Welding Foundation Certificate at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

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.

Faculty: Trades and Applied Technology | Duration: 10 months | Study mode: full-time | Intake: The Welding Foundations program will offer one morning and one afternoon intake. The intakes are filled from the waitlist. With the current size of the waitlist, the February 2027 intakes will be full soon. | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Occupational Skills - Theory and Practical, Oxy-Fuel Cutting and Gauging Processes (OFC, Fusion and Braze Welding Using Oxy-Fuel Process (OFW, Shielded Metal Arc Welding - Theory and Practical, Electric Arc Cutting, Gouging and Related Processes (AAC, Semi-Automatic Welding and Submerged Arc Welding (SAW, Layout and Fabricate Components, Welding Drawings.

Career pathways

Welding is a dynamic industry. With a career in welding, you’ll be working on new projects and new technologies all the time. Roles include ironwork; boiler making; pile driving, diving and bridge making; pipe fitting; pressure welding; steam fitting; boatbuilding and working in shipyards; fabrication.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

All students will be required to complete an assessment test.; See Trades general admission requirements.; Note on Admission; Adequate vision, and free from respiratory ailments.; Physically suited to the trade.; Applicants who do not possess the minimum educational requirements may have their work experience assessed in lieu of educational requirements.

Domestic applicants: CAD 3,635 for the whole programme. Tuition (7 months x $519.36 per month). Tuition only; excludes student, activity, health plan and other mandatory fees. Source

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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