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 knowledge 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 skills 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 3 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.
Credentials
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT Welding and Fabrication Technology diploma.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses 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 of the program, depending on seat availability.
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 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
Courses
Program Outline
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 | |
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 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 | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $10,500 | $948 | $622 | $12,070 |
| 2 | 2 | $10,500 | $948 | $622 | $12,070 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $19,572 | $948 | $622 | $21,142 |
| 2 | 2 | $19,572 | $948 | $622 | $21,142 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
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.
Learn more about what your fees are for
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** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*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.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $2,000 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 your tuition and financial aid options
*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
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will be held on campus on Aug. 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details
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.
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
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8641
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.
