and practice welding skills. Learners develop practical skills in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Metal Cored Arc Welding (MCAW) and oxy-fuel cutting.

3

This course is an introduction to welding theory. Learners are introduced to tools, materials and processes in the welding trade. Emphasis is placed on safe work practices.

3

This course provides opportunities to develop and practice welding skills. Learners develop practical skills in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Metal Cored Arc Welding (MCAW), oxy-fuel cutting, Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), and plasma arc cutting and gouging.

3

The theory and safety of Oxyfuel (OAW) welding process.

1.5

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.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and have successfully completed the following courses or equivalents:

  • Math 10C, or Math 10-3, AND,
  • English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2

or

  • A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 2) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.

Note: General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Waitlisted
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $6,585 $159 $6,744
Total cost:
$6,744

*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required equipment/tools

Tools will be provided.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

You'll need CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses, welding gloves, earplugs (provided), a good-quality welding helmet and FR coveralls or a welding jacket. 

We recommend you hold off purchasing your equipment until after you begin classes. The industry-approved PPE will be discussed during your first few days. 

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 0.5* $6,585 $157 $6,742
Total cost:
$6,742

*Less than a full semester of 16 weeks.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Canada Alberta Job Grant icon

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the ma.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Manufacturing and Automation Advising

Phone
403.284.8641
Email
ma.info@sait.ca