Welding and Fabrication Technology

New Program!

Credential:: diploma
Program length:: 2 years
Campus:: Main
International applicants:: Accepted PGWP eligible
Faculty:: School of Manufacturing & Automation

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

Prepare for a career as a welder through courses that combine theory and hands-on instruction and cover how to work with metals using industry processes and tools.

Develop into a well-rounded tradesperson with in-demand knowledge, skills and experience in the welding and fabrication industry. In this diploma program, you’ll gain welding and fabrication understanding to allow you to interpret drawings, standards and specifications as well as an overview of welding codes. You’ll learn about welding fabrication procedures while using current and emerging technologies.

In addition, you’ll develop your business and entrepreneurship skills, such as decision-making so you can exercise professional judgment when planning jobs, selecting tools and materials and sequencing operations. You’ll also gain math and communications skills to interact with internal and external stakeholders for estimating materials and resources for projects.

This program will help you launch a successful career in the welding industry, providing an alternative pathway into an apprenticeship.

Although it contains all of the content for the three periods of the welder apprenticeship trade in Alberta, you will still need to be registered as an apprentice by an employer to collect the required hours of on-the-job training to be eligible to write the journeyperson certification.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

The optional cooperative work term between years one and two allows you to apply your classroom learning in a practical workplace setting and gain valuable industry experience.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Welding and Fabrication Technology diploma.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

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

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 Welding and Fabrication diploma requires 60 credits (21 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two to three semesters in the first year (depending on if you choose to complete the optional work term), and two semesters in the second year.

View classes by semester

Suggested schedule of study

First year

Semester 1

Course Code	Course Name	Credit
MATH 252	Mathematics	3.0
WLDG 217	Wire Feed Lab 1	3.0
WLDG 218	Wire Feed Theory 1	3.0
WLDG 219	Wire Feed Theory 2	3.0
WLDG 225	Wire Feed Lab 2	3.0
Semester 1 Total		15.0

Semester 2

Course Code	Course Name	Credit
WLDG 220	Shielded Metal Arc Welding Lab	3.0
WLDG 227	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory	1.5
WLDG 228	Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Lab	3.0
WLDG 229	Shielded Metal Arc Welding Theory	3.0
WLDG 232	Industrial Pattern Development	3.0
WLDG 266	CWB Certification Lab 1	1.5
Semester 2 Total		15.0

Co-op work term (optional)

Course Code	Course Name	Credit
CPWK 252	Cooperative Work Term	0
Semester 2 Total		15.0
First Year Total		30.0

Second year

Semester 3

Course Code	Course Name	Credit
BLPR 307	Industrial Blueprint Reading	3.0
COMM 267	Professional Communication Skills	1.5
EMTL 305	Trade Science	1.5
WLDG 303	Advanced Welding Lab	6.0
WLDG 304	Advanced Welding Theory	3.0
Semester 3 Total		15.0

Semester 4

Course Code	Course Name	Credit
FNCE 351	Entrepreneurship, Digital and Financial Literacy	1.5
WLDG 305	CWB Certification Lab 2	3.0
WLDG 306	Industrial Fabrication Techniques	6.0
WLDG 307	Welding Mechanization and Automation	1.5
WLDG 308	Workplace Readiness	3.0
Semester 4 Total		15.0
Second Year Total		30.0
Program Total		60.0

Course	Credits
This course introduces you to the fundamentals of reading blueprints. You’ll learn to interpret structural drawing, pressure vessel drawings and piping drawings. Pre-requisites: WLDG 232	3
Learners will gain an understanding of the strategies and skills required for effective communication in a professional environment. Topics include active listening, conflict resolution, writing industry specific reports and documents, developing interview skills, and giving and receiving feedback.	1.5
This course introduces you to non-destructive and destructive testing methods. You will also learn about metallurgical properties of steel, welding codes, standards and specifications.	1.5
In this course students will gain understanding of how to create, finance, manage and evaluate a start-up.	1.5
This course introduces you to the fundamental mathematical principles that you will need to meet the requirements for a welder. You’ll explore the trade applications of fractions and decimals, as well as metric and imperial conversion and geometric problems. You’ll learn to solve problems using percentage and ratios. You’ll also learn to do trigonometry calculations and offsets for piping systems.	3
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop practical welding skills while adhering to shop safety procedures. Students will perform gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) and metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) in multiple positions on mild steel. They will gain hands-on experience with welding processes for various joint configurations and structural shapes. Through practice, students will use inspection tools to measure weld coupons.	3
This course introduces students to the fundamental theory required to work safely and effectively as a welder. Students begin by examining important procedures for working with hazardous materials, as well as safety regulations and standard practices for climbing, lifting, rigging, and hoisting. Students will explore hand tools and power tools, electrical concepts related to welding, how to perform equipment setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and oxyfuel cutting with specialized equipment, as well as the theory of GMAW, FCAW, and MCAW welds on mild steel.	3
This course equips students with the foundation for analyzing basic joints and weld types and identifying weld faults and distortion. Through practice, students will demonstrate safe material handling procedures. Students will establish an overview understanding of metallurgy, hardfacing process and heat treatment process. Through activities, students will develop skills to identify welds and welding symbols and interpret drawings. Additionally, this course will introduce students to oxyfuel, plasma arc and carbon arc cutting and gouging, submerged arc welding processes as well as GMAW, FCAW and MCAW on Mild Steel Pipe. Finally, students will distinguish the characteristics of aluminum and how it affects the welding process.	3
This course provides opportunities to develop and practice welding skills. Learners develop practical skills in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).	3
This course provides opportunities to practice intermediate welding skills. Students develop practical skills in oxyfuel cutting, as well as cutting and gouging using the plasma arc and carbon arc processes. Students also perform gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) and metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) on aluminum and mild steel. In addition, students observe and explain the submerged arc welding (SAW) process.	3
This course introduces you to the fundamentals of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), beginning with safe work practices and procedures. You will examine the correct use of GTAW electrodes, filler metals and gases, as well as explore troubleshooting and maintenance procedures for GTAW equipment. You’ll also examine the GTAW procedures and parameters for welding mild steel plate and pipe, stainless steel and aluminum.	1.5
This course provides opportunities to develop and practice welding skills. Learners develop practical skills in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).	3
This is a course on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) theory. Learners are introduced to the SMAW process and equipment, electrode selection, production of metals, carbon and alloy steels and alloy steel filler metals.	3
This is a course on pattern development and estimating. Learners develop and apply pattern development, layout, and project estimating skills. Pre-requisites: MATH 252	3
This course is designed to help you develop your hand skills in performing fillet/groove welds on mild steel plate using the FCAW & SMAW process and to prepare you to challenge the CWB practical tests in these weld positions (1GF,2GF,) Pre-requisites: WLDG 225 WLDG 220	1.5
This course provides opportunities to develop and practice welding skills. Learners develop practical skills in GTAW/SMAW in different positions on mild steel plate and pipe. Pre-requisites: WLDG 220 WLDG 228	6
This course you will learn about welding theory, different welding processes, GTAW on Mild Steel Plate and Pipe, SMAW and Oxyfuel Cutting on Mild Steel. Also, stainless steels and welding procedures, nickel alloys and clad steels and their welding procedures. Pre-requisites: WLDG 227 WLDG 229	3
This course is designed to help you develop your hand skills in performing fillet/groove welds on mild steel plate using the FCAW & SMAW process and to prepare you to challenge the CWB practical tests in these weld positions (1GF,2GF,3GF,4GF,) Pre-requisites: WLDG 303	3
This course will prepare the students to be confident in working to industry standards.	6
In this course, you will explore basic mechanized and automated welding and cutting processes and how the technology is used in Industry. (Students will be given an opportunity to connect with industry and tour their facility to see how it works.)	1.5
First aid, Confined Space, Fall arrest, Forklift, H2S, WHIMIS, SDS & Workplace safety.	3

