Jan 27, 2025

PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog

Pre-Employment Welding

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus)

The Pre-Employment Welding program is designed to help you kick-start your career in welding.

Whether aiming to work in Alberta’s thriving oil and gas industry or seeking opportunities in construction and manufacturing, this program provides the foundational skills
necessary for entry-level positions and beyond.

You’ll learn to join, shape and cut metal parts for various applications, from pressure vessels to industrial components. You will focus on skills pertinent to Alberta’s oil service,
pipeline and construction sectors.

Benefit from a mix of in-class theory, hands-on labs and extensive self-guided study to reinforce learning.

In this program, you will:

learn wire feed welding, joint and weld types, identification of weld faults, and operation of oxyfuel equipment
develop practical skills in welding techniques including Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Metal Cored Arc Welding (MCAW)
become proficient in oxyfuel cutting and gain an understanding of the oxyfuel process and safety
adopt safe work practices throughout all aspects of welding.

You will learn from faculty with real-world experience to provide industry insights and mentorship, gain hands-on experience with current welding technologies and equipment,
and get exposure to a network of industry and trade contacts and potential employers.

Upon completing this program, you will be eligible to challenge the written and practical exams for the first period welding apprenticeship, fast-tracking your journey to
becoming a journeyperson welder.

Work conditions for welders vary from one job to another. Welders may work outdoors on construction sites or indoors in production and repair shops. Travel may also be
required for jobs such as oilfield-related welding. A 40-hour workweek is typical, but overtime is occasionally required to meet project deadlines.

If you’re looking for a solid start in the welding profession, are self-driven in your approach to learning, and are committed to personal study, then this program is for you.

Traits, skills and aptitudes

People in the welding field tend to be objective, methodical and innovative.

You need:

manual dexterity
good vision (corrective lenses are acceptable)
strong hand-eye coordination
attention to detail
patience.

You should enjoy building things and working with little direction or supervision.

Academic path

Graduates of this program are prepared to challenge the provincial level 1 apprenticeship trade examination for welders.

Once you pass the exam and complete the necessary training hours with an employer, you can begin a traditional apprenticeship in period two.

Credential

Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive a SAIT Pre-Employment Welding certificate.

Program length

13 weeks

Not open to international applicants

This program is not available to international applicants at this time.

CAJG-eligible

This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant.

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)
Sheet metal workers (72102)
Structural metal and platework fabricators and fitters (72104)
Welders and related machine operators (72106)
Labourers in metal fabrication (95101)
Boilermakers (72103)
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (72400)
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401)
Supervisors, other mechanical and metal products manufacturing (92023)
Other products assemblers, finishers and inspectors (94219)
Ironworkers (72105)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

Math 10C or Math 10-3, and
English Language Arts 10-1 or English Language Arts 10-2.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline

The Pre-Employment Welding certificate requires 15 credits (six courses) to complete.

Required courses

WELD 254 - Gas Metal Arc Welding Level 1 Theory 3 Credits
WELD 255 - Gas Metal Arc Welding Level 1 Lab 3 Credits
WELD 256 - Gas Metal Arc Welding Level 2 Theory 3 Credits
WELD 257 - Gas Metal Arc Welding Level 2 Lab 3 Credits
WLDG 216 - CWB Flux Cored Arc Welding 1.5 Credits
MATH 268 - Math for Apprentice Trades 1.5 Credits

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 $1,000 - $1,500 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.

Required equipment/tools

Tools will be provided.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

You’ll need CSA-approved steel-toe boots and safety glasses, welding gloves, earplugs (provided), a good-quality welding helmet and FR coveralls or a welding jacket.

We recommend you hold off purchasing your equipment until after you begin classes. The industry-approved PPE will be discussed during your first few days.

Manufacturing and Automation program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Manufacturing and Automation.

Phone: 403.284.8641
Email: ma.info@sait.ca