Trades Foundation Certificate - Welder at TRU - Thompson Rivers University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Program overview

The Trades Foundation Certificate - Welder program at Thompson Rivers University is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as apprentice welders across various sectors. This program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to engage in both classroom instruction and practical shop activities. Students will gain essential skills in welding, including cutting, fabricating, and assembling metal components using industry-standard tools and techniques. Graduates will receive a certificate of completion, which provides them with advance credit for Levels 1 and 2 of the technical training component of the welder apprenticeship.

Program structure

The Trades Foundation Certificate - Welder program is structured to provide a comprehensive introduction to welding, with a total program length of 28 weeks. The program includes:

Classroom instruction covering theoretical principles of welding.
Hands-on shop sessions to master practical welding skills.
Preparation for the SkilledTradesBC Standardized written exam after Level 1 and Level 2.

Upon completion, students are recommended to gain an additional 3,000 hours of hands-on field experience before pursuing Level 3 technical training. The program also offers options for further advancement through various levels of technical training, including Level 3, Level A, and Level B, each with specific course lengths and requirements.

Featured Experiences

The Trades Foundation Certificate - Welder program includes several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Access to industry-standard welding and fabrication equipment.
Instructors with extensive experience and qualifications, including Provincial Instructor Diplomas and Welding Inspector designations.
Opportunities to participate in Provincial, National, and World Skills Competitions.
Hands-on learning through a combination of classroom and shop activities.

These experiences ensure that students are well-prepared for the workforce and equipped with the skills necessary to excel in various welding-related fields.

Career Options

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

Welder: Join, repair, and shape metal components for various industries, including construction and manufacturing.
Fabricator: Create metal structures and components by interpreting blueprints and specifications.
Metal Worker: Work with different types of metals to produce and assemble products for various applications.
Pipeline Welder: Specialize in welding pipelines for oil and gas industries, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.
Maintenance Technician: Perform repairs and maintenance on equipment and machinery, utilizing welding skills to fix metal components.

These roles offer diverse opportunities for skilled welders in a range of sectors, ensuring a rewarding career path.

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

Visit TRU - Thompson Rivers University official website

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Trades Foundation Certificate - Welder program at Thompson Rivers University has specific academic requirements for prospective students. To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

High School Graduation: Applicants must have completed high school or possess equivalent qualifications. Mature student status is also accepted.
English Requirement: A minimum of 60% in English 11 or equivalent is required.
Mathematics Requirement: A minimum of 60% in Math 10 or any equivalent course is necessary.
Health Recommendations: Good vision, unimpaired hearing, and general good health are recommended for all applicants.

For international students, specific requirements may apply. It is advisable for students from Vietnam and other Asian countries to consult with LOA Portal's advisors for tailored guidance and support regarding their applications.

Additionally, it is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students interested in this program should also be aware of the prerequisite courses, which include:

English 11 with a minimum of 60%
Math 10 with a minimum of 60% (any Math 10 or equivalent)

For any further clarification or support regarding the application process, please reach out to LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you.

Language Requirements

For the Trades Foundation Certificate - Welder program, the following English language proficiency tests are accepted:

TOEFL:
- Direct entry: Current: 88, with no section below 20
- EAP Level 5: Current: 80
- EAP Level 4: Current: 71
- EAP Level 3: Current: 61
IELTS:
- Direct entry: 6.5+ with no bands below 6.0
- EAP Level 5: 6.0+ with no bands below 5.5
- EAP Level 4: 5.5+ with no bands below 5.0
- EAP Level 3: 5.0+
Duolingo:
- Direct entry: 125+ with no sub-score less than 115
- EAP Level 5: 115+ with no sub-score less than 100
- EAP Level 4: 100+ with no sub-score less than 90
- EAP Level 3: 90+
CAEL:
- Direct entry: Overall 70+ No subtest below 60
- EAP Level 5: Overall 60+ No subtest below 50
- EAP Level 4: Overall 50+ No subtest below 40
- EAP Level 3: Overall 40+
PTE:
- Direct entry: 58+ with no band below 55
- EAP Level 5: Not Applicable
- EAP Level 4: Not Applicable
- EAP Level 3: Not Applicable
MET:
- Direct entry: 62
- EAP Level 5: 58
- EAP Level 4: 54
- EAP Level 3: 50

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2026-11-09

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
March 2027	Likely Open	2027-03-01	2027-09-10	Kamloops
September 2027	Likely Open	2027-09-07	2028-03-31	Kamloops
October 2027	Likely Open	2027-10-18	2028-05-12	Kamloops
February 2028	Likely Open	2028-02-22	2028-09-01	Kamloops