Welders are trained and capable of welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions, on both plate and/or pipe, using various welding processes.
Note: this program is for welders who are sponsored by their employer and are registered with SkilledTradesBC. Welders who are not "active" registered with SkilledTradesBC and track their hours in a Welder Logbook should review the modular option for apprenticeship training.
Level 1: 8 weeks
Level 2: 8 weeks
Level 3: 10 weeks
Welder apprentices will be eligible to write the Red Seal examination on the last day of the Level 3 program.
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Apprenticeship
Full-Time
Tuition and fees depend on the level of apprenticeship study.
Note: 5% GST is not included in the price, and prices are subject to change. Textbooks are available at the OC Bookstore by calling 250-762-5445, ext. 4586, or ordering online.
Note: all safety equipment and clothing is required fir the first day of class.
You can supply the above tools yourself or you can purchase a set from the Welding Department (approximately $350). If you want to purchase your tools from the Welding Department, this can be done the first day of class. Should you decide to supply your own tools, the list provided is the minimum requirement. All tools on this list must be present for you to proceed with this program.
Note: 5% GST is not included in the price, and prices are subject to change. Textbooks are available at the OC Bookstore by calling 250-762-5445, ext. 4586, or ordering online.
Note: all safety equipment and clothing is required fir the first day of class.
You can supply the above tools yourself or you can purchase a set from the Welding Department (approximately $350). If you want to purchase your tools from the Welding Department, this can be done the first day of class. Should you decide to supply your own tools, the list provided is the minimum requirement. All tools on this list must be present for you to proceed with this program.
Note: 5% GST is not included in the price, and prices are subject to change. Textbooks are available at the OC Bookstore by calling 250-762-5445, ext. 4586, or ordering online.
Note: all safety equipment and clothing is required fir the first day of class.
You can supply the above tools yourself or you can purchase a set from the Welding Department (approximately $350). If you want to purchase your tools from the Welding Department, this can be done the first day of class. Should you decide to supply your own tools, the list provided is the minimum requirement. All tools on this list must be present for you to proceed with this program.
The Welder Foundation program prepares students to enter the Welder Apprenticeship program. Students who successfully complete the foundation program can go into Level 3 of the Welder Apprenticeship program and then write the inter-provincial exam for Red Seal certification.
Apprentices can also investigate Welder B Level for a modular training option.
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant provides direct support to apprentices in the first two years of an approved apprenticeship training program (Red Seal trades). The taxable grant is $1,000 for Level 1 and $1,000 for Level 2. This grant is only available after you have completed the specified level of technical training and have a specific number of work-based hours on your SkilledTradesBC transcript.
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is a $3,000 taxable cash grant for apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain Red Seal endorsement or a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification in a designated Red Seal trade. Apprentices can apply twice; once after their first year of training, and one more time after their second year.
Note: this grant is not available to students in the Professional Cook and/or Baker Apprenticeship programs.
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is a $2,000 taxable cash grant for apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain Red Seal endorsement or a provincial/territorial certificate of qualification in a designated Red Seal trade.
Apprentice financial supports are available to eligible apprentices while they’re completing their classroom apprenticeship training. Apprentices may be able for supports which cover costs such as child card, transportation, disability, and more. Once an apprentice completes the WorkBC application online, a 16-digit reference code will be emailed to them. Use the 16-digit reference code for the Service Canada EI application.
Apprentices attending full-time technical training (sometimes referred to as block-release training), they may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while unemployed and attending your course. Refer to the Service Canada website for application details.
Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program who meet the eligibility requirements may receive up to $4,000 in loans per period of technical training. The purpose of the CAL is to provide apprentices registered in Red Seal trades with loans to assist with the costs to attend technical training.
The LNG Canada Trades Training Fund is available for application by employers on behalf of their apprentices who are high-demand trades. Funding can be requested for apprenticeship training, foundation training as well as specialized, technical and managerial training. Only small companies with 20 employees or less, who are supporting apprenticeship in the demand trades, are eligible.
The federal government will now provide tax recognition for the costs that many employed tradespeople incur to provide their own tools in their employment duties. A deduction (up to a maximum of $500/year) will be allowed for the total cost of new tools acquired by an employed tradesperson in a tax year in excess of $1000. Employer will need to certify that the employee is required to obtain those tools for use in employment activities.
Apprentices who complete their third and four year of any apprenticeship program may be eligible for a tax credit. The apprentice will receive the tax credit when they file their annual income taxes. Apprentices will be eligible for a tax credit of $2,000 for completing Level 3 and a credit for $2,500 for completing Level 4 of any apprenticeship. For more information visit www.sbr.gov.bc.ca.
Your T2202A tax form is available online via myOkanagan on the last day of February.
To access your tax form:
If you have any problems accessing your myOkanagan account, please call IT Services at 1-866-839-4032 or complete an online myOkanagan password reset request.
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