Welding Foundation – Certificate

Program Details

Length: 7 months (28 weeks)

Total Credits: This program provides credit toward Red Seal Certification

Intake Terms: Fall

Delivery Method: In-person

Campus: Silver King

Credential: Certificate

Cost:

Approximate program cost

Student Loans:

This program is eligible for student loans

Credential Received

Certificate in Welder Foundation and credit for Level 1 and Level 2 Welder plus 300 hours toward completion of Welder Apprenticeship.

Overview

Program Summary

The Industry Training Authority (ITA) in the province of BC currently recognizes and supports two streams for welder training, Modular and Apprenticeship. The Modular stream is for welders who do not have an employer sponsor and consists of the Foundation program (28 weeks), the Welder B program (16 weeks) and the Welder A program (8 weeks).

Welder Foundation

Regardless of the training model or stream that you want to follow, you can start with Welder Foundation and eventually achieve Inter-Provincial (Red Seal) Welder certification. Welder Foundation graduates will receive 300 hours of credit toward the work-based experience that is required for certification in either the Modular or the Apprentice stream. Those following the Apprenticeship stream will receive credit for Level 1 and Level 2 apprentice technical training and return to school as a Level 3 apprentice.

Welder Foundation is a 28-week 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 learn theoretical principals of welding. Shop sessions provide the opportunity to learn processes and master practical welding skills. Students engage in a variety of classroom and shop activities. They will learn basic welding procedures, including Oxy-fuel Gas Cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding/Flux Cored Arc Welding, basic Blueprint Reading and basic Metallurgy.

Modular Stream

Welder Foundation graduates who wish to follow the Modular stream will look for work as an entry-level welder and obtain an additional 700 hours of work-based experience for a total of 1,000 hours before returning to the Welder B program. Those on the Modular stream are not required to be indentured to their employer.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, learners will be able to:

Describe welder apprenticeship and the scope of the trade in BC
Describe safe working practices
Perform basic trade-related mathematical calculations
Use and maintain measuring and layout tools
Use and maintain hand tools
Use and maintain power tools (electric and pneumatic)
Describe shop materials
Apply lifting, hoisting and rigging procedures
Describe and use cutting and gouging processes
Describe and perform fusion and braze welding (TB) using the oxy-fuel (OFW) process
Describe and use the shielded metal arc-welding (SMAW) process
Describe and use semi-automatic and automatic welding
Describe the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process and use it for ferrous metals and stainless steel
Describe production processes for manufacturing metals
Describe mechanical and physical properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals
Describe common ferrous, non-ferrous and reactive metals and their weldability
Identify common welding symbols and bolted connections
Read and interpret drawings
Perform basic drafting
Interpret and apply mechanical drawings and layout components
Fabricate weldments
Perform costing and estimating functions

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, the applicant must meet the following Welding Program requirements to be considered fully-qualified:

Graduation from a British Columbia Senior Secondary School or equivalent
Workplace Math 11, or Selkirk AUD Math 46, with minimum of 60% or better
Consideration will be given to mature individuals (19 years or older) who are not senior secondary school graduates, provided they are working to complete the recommended education:
- Grade 10 or equivalent including English 10, Mathematics 10
- Grade 12 preferred
All applicants are required to complete a computerized placement test using the College Readiness Tool (CRT) in reading, writing and mathematics once they have submitted their application.
Employers may require higher level of Math as part of their hiring policies

Additional Requirements

Physically fit, (mobility/lifting) good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, balance, work at heights and in adverse weather.
Students must supply some hand tools, safety boots, leather wear and purchase module texts at a cost of approximately $600.
A refundable tool deposit of $100 will be required at the start of the program.

1. General

a) Welder Level B applicants must possess a Welder Level C Certificate of Qualification. Welder Level A applicants must possess a Welder Level B Certificate of Qualification or Interprovincial Red Seal.

b) Applicants must submit a completed admission application form and other required documents (i.e. secondary school and any post-secondary transcripts) to the admissions office, Selkirk College.

c) Welder Level C applicants, except Metal Fabricator graduates, are required to complete pre- admission College Readiness Tool for reading, writing and mathematics.

d) Consideration will be given to mature students (see below).

