Be ready to light the spark of a career.
Our Pre-Welder certificate program is designed for people who aren’t yet employed in the trades. In 15 weeks, you learn what's covered in the first year of welder apprenticeship training, including safety, how to interpret plans and drawings, essential math skills and four types of welding.
Grab and Go Information
Why should you study Pre-Welder at Lethbridge Polytechnic?
Working in our well-equipped welding shop, you’ll learn a variety of welding techniques and how to safely join and sever types of metal. This program includes a two-week work-integrated learning placement so you can feel confident seeking employment in a welding shop. Many employers are reluctant to hire apprentices who don’t have some experience. Successful completion of this program demonstrates skills and commitment to help employers choose you as their next Welder Apprentice.
15
Number of weeks to go from no experience to writing the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship exam
$79,452
the average annual wage of a welder in Alberta
60
welding booths in the Trades, Technologies and Innovation Facility
Career Opportunities
As a welder, you’ll find yourself in demand in a variety of capacities. When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to work in:
- Commercial Construction
- Heavy Equipment Repair
- Industrial Construction
- Pipeline Construction
- Steel Fabrication
- Vessel or Structural Steel Assembly
1st
the pre-employment programs provide the first year of the Alberta Apprenticeship curriculum
2 weeks
the length of your work-integrated learning placement
Visit ALIS website for more career information.
At-a-Glance
Starts-in
September and February
Credential / Accreditation
Certificate
Duration
15 weeks
International Eligibility
This program is not available for International Students.
Application Deadlines
Visit the Program Application Status page for more details.
Academic Centre
Program Availability
Admissions
Apply NowNew applicants are accepted into the Pre-Welder program for the Fall (September) or Winter (February) terms.
General Admissions Requirements
All applicants must meet the general admission requirements for Lethbridge Polytechnic programs, as indicated in the Admission section of this calendar.
Academic Requirements
- Successful completion of English 10-2, Math 10-3, pass Apprenticeship Entrance Exam, or pass mark in all five Canadian General Education Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests.
Non-Academic Requirements
- The ability to lift heavy objects weighing in excess of 25 kilograms
- Good physical coordination and manual dexterity
- Mechanical ability
- Good hearing and colour vision
- The ability to work as a member of a team and adapt to changing tasks and locations
- Responsibility to do all work tasks expected of a journeyperson
Upon successful completion of all program requirements, students are awarded a Pre-Welder certificate.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Term I | ||
| WDG-1100 | Workplace Safety and Tools | 3 |
| WDG-1101 | Welding Technology & Properties of Metal | 6 |
| WDG-1102 | Welding Process GMAW, FCAW, MCAW, SAW | 6 |
| WDG-1103 | Welding Trade Math | 3 |
| WDG-1104 | Practicum Placement | 1.5 |
| Credits | 19.5 | |
| Total Credits | 19.5 | |
Upon successful completion of The Pre-Welder program, you will:
- be prepared to write the First Period Alberta Apprenticeship Examination.
- be prepared to be employed within the Welding industry in Alberta.
- have learned valuable employability skills including cover letter and resume writing, and interview skills.
- obtain a Letter of Recognition.
View course timetables
Tuition costs are estimates for the 2025/2026 year.
| Title | Tuition | Fees | Books/Supplies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1
|
$8,110.00
|
$1,005.00
|
$350.00
|
View detailed program cost estimates
Notes
Costs for supplies may vary considerably depending on what students already have or where they purchased their supplies; cost provided is on the moderately high end.
Budget Wizard
Our Budget Wizard is a free self-service tool that can help you make sense of your finances and the cost of your education. Give it a try!
The Pre-Welder Certificate program is delivered on campus through an apprenticeship-style training but may have some blended and hyflex components.
On Campus
This program is delivered in a face-to-face format on the main Lethbridge Polytechnic campus. Lectures, labs and hands-on training opportunities will all take place on campus in Lethbridge.
Featured Graduates
Darrell Bohle
“It’s every business owner’s responsibility to give back, to try to work in and with the community. We want to contribute to that transformation by enhancing the training of welders.”
Dominique Tousignant
“I enjoy the feeling of knowing that my work will be seen and admired for years to come. And I like knowing that one day my daughter and perhaps grandchildren may walk through the doors that I welded in place.”
Wanda LeClair
“I came from working in the human service industry, and I just came to a place in my life where my kids were older and I wanted to do something where I could make a bit better money. I’d been taking various courses at the college for 30 years, so I knew I wanted to come here and I decided I wanted to try a trade but didn’t know which one. The advisor asked about welding, and I like to build things so I thought “ya!” So she sent me off on a job shadow at Charlton and Hill and I did the job shadow and thought “I think I might like this,” and that’s where it started.”