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
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!
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View Work Integrated Learning
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning.
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.
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
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.
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.
Recommended courses
The following course(s) are recommended, as they provide important background for your program's content. Recommended courses are not required for admission and will not affect your application.
Post-admission requirements
Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.
Additional options
This program has courses that are available for Open Studies. Open Studies allows you to explore credit courses without applying to a program. It is an opportunity to get a feel for school and what program you want to be in.
Learn more about Open Studies
Dates & Deadlines
International
Applications Open:
Please contact the program area for more information.
International
Applications Deadline:
Please contact the program area for more information.
Domestic
Applications Open:
Please contact the program area for more information.
Application Deadline:
Please contact the program area for more information.
Term Start Date:
Please contact the program area for more information.
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.
