Welding

Transform raw metal into something beautiful. Build things people will use and enjoy for decades. As a welder you can be part of building the structures that become part of our landscape. And you earn a good wage doing it.

The VIU Welding Foundation program is a bootcamp for welding that includes all the staples of working in a trade. And at VIU you learn fabrication as well. This means you enter the workforce knowing how to read blueprints, create shop drawings and fit things together.

These skills are in high demand in BC.  The VIU Welding certificate includes the seven-month foundation program and the three-month fabrication program. We combined these for certification at the request of local industry. 

Gain Real-World Experience

At VIU, you train in a dynamic environment, moving from classroom to workshop where you get hands-on training. Your instructors have experience in many industries, so you finish the program ready to pursue a career anywhere. 

The program includes a practicum which gives you real-world experience. It also helps you make industry connections. 

Welding Careers

Welding is a dynamic industry. With a career in welding you’ll be working on new projects and new technologies all the time. With a Red Seal endorsement you can work anywhere in the world in a variety of careers including: 

• ironwork
• boiler making
• pile driving, diving and bridge making
• pipe fitting
• pressure welding
• steam fitting
• boatbuilding and working in shipyards
• fabrication

Once you’re working in the field, you can return to VIU for apprenticeship training that will prepare for Red Seal endorsement. 

Program Overview

• 7-Month Welder Foundation (21 credits)
• 3-Month Welder Fitter (9 credits)
• Weld Level 1, 2, 3 Apprenticeship and Specialty Metals Endorsement
• Weld Level B
• Accredited Weld Test Facility for CSA (CWB) or ASME

The Welder Foundation program is taught in a modular format, with practical and related knowledge modules. Students in the Foundation program, upon successful completion of the Level 1 and 2 exams, will receive a certificate of completion in the Foundation program.

Once employed and registered in the Welder Apprenticeship program, the student will receive credit for Level 1 and 2 technical training and 300 work based training hours.

Students are then eligible to register for Level 3 technical training where they can achieve Red Seal certification.Classes are limited to 18 students. Graduates of the welding program have found employment in shipyards, fabrication shops, and construction industries.

Welder Foundation graduates can continue onto the 12 week Welder Fitter program and receive a Welder Fitter Certificate.