Trades - Apprenticeship in Welder Apprenticeship

The Welder Apprenticeship at Red Deer Polytechnic is a three-period apprenticeship leading to journeyperson certification in Alberta's welder trade. Welders join and sever metals and fabricate metal parts used in construction and manufacturing. Training covers blueprint reading, safety procedures, and welding techniques including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW, along with working with different metals, operating welding machines, and following industry codes and standards. Coursework also addresses inspection methods and quality control to ensure strong, reliable welds. The program is delivered full-time and on-campus, alternating each period with on-the-job work experience through Alberta's Apprenticeship and Industry Training system, and prepares graduates for roles in manufacturing, metal fabrication, pipeline construction, and oilfield or petrochemical plant construction and maintenance. On completion, graduates receive a Journeyperson Certificate, granting legal authority to work in the trade, and an Education Credential recognizing completion of the diploma-level apprenticeship program.