Course	Credits
This cooperative work term course provides the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a practical workplace setting, as well as gain valuable industry experience. This course is optional. Pre-requisites: One of: BLPR 229, MACH 203, MACH 201, MATH 266, MNFG 201, MNFG 202, EMTL 204, BLPR 235, MACH 211, MACH 252, MATH 267, MNFG 212, and MNFG 256 COMM 267, HDMC 254, HDMC 262, HDMC 251, HDMC 252, and HDMC 250 WLDG 217, WLDG 225, WLDG 228, WLDG 220, and WLDG 266	0

Course

Credits

This cooperative work term course provides the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a practical workplace setting, as well as gain valuable industry experience. This course is optional.

Pre-requisites:

One of:

BLPR 229, MACH 203, MACH 201, MATH 266, MNFG 201, MNFG 202, EMTL 204, BLPR 235, MACH 211, MACH 252, MATH 267, MNFG 212, and MNFG 256
COMM 267, HDMC 254, HDMC 262, HDMC 251, HDMC 252, and HDMC 250
WLDG 217, WLDG 225, WLDG 228, WLDG 220, and WLDG 266

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 meet the following requirements or equivalents.

at least 50% in English Arts 20-1 OR English Arts 20-2,
at least 50% Math 20-1 OR Math 20-2 OR Math 20-3,
at least 50% Science 10.

Students who have graduated from SAIT’s Welding Technician certificate program within the last five years may be given advanced standing into year two, depending on seat availability.

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.

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.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

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

Learn more

Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Jan 08, 2024

Domestic students: Waitlisted: Application deadline: Oct. 26, 2023
International students: Closed: Application deadline: Sept. 28, 2023

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Costs

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 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	2	$10,500	$1,570	$12,070
2	2	$10,500	$1,570	$12,070
Total cost:				$24,140

Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	2	$19,572	$1,570	$21,142
2	2	$19,572	$1,570	$21,142
Total cost:				$42,284

Books and supplies are approximately $2,000 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.

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

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.

2023/24 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Fees	< 9 credits per semester	> 9 credits per semester
SAIT fees
Campus athletic and recreation	$51.50	$103
Student support fee	$52.75	$105.50
Student technology fee	$52.75	$105.50
UPass*	N/A	$160
Total	$157	$474
Saitsa fees
Student association fee**	$16.23/credit	$146
Health plan***	N/A	$86 ($172 annually)
Dental plan***	N/A	$79 ($158 annually)
Total	$311 maximum	$476

_{*The City of Calgary has increased their UPass fee from $160 to $165 effective for Winter 2024. This increase was not reflected in the above-quoted tuition and fee amounts at the time of publishing.}

_{**Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.}

_{***Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.}

_{****Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.}

What your SAIT fees pay for

Student support fee: supports student services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including services such as Career Advancement Services, and Student Development and Counselling.

Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance the student experience.

Campus recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, student events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of student engagement initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.

Upass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Ineligible students are not required to pay this fee. Learn more about eligibility requirements.

Lab and materials fees: ensures SAIT labs and living classrooms have the required equipment and materials to support the necessary training for students.

Laundry fee: covers the cost of laundering the required uniforms. Applicable only to certain programs and apprenticeships.

Saitsa fees: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of a variety of student services, activities, and programming.

Health and dental fees: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt out. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits.

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.

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

Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:

School of Manufacturing and Automation Advising

Phone: 403.284.8641
Email: ma.info@sait.ca

International Student Advising

Phone: 403.284.8852
Email: international@sait.ca

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Overview