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PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog
Welding and Fabrication Technology
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Learn how to weld and become a well-informed tradesperson with a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s processes and tools.
The Welding and Fabrication Technology program provides an integrated learning experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on skills in a blend of classroom and lab work. The program aligns with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) curriculum for the welding trade.
You will learn from faculty with real-world experience who will provide industry insights and mentorship. You’ll have access to modern welding facilities and equipment and networking opportunities with industry professionals and potential employers.
As a student, you will:
- learn industry-standard welding processes and tools, including for aluminum, steel or other metals
- learn how to interpret complex drawings, adhere to strict standards and specifications, and keep current with welding codes
- learn welding and metal fabrication procedures using the latest and emerging technologies in the field
- gain business and entrepreneurship skills for effective decision-making, job planning, tool and material selection, and operational sequencing
- gain mathematical and communication abilities for interacting with various stakeholders and accurately estimating project materials and resources.
Become a journeyperson welder
This program offers an alternate route to traditional apprenticeship, providing the foundational knowledge necessary for the trade. It prepares you to be apprenticeship-ready, needing only to register with an employer to begin accumulating on-the-job hours towards a journeyperson welder certification and pass the applicable exams.
If you seek a comprehensive welding and fabrication education or want to enhance your employability in the industry or manufacturing sector, the Welding and Fabrication Technology program can help you get there.
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Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those in the welding field tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.
You need:
- manual dexterity
- good vision (corrective lenses are acceptable)
- good hand-eye coordination
- attention to detail
- patience.
You should enjoy building things and working with little direction or supervision.
Academic path
This program aligns with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) curriculum for welders.
Graduates are eligible to challenge the technical training exams for periods one through three. Upon passing, you can register as an apprentice and complete the on-the-job training hours to earn your journeyperson designation.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
The optional cooperative work term between years one and two allows you to apply your classroom learning in the workplace, gain valuable industry experience and complete some of the hours required to earn your journeyperson designation.
Credential
Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Welding and Fabrication Technology diploma.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
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.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Contractors and supervisors, machining, metal forming, shaping and erecting trades and related occupations (72010)
- Boilermakers (72103)
- Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (72104)
- Ironworkers (72105)
- Welders and related machine operators (72106)
- Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing (92023)
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, and
- at least 50% Math 20-1, Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, and
- at least 50% Science 10.
Those who have graduated from SAIT’s Welding Technician certificate program within the last five years may be given advanced standing into year two or the program, depending on seat availability.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
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.
Suggested schedule of study
Co-op work term (optional)
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you 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 >
Books and supplies
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.
Program outcomes
- Demonstrate leadership in workplace safety.
- Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills and familiarity with trade terminology when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
- Exercise professional judgment when planning jobs, selecting tools and materials, and sequencing operations to match a project.
- Demonstrate knowledge of trade mathematics, pattern development, and estimating materials and resources for projects.
- Demonstrate skills in equipment setup, maintenance and troubleshooting, and various welding and fabrication processes.
- Demonstrate thorough knowledge of welding tools and trade science, reading and interpreting drawings, standards and specifications, and identifying welding codes.
- Demonstrate working knowledge of welding and fabrication procedures to perform welding, identifying the weld faults, their causes and prevention methods.
- Use current and emerging technologies, computer hardware and software, techniques, and materials to support welding projects.
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