Welder Apprenticeship 

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Credential

Journeyperson Certificate + Advanced Diploma

Length

3 years

 

Delivery

In-person

Work Integrated Learning

Paid apprenticeship

International Student

Not open to international applicants

Launch your welding career with Keyano College’s Welder Apprenticeship Program. Over three years, you’ll gain hands-on training and technical expertise in electric arc, gas, and resistance welding. Learn to read blueprints, calculate materials, and safely weld a variety of metals for real-world construction and fabrication projects.

This program prepares you for a wide range of career paths - from pipeline construction to structural steel assembly - while guiding you toward Red Seal certification and journeyperson status.

What You'll Learn as a Welder Apprentice

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Welding Techniques

Perform arc, gas, and resistance welding using industry-standard techniques.

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Blueprint Reading

Read and interpret welding blueprints and layout designs accurately.

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Equipment & Safety

Operate welding equipment safely in construction and manufacturing settings.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Electrician Apprenticeship program are prepared for a wide range of roles in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Example career paths include:

Pipeline and industrial construction Structural steel or vessel assembly Steel fabrication shops Heavy equipment repair Commercial welding and contracting

A female welder posing for pictures holding her helmet

Program Details

Minimum Requirements:

Successful completion of the following courses:

  • English 10-2 and Math 10-3 OR
  • A pass mark in all five Canadian General Educational Development (GED) or Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) tests OR
  • Entrance Exam

Recommended Path:

An Alberta High School Diploma (or equivalent) that includes the following courses is recommended:

  • English 30-2
  • Math 30-3
  • Physics 20 or Chemistry 20 or Science 20
  • Related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses

Apprenticeship Eligibility:

To register as an apprentice, you must be either:

  • A resident of Alberta, or
  • Primarily working in Alberta (in the scope of the apprenticeship education program)

You must also be one of the following:

  • A Canadian citizen
  • A permanent resident of Canada
  • A Convention refugee or protected person
  • A Refugee Claimant in possession of a work permit
  • An individual in possession of a Post-Graduation Work Permit
  • A holder of a valid Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) visa living in
  • Canada as a temporary resident and meeting the applicable requirements.

For more information, please consult Alberta’s TradeSecrets Entrance Requirements for the Trades.

Tuition & Fees (2025–26)
Term Domestic Tuition & Fees
8-week term $1,366.72

Please note

  • These estimates are based on 100% enrolment for all semesters and do not include mandatory laboratory fees. Laboratory fees can range from $35-$135 for 2025-2026.
  • *Students will be charged a medical/dental benefit fee unless they opt out by demonstrating alternative coverage - deadlines can be found at StudentCare website.
    ** Tuition is due 10 business days before the start of each semester.

For more information view the Keyano College Credit Calendar.

Refunds, Withdrawals, and Deposits

For information about withdrawals, tuition refunds, program cancellations, and deposit policies, please refer to the Refund Policy page.

Apprenticeships combine technical classroom training with paid, on-the-job learning under the guidance of a qualified journeyperson.

  • Program Duration: 3 periods over 3 years
  • In-Class Training: 8 weeks per year (per period)
  • Workplace Training: Minimum 1,560 hours per year
  • Credential Earned: Journeyperson Certificate and Advanced Diploma
  • Red Seal Option: Available during the final period (Interprovincial Exam)

Apprentices must show progress within 18 months by completing training milestones. In the final period, apprentices may challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam. Upon successful completion, graduates receive a Journeyperson Certificate and an Advanced Diploma.

Period Class Date
Period 1 August 31, 2026 - October 23, 2026
Period 1 August 31, 2026 - October 23, 2026
Period 1 January 4, 2027 - February 26, 2027
Period 2 October 26, 2026 - December 18, 2026
Period 2 March 1, 2027 - April 23, 2027
Period 3 October 26, 2026 - December 18, 2026
Period 3 May 3, 2027 - June 25, 2027

iCourse offerings may change throughout the year. Check back regularly for updates

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Many welders specialize in areas like TIG welding, underwater welding, or exotic metalwork.

You can begin the classroom portion without an employer. However, to log apprenticeship hours, you must secure a sponsor/employer.

An apprentice is in training, gaining supervised on-the-job and classroom experience. A journeyperson is fully certified and can work independently.

You will earn a Journeyperson Certificate and Advanced Diploma, and may qualify for the Red Seal, allowing you to work anywhere in Canada.

Yes. Alberta’s apprenticeship credentials are recognized across Canada. Contact Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) for transfer eligibility. 

Yes. Apprentices earn a percentage of the journeyperson wage, which increases as they advance.

You will need steel-toe boots (Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved) and safety gear. A full list is provided at the start of the program.

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Have questions about applying? Contact admissions@keyano.ca or 780-791-4801.

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