Welder Foundation Certificate

Program overview

The Welder Foundation Certificate program at Northern Lights College is designed to equip students with essential skills in welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This program covers various welding processes, including SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), and FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding). Students will learn to operate manual and semi-automatic welding equipment, flame-cutting, brazing, and air-arcing tools. The program also emphasizes the importance of planning work from drawings, determining materials, and using precision measuring instruments to ensure quality in welding tasks. Upon completion, students will receive Levels 1 and 2 technical training and gain valuable work-based hours towards their Welder Apprenticeship.

Program structure

The Welder Foundation Certificate program spans approximately 32 weeks, totaling around 840 hours of training. This comprehensive program is structured to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in welding. Key features of the program include:

• Levels 1 and 2 technical training
• 300 work-based hours credit towards Welder Apprenticeship
• A reading week typically at the end of February

Students will engage in hands-on training, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. The program is designed to prepare students for various welding specialties, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet industry demands.

Featured Experiences

• Hands-on training with manual and semi-automatic welding equipment.
• Exposure to various welding processes, including SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW.
• Opportunity to specialize in areas such as custom fabrication, shipbuilding, and pressure vessel welding.
• Work-based hours that contribute towards Welder Apprenticeship completion.
• Access to industry-standard tools and equipment for practical learning.

Career Options

Graduates of the Welder Foundation Certificate program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

• Structural Steel Welder: Specializes in welding structural steel components for buildings and bridges.
• Pipeline Welder: Works on the construction and repair of pipelines, ensuring they are safe and efficient.
• Shipbuilding Welder: Engages in welding tasks related to the construction and repair of ships and marine vessels.
• Machinery Repair Welder: Focuses on repairing and maintaining heavy machinery and equipment used in various industries.
• Custom Fabrication Welder: Creates custom metal products and structures based on specific client requirements.

These roles offer diverse opportunities across multiple sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and repair services, making welding a valuable skill in the job market.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.