Welders and related machine operators

A secondary (high) school certificate is usually required.

Welders:

There are many paths towards becoming a welder:

• Begin an apprenticeship program in secondary (high) school
• Go to a certified trade school
• Get hired by a company as a paid apprentice (which includes on-the-job training as well as trade school coursework)

There are three levels of welder certification available in B.C.: levels C (Foundations), B and A, earned in that order. Welders are considered apprentices until they have completed their level B (Red Seal) certification.

Certification may be completed either in a modular format or through a formal apprenticeship. The modular format involves more in-school training than the apprenticeship format and takes about two years to complete. The apprenticeship path is a three-year program and involves a mix of training and work experience.

B.C.’s industry training authority, SkilledTradesBC, issues credentials and funds trades training for apprentices. Those who complete level C will receive a Certificate of Qualification. Those who complete Levels B or A are eligible for Red Seal endorsement, which allows holders to work in any province or territory. The A level is for those wishing to expand their skills to include working with specialty alloys and processes.

Machine operators:

Machine operation appeals to those who want to work in a welding shop without having welder certification. These workers are trained to operate a specific machine under the supervision of a Red Seal welder. In order to work independently in their shop, machine operators must pass a test administered by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB). Passing the test qualifies them to work independently on a specific machine, using a specific process, in their current place of work. If the machine operator changes jobs, machines or processes, they must re-qualify.

Certified welders from outside Canada:

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact SkilledTradesBC and/or Technical Safety BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.
 

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Technological improvements such as increased automation are increasing productivity, which will affect the number of new workers needed. At the same time, these technological improvements may also increase the demand for highly skilled welding machine setters and operators.

Welders on construction projects and those who repair equipment will not be as affected by technological changes as those in the manufacturing industry because their jobs are not easily automated.

Construction-related manufacturing, such as architectural and structural metal fabrication, will likely be the highest source of demand for welders and related machine operators over the next few years. On the other hand, the phasing out of older saw and pulp mills and increased use of automation within the remaining mills will limit job opportunities for welders and related machine operators in the wood product manufacturing sector.