Available Intakes
Overview
Prepare for a career as a welder through courses that combine theory and hands-on instruction and cover how to join and sever metals using industry processes and tools.
Over the course of this full-time program, you will learn the skills and theory taught in the first and second periods of the Welder apprenticeship program.
Upon successful completion of weeks one through 12, you will be eligible to write the first period Alberta Industry Training (AIT) exam.
In week 13, you will prepare to challenge the CWB - FCAW 1,2,3,4 GF welds. If successful, you will receive their CWB certification.
Upon successful completion of weeks 14 through 25, you will receive the apprenticeship education for the second year welding apprenticeship and may be eligible to challenge the second period AIT exam.
In week 26, you will prepare to challenge the CWB-SMAW 1,2,3,4 GF welds. If successful, you will receive their CWB certification. In weeks 27 through 30, you will work on a welding project.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Welding Technician certificate.
New program launching for fall 2023
You need the most industry-relevant tech-focused education and we've got you covered. With industry input to meet the demands of the current and growing labour market, we've launched a new Welding and Fabrication Technology two-year diploma program. Learn a better way to launch your career in manufacturing.
Learn more about the programCareer opportunities
Graduates can pursue entry-level welding positions and are prepared to become indentured welder apprentices who can challenge the first and second-period WEP apprenticeship exams.
Related careers:
- production welder
- underwater welder
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 10C, or Math 10-3
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2
A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 2) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
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.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| MATH-104 | Math for Apprentice Trades | 1.5 |
| WLDG-202 | Gas Metal Arc Welding Level I Theory | 1.5 |
| WLDG-203 | Gas Metal Arc Welding Level I Lab | 3.0 |
| WLDG-212 | Gas Metal Arc Welding Level II Theory | 3.0 |
| WLDG-213 | Gas Metal Arc Welding Level II Lab | 3.0 |
| WLDG-216 | CWB Gas Metal Arc Welding | 1.5 |
| WLDG-256 | Pattern Development | 1.5 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM-209 | Business Communications | 1.5 |
| WLDG-252 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory | 1.5 |
| WLDG-253 | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Lab | 3.0 |
| WLDG-254 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding Theory | 1.5 |
| WLDG-255 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding Lab | 3.0 |
| WLDG-259 | CWB Shielded Metal Arc Welding | 1.5 |
| WLDG-275 | Welding Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
| Total credits | 30.0 | |
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 >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $551
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $16,530 | $916 | $553 | $17,999 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $744.83
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $22,344.90 | $916 | $553 | $23,813.90 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Winter 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on Friday, Jan. 6. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required equipment/tools
Any required tools will be supplied and located in the assigned welding lab.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
We recommend not purchasing your PPE until after you start the program. We will discuss the industry-approved PPE in class.
You will need CSA-approved steel toe boots and safety glasses, welding gloves, earplugs (supplied), appropriate welding attire such as coveralls or a welding jacket and a good quality welding helmet.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
You will need the first-semester Individual Learning Module pack for Welding Technician.
Find these modules 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.
Contact
Phone: 403.560.6761
Email: ma.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Robert Hartley, Academic Chair
Email: robert.hartley@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