2. Mature Student (see 8611 Admissions)

a) A "mature student" is at least 19 years and has been out of the school system for at least one year on or before the first day of classes of the program.

b) A mature student with reasonable potential for success on the basis of work experience or other criteria may be admitted, notwithstanding some deficiency in prior formal education.

c) A mature student shall normally meet the specific program or course prerequisites.

B. SELECTION

Applications will be separated into two levels as identified in Selkirk College Policy 8611 (Admission), namely "fully qualified" and "partially qualified".

1. Fully Qualified

The applicant meets all of the requirements stated in Part I, A, above.

2. Partially Qualified

The applicant is deficient in meeting some or all of the admission requirements stated in Part I, A, above.

3. Order of Selection

Selection and acceptance of applicants will proceed in the following order:

a) Within the fully qualified level, preference shall be given to those with earlier-completed applications.

b) Within the partially qualified level, preference shall be given to those considered best qualified.

C. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Before an applicant's file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions office:

a) Completed application form.

b) Official transcripts of high school grades (an interim statement of grades is acceptable if applicant is currently a student).

c) Official transcripts of all post-secondary education grades.

d) The results of College Readiness Tool (Welder C Level only).

2. Applications for admission will be received until program is full.

3. An interview (in person or by telephone) with the School Chair or designate may be required before entry to the program. Interview results are not used as criteria for admission.

Graduation and Promotion

In order to receive your credential in your program, you must maintain a minimum of 70% average.

PROMOTION

Students should keep records of their grades and strive to maintain a Progress Grade of 70% or better. Students should be aware of their Progress Grade at all times.

NOTE: Selkirk College Welding Program graduates must complete substantial hands-on field experience to earn official BC Industry Trade Authority (ITA) Certificate of Qualification as C, B, or A Welders and Interprovincial Red Seal Qualification, where applicable.

NOTE: Courses of study, course content, course weightings, and learning outcomes for all Welding courses and modules are prescribed by the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) and/or the Canadian Welding Bureau and/or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and are subject to change without notice.

Program Curriculum

See SkilledTradesBC (ITA) for program outline.

Additional Program Policies

Effective Term: Fall

Effective Year: 20240801

Assessment:

Grading will be based on the categories defined in Selkirk College Policy 8612 (Grading) Standard Grading Table for Selkirk College.

Grading Table: Standard Trades Programs

Types of Assessments:

1. Types and Frequency of Evaluation (Selkirk College Policy 8613: Student Evaluation)

Students are evaluated and graded in each subject or course topic as detailed in the Program Outline.

(i) Students will complete a series of Subject Exams as described in the Program Outline.

(ii) Students will complete a series of Written Assignments and Presentations as described in the Program Outline.

(iii) Students will complete the Program Final Examination at the conclusion of the program.

2. Examination Policy

a) Students may be allowed to make alternative exam arrangements with the appropriate instructor for valid and verifiable reasons such as medical emergency, family bereavement, or jury duty.

b) Any alternate arrangements for final examinations must be approved by the School Chair or designate.

c) All tests and exams are the property of the College and will be retained by the College.

3. Definitions

a) Related Knowledge (RK):

An exam used only to demonstrate adequate knowledge of the subject material recently covered in the program.

b) Practical Competency (P):

A practical demonstration of hand skills and the ability to use tools and equipment properly in the shop.

c) Supplemental Exam:

An exam used to supplement previous evaluations in a course for a particular student when a student achieves under 70%. The instructor will specify when the examination will be held. No more than one attempt will be permitted for a supplemental exam for each subject area. In no case will the second attempt be recorded as more than 70% on all theory examinations

Program Specific Regulations:

