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Thompson Rivers University 50th Anniversary
Thompson Rivers University 50th Anniversary
 > TRU Home > Williams Lake Campus > Programs and Courses > Trades and Technology > Welder Foundation
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Welder Foundation

welding
A welder is a person who has training in and is capable of welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions, on both plate and/or pipe, using SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes. Welders use manual or semi-automatic welding equipment. They use flame-cutting, brazing and air-arcing equipment. Additionally, they use machines such as brakes, shears and other metal straightening and bending machines.

Welders generally plan work from drawings or by analyzing the job tasks, determine the materials required and welding processes, then use their knowledge of welding to complete the job. They may specialize in certain types of welding such as custom fabrication, ship building and repair, pressure vessel welding, pipeline construction welding, structural construction welding or machinery and equipment repair welding. Workers use blueprint symbols to determine machining operations. They check product specifications using precision measuring instruments, and maintain equipment and replace parts when required.

» ITA Welder program profile

Program Description

This is an introductory program that prepares learners for entry level positions as apprentice welders in most sectors of the economy including manufacturing, construction, transportation, resource extraction, and resource development. Students engage in a variety of classroom and shop activities. In the classroom, they will learn theoretical principals of welding. Shop sessions provide the hands-on opportunity to learn processes and master practical welding skills.​​

Credentials Awarded

  • Advance credit for Levels 1 and 2 of the Technical Training component of the Welder Apprenticeship
  • 300 hours credit towards the Workplace-Based Training component of their apprenticeships

Recommended Work Based Hours

After completion of the program, it is recommended that students gain another 2,700 hours of hands-on field experience before returning to school for Level 3 Technical Training

Course Length

28 weeks

Next intake: February 3, 2020

Admission Requirements

Welding Foundations admission information package

Education Requirements
  • Grade 10 minimum, however, Grade 12 is strongly recommended
  • Successful completion of Accuplacer Test
General Requirements
  • Good command of the English language is recommended
  • Good vision, unimpaired hearing, respiration and god health in general are recommended

Dress

  • Students must supply own gloves, jackets, goggles, helmet and safety-toed boots
  • Tools

Other Requirements

  • Students are required to purchase their own tool boxes and tools
  • Boots, welding gloves, leather jacket, welding cap, helmet and goggles approximately $200

Costs

See Program Costs for the statement of tuition fees.

Go to the Financial Aid & Awards website for information on applying for student awards.

Contact

Questions regarding Foundation Training tuition should be directed to the Admissions Office:

Email: wlmain@tru.ca
Phone: 250-392-8020
Fax: 250-392-4984

Questions regarding the Welder Foundation should be directed to:

Bruce Jenkins - Welding Instructor
Email: bjenkins@tru.ca
Phone: 250-392-8121
Fax: 250-392-4984

Thomas Haag - Program Chairperson
Email: thaag@tru.ca
Phone: 250-828-5119
Fax: 250-828-5492

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