Advanced Welding Technology

Diploma

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The Advanced Welding Technology diploma goes beyond the Alberta Welder Apprenticeship training. It combines advanced technical knowledge, welding skills, and exposure to modern technologies to give a graduate the competitive edge into a career in welding. From skills in fabrication to product innovation and inspection methods, you will gain foundational skills that are in-demand by industry. This two-year program is a direct pathway into apprenticeship trades training at NAIT without having to first be a registered apprentice. In addition, it teaches the knowledge required to be a leader in the industry.

Thanks to the growth of environmental industries, ongoing infrastructure repair and the increasing rate of retirement among existing welders, there are many career paths in this industry for graduates to explore!

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Souch 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
  Jan. 08, 2026 (Winter) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Souch 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Industry-approved welding training

Students will not only master welding skills but be exposed to technologies that emerge in the welding industry. A student will also learn career essential skills that are in high demand by industry employers. Learning outcomes for this program include being able to:

  • Identify safety hazards and comply with legislation
  • Operate and maintain welding equipment. To perform welds using processes such as shielded metal arc, gas tungsten, and wire feed processes including gas metal arc, flux core, and metal core
  • Perform various thermal cutting processes
  • Demonstrate and analyze product creation and efficiencies
  • Identify and describe metals and their properties
  • Demonstrate effective written and verbal communications skills appropriate for the industry

The program content and structure aligns with Alberta Credential Framework expectations. This 2-year diploma program provides you with immediate opportunities for employment in the field of welding. 

Hear from our Advanced Welding students

“[My favourite part of the program is] the classes in the shop, hands down. This is the place where we applied the theory part given by our instructors during the lectures. In the shop, each student has an assigned space with a top-notch welding machine and tools which allow us to explore more deeply some welding techniques and improve our experience as a student.”

Carlos Rojas, Advanced Welding Technology International Student from Chile

"I would recommend the AWT program because of its slower and more detail-oriented approach to the schooling portion of the apprenticeship program provided to welders in Canada. We are given nearly double the amount of time both in class and in the shop to create a foundation to base all of our future skills in the trade.”

Jerrod Chute, Advanced Welding Technology Student

Steps to a career for International Students

Pathway to trades career for International students

Steps to a career for International Students

Career Outcomes

The welding industry is dynamic, and demand for employees who understand emerging technologies and evolving processes is high!

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 5 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR

If you do not qualify for transfer credit or credential recognition, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) may be an option.

Contact the program for additional information about Advanced Credit.

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Courses

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Expand each course below to see details about credits, requisites, scheduling, and more.

Term 1

MATH1350Technical Math
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

This technical math course is important for many tasks and functions related to the welding industry. Students will learn to use the subject matter in this course to solve problems based on real-world situations. The topics covered will include fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratio and proportion. Additional subject matter will include geometry, Pythagorean Theory, as well as area and volume of many common shapes in Imperial and Metric units.

WELD1000Workplace Safety & Apprenticeship System
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Knowledge of safety skills and practices is essential for ensuring a safe workplace environment. Students will learn practical applications of safety concepts, techniques, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Students will also acquire information literacy strategies and written communication skills as well as how the apprenticeship system operates.

WELD1010Welding Tools & Processes
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Co-Requisites: WELD1000, WELD1100.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

In the welding Industry, there is a significant need to acquire knowledge and skills among a variety of tasks. As such, students will learn to set up, use, and troubleshoot Oxy-Fuel cutting equipment. Students will also learn the selection, inspection, and safe use of hand and power tools. Additionally, students will learn to weld aluminum and acquire knowledge of its unique properties. Selecting wire feed equipment and consumables will also be covered in this course.

WELD1060Electrical, Metallurgical, and Drawing Theory
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

The concepts presented in this course will assist students in a greater understanding of the many considerations required to successfully achieve mastery of various welding processes. The student will examine electrical theory, metallurgy concepts, different weld types, metal identification, distortion, and weld faults.

WELD1100Wire Feed Application
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Co-Requisites: WELD1000, WELD1010, WELD1060.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Today’s welding industry relies heavily on various wire feed processes to perform a variety of tasks. Students will learn to use various wire welding processes and develop proficiency in semi-automatic welding in specific situations. Students will also learn and apply troubleshooting to set up, use, and maintain wire feed equipment.

Term 2

ENGL1154Effective Communications I
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Industrial Heavy Equipment Technician and Automotive Service Technology programs.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

This course provides students with the fundamentals of effective English and communications skills. The course concentrates on research, written, and verbal/nonverbal communications strategies in order to succeed in industry-related organizations.

WELD1200Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Process and Application
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisites: WELD1010, WELD1060.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is a process that is used in many industries to provide high quality welds. Students will learn the practical application and theory behind creating high quality welds on various joint types and materials.