Health and Safety

Students are required to follow the safety directions of Selkirk College staff and the safety guidelines specific to their program. Additionally, students must wear prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE) in all designated areas. Failure to follow safety directions may result in the suspension of shop access. Only the School Chair may reinstate access.
Students are encouraged to complete the Voluntary Disclosure of Health History form for any health (physical and/or mental) conditions (e.g., anxiety, diabetes, epilepsy, allergies), or prescription medications which could lead to concerns in an industrial environment. This information is for safety reasons only and will be kept confidential.
Students are required to complete all mandatory safety training prior to using program equipment. Students are responsible for adhering to correct usage of equipment and for informing staff when the equipment is damaged or unsafe to operate.
Students who are unsafe or impact the safety of others will be required to leave the class or shop area until remediation has been met.
The use of personal electronic devices in a learning environment can be disruptive and is unsafe in an industrial setting. Usage and restrictions will be identified in the program safety guidelines.
No alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or cannabis products are to be consumed on the college property during or before a college activity. If a student appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they will be required to leave the premises and subject to disciplinary action as outlined in Policy 3400: Student Code of Conduct.
When participating in program field trips or other off-campus college-related activities, students are required to comply with the health and safety guidelines of both Selkirk College and those of their hosts. See College Policy 8350: Educational Field Trips.

Attendance:

1. Attendance at all scheduled lectures, shop activities, examinations and other learning experiences is mandatory.

2. Where possible, students who are absent from a learning experience (including testing) must notify the program instructor prior to the absence. If advance notice is not possible, the student will contact the instructor about missed or late assignments as soon as possible upon return to school. Students are responsible to make up missed work as required.

3. The Welding program will not undertake to provide substitute learning opportunities in program courses when students have been absent, for any reason.

4. Students claiming illness or absence for compassionate reasons from learning experiences must contact the instructor directly. Students may be required to supply a doctor's certificate to substantiate claims of illness.

5. Students who are excluded from a lesson, class or course for reasons outlined in Part II, D will be considered absent from those classes.

6. A student whose absenteeism exceeds 7.5% at any time, may be required to withdraw from the program.

Assignments:

ASSIGNMENTS AND EXAMINATIONS

1. All Subject Exams and the Program Final Examination must be written at the time designated by the program instructor. Failure to do so will result in a zero percentage (0%) grade on that examination. Except in extenuating circumstances, requests for rescheduling exams will not be granted.

2. All Written Assignments, Practical Assignments, Presentations and Practicums must be completed and/or submitted at the time designated by the program instructor.

Other regulations:

A. PROBATION (Policy 8615 Standards of Academic Progress, 5.1.2 Academic Probation)

1. Purpose

The purpose of probation is to create an awareness of the seriousness of unsuitable student conduct and/or performance, as well as to reinforce that students have obligations above and beyond those specified in the course outlines.

2. Criteria for placement on academic probation

A student may be assigned probationary status for unsatisfactory academic performance in the first two-thirds of the Program for any of the following:

a) Failure to maintain a Progress Grade of 70% or better;

b) Failure to complete Practical Assignments on time;

c) Failure to submit Written Assignments on time.

3. Criteria for placement on behavioural probation

A student may be assigned probationary status for unsatisfactory behaviour at any time during the program. Refer to Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct; Rights and Responsibilities.

4. Criteria for removal from probation

a) Conditions for removal from probation will be specified in the written Notification of Probation.

b) Any student assigned probationary status must meet the following requirements:

(i) Complete attendance.

(ii) Complete and submit course work as assigned.

(iii) Acceptable academic performance in all courses.

(iv) Satisfactory behaviour.

(v) Any other conditions specified in the Notification of Probation.

5. Failure to meet conditions of probation

A student placed on probation who does not meet the requirements specified by the letter of probation may be required to withdraw.

6. Number of probationary periods.

a) Students are limited to two probationary periods. A student whose behavioural or academic performance necessitates a third probationary period will be required to withdraw.

B. PROGRAM EXCLUSION/DISMISSAL (Refer to Policy 3400 Student Code of Conduct - Rights and Responsibilities)

An instructor may exclude a student from participating in a class, lab, field trip, shop session, or other learning opportunities for violating policy 3400 or if s/he lacks appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in the program outline.

C. APPEAL (Refer to Policy 8400 Student Appeals for procedures and time lines)

Plagiarism and Cheating: Definitions (8610 Admissions and Standards PART II, Section 15.0)