Offered by Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek, Canada, Welding Foundation Certificate is a foundation in Upgrading/upskilling programme. The programme runs for 32 weeks, delivered on campus. Teaching is in English. Tuition for international students is CAD 12,987 per total (CAD 3,142 per total for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Foundation
Field:Upgrading/upskilling
Duration: 32 weeks
Delivery: On Campus
Language: English
Local tuition: CAD 3,142 / total
International tuition: CAD 12,987 / total
Information for the 2027/28 academic year · Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
The Welder Foundation Certificate at Northern Lights College trains students to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions, on both plate and pipe, using SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes, along with flame-cutting, brazing, and air-arcing equipment. Graduates of the 840-hour, approximately 32-week program receive Welder Levels 1 and 2 technical training credit plus 300 work-based hours toward completing a Welder Apprenticeship, and certified welders can qualify to test for Pressure Welding IT Procedure tests administered by Technical Safety BC. The program runs as a September cohort at the Dawson Creek campus.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission follows Northern Lights College's program-specific requirements published on this program's own page. Applicants complete one of three pathways: Pathway A requires English — BC Language Arts 10, 11 or 12 (4 credits, minimum C+) or ENGL 030 or higher (C+), or IELTS 5.5 overall with no band below 5.0 — plus Math — BC Math 10 at C+ or higher-level Math at C, or MATH 030 or higher at C+. Pathway B is ESTR 037 (Essential Skills for Trades, Intermediate Level) at a minimum 67%. Pathway C is completion of the POWER (People Obtaining Workplace Employment Requirements) program. Students must supply their own personal protective equipment and a computer meeting NLC's minimum specifications, and must maintain a 70% minimum in all courses.
Application Details
Start Date:September
Application Deadline:Northern Lights College uses one admissions calendar for domestic and international applicants alike, applying through EducationPlannerBC or in person. Applications open about eleven months before each intake: 1 October for the following Fall, 1 February for the following Winter, and 1 June for the following Spring. For the 2027 cycle the priority deadline is 30 September 2026 for Winter 2027 entry, 31 January 2027 for Spring 2027 entry, and 31 May 2027 for Fall 2027 entry (dual-credit applicants get until 24 October 2026 and 23 June 2027 respectively), with a tuition deposit due about a month after each priority date. NLC states international applicants already in Canada on a valid visa follow the same domestic deadlines; after the priority date, seats remain open, on a rolling basis, until each term's add/drop date. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