WELD1240Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process and Application
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisites: WELD1010, WELD1060.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 6.00

Shielded Metal Arc Welding, also known as stick welding, is widely used in industry in a variety of applications. Students will master the use of mild steel electrodes in various positions on different joint types.

WELD1300Pattern Development and Estimating
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisite: MATH1350.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Construction of components and structures requires knowledge as to how to create shapes, to calculate material needs, and to determine associated costs. In conjunction, students will practice concepts related to developing patterns such as fitting pipe and pricing a project.

Term 3

BLPR2130Blueprint Interpretation
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisites: WELD1060, WELD1300.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Blueprints are used extensively in the industry in the construction of projects, and understanding them is a must. By interpreting blueprints, students will examine key concepts and principles related to structural, pressure vessel, and piping drawings.

WELD2060Welding Science and Specifications
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisite: WELD1060.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

In the welding industry, it is important to have a familiarity with codes and the different metals a welder will be working with, as well as the science involved. In addition to this, students will examine key concepts and principles related to the different codes, together with metallurgy and testing involved in welding. Students will also learn about various different metals and alloys and their weldability.

WELD2100Gas Tungsten Arc Welding: Groove and Pipe
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisite: WELD1200.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

The Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process is of growing importance in the welding trade with its ability to create high quality weld deposits. In this course students will receive training both in the shop and in the classroom about the key concepts and principles related to welding using GTAW. In learning about GTAW, students will perform various groove positions on both plate and pipe.

WELD2140Shielded Metal Arc Welding: Groove and Pipe
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisite: WELD1240.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 6.00

The Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process is used extensively in the welding trade. In this course, students receive training about key concepts and principles related to welding using SMAW. Students will perform various groove positions on both plate and pipe, as well as perform Oxy-Acetylene Cutting.

Term 4

LEAD2100Leadership and Management
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Automotive Service Technology and Advanced Welding Technology programs. Pre-Requisite: ENGL1154.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

In this course, students will analyze the steps required to open a small business and apply skills and abilities necessary for good leadership and management.

WELD2220Welding Inspection
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisites: WELD2060, BLPR2130.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Inspection techniques are required to meet welding industry codes. Students will learn to determine quality weld requirements and the metrics to measure acceptability. Proficiency in this ability makes it possible to move into this career path as a Welding Inspector, in the future.

WELD2400Applied Industry Certifications
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisites: WELD1100, WELD2140, WELD2100.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

Industry specific qualifications provide students with the ability to meet code requirements. Students will learn the requirements and techniques to successfully complete industry-specific qualifications.

WELD2430Fabrication Techniques and Best Practices
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisites: WELD1100, WELD2140, WELD2100, BLPR2130.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

The welding industry is dependent on fabrication as a significant part of its efforts. As such, students will learn practical applications of fabrication and best practices in efficient fabrication techniques.

WELD2500Advanced Capabilities and Emerging Technologies
  • Requisites: This course is available to students in the Advanced Welding Technology program. Pre-Requisites: WELD1100, WELD2140, WELD2100, WELD2060.
  • Open Studies: Not Available
  • Credits: 3.00

The welding industry is constantly evolving to capitalize on emerging technologies. This requires that students gain an awareness of current and future trends in the welding industry.

Scholarships & Awards

NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!

Learn how to apply for awards

Admission Requirements

This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.

Minimum entrance requirements

 

The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.

  • Grade 10 Language Arts (English 10-2)
  • Grade 10 Mathematics (Math 10C, Math 10-3, Math 20-4, Applied Math 10, Math 13, or Math 24)
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency

Additional requirements & considerations

Alternative entrance pathways

 

If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.

English or Math Academic Upgrading Placement Tests may be accepted to meet the Language Arts or Mathematics academic entrance requirements.

Not sure if you meet the requirements?

Learn more about how NAIT evaluates applications, and find resources on how to satisfy admissions criteria.

How applications are evaluated Submitting required documents

Dates & Deadlines

 
International
Applications Open:

Aug 01, 2024

 
International
Applications Deadline:

Once the program is full

 
Domestic
Applications Open:

Oct 01, 2024
 
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
 
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025

Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.

International Applicants

This program accepts international students.

PGWP Eligibility

Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements. Students must still meet all other PGWP eligibility requirements, including full-time and in-person study requirements.

Co-Op Work Permit

Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.

International Apprentice Pathway

You can register as an apprentice in a skilled trade after you graduate. Be aware that:

  • Apprentices who have not completed their journeyperson certificate cannot apply for Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). Completing the required hours to become a journeyperson will take longer than three years, so it cannot be done during your PGWP.
  • Graduates of NAIT's trade diploma programs may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry.

This is a compulsory certification trade. To work in a compulsory certification trade, a person must either hold a recognized trade certificate or be a registered apprentice in the trade. Compulsory certification trades usually involve work where public and worker safety needs to be closely monitored.

Questions? Talk to an International Recruitment Specialist

Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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