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Next information session
There are no events scheduled for this program. Please visit the link below to see all upcoming and on-demand information sessions.
This program will be delivered in a blended format (OA, OS, OR and OF/CLAS) for the Fall 2021 semester.
Some courses will be delivered online while others occur on-campus.
Learn more about our course delivery options
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, 30-week 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 GF welds. If successful, you will receive their CWB certification.
Upon successful completion of weeks 14 through 25, you will receive the technical training 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 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.
Career 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
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $16,387
Year 1 (International): $23,080
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Full costs
Tuition and financial aid
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
Applications are accepted until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Applications for spring and fall 2021 open Oct. 7, 2020.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021.
- Applications for spring 2022 opened on June 14, 2021.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 | April 29, 2022 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 | Aug. 19, 2022 |
| Spring 2021 | May 9, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are open Oct. 7, 2020 until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Winter 2022 start: applications are open March 31, 2021, until the program start date but are subject to change.
- Spring 2022 start: applications opened on June 14, 2021 until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Successful completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 10C, Math 10-3, Pure Math 10, or Applied Math 10
- English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2
- All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
- A pass mark in the SAIT Admission Examination (level 2) or equivalent is accepted in lieu of the above requirements.
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.
Note: General Educational Development (GED) tests are not accepted in lieu of the admission requirements.
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 Welding Technician and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you 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.
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
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.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available with the following universities and colleges:
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
To learn more, visit Transfer Options.
Costs
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,054 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $16,387 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,747 | $793.20 | $287.77 | $252 | $23,080 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $252
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
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 device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out 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.
Fall 2021
Orientation
Your program orientation will take place on Aug. 26. Watch your inbox for the time and location.
Learn more about our SAIT-wide orientation activities.
How to register for classes
You'll follow a fixed block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.
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
Tools required for this program will be provided.
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, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to 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 D2Lbefore the first day of classes.
Required textbooks
You will need the first-semester Individual Learning Module pack for Welding Technician.
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 required this term.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4343
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.