Welder

Welder

tradeworker
Construction Maritime Mining Forestry Manufacturing
Red Seal
AthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to perform basic trade-related mathematical calculations
  • How to use automatic and semi-automatic cutting machines
  • How to read and interpret welding drawings
  • How to perform welding inspections and testing procedures
  • How to perform a range of welding techniques 

Welders are precise and physical individuals who enjoy the challenge of working with intense focus and hot temperatures. They are the masters of metal, fusing metals into all positions.

As a Welder, you’ll get to meld, attach and affix pieces of metal together with precision, watching objects come to life in your hands.  

You’ll learn how to use a variety of manual and computerized equipment. As you progress, your opportunities will open up pathways to become an expert in areas such as pressure welding, custom fabrication—and more.  

26.00
3.00
Training Hours
4620
True

Certified welders may apply to Technical Safety BC for their pressure welder certificate of qualification, provided they meet eligibility criteria and pass the standardized certification exam. Once certified as pressure welders, individuals must complete additional performance qualification test(s) in accordance with any registered welding procedure specification in order to perform pressure welding in BC.

Optional Endorsement

The Welder Endorsement - Multi-Process Alloy Welding enables a welder to weld specialized alloys, by any manual welding process, in any position, and such other work as is usually done by a Red Seal Certified Welder.

To register for this program you must hold either a Welder – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement OR a Welder B – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement.

Learn more about the MPAW Endorsement.

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Program Information and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

 

Active as of February 23, 2026

Active until February 22, 2026

Program and Exam Updates

Program Updates

Exam Updates

  • February 2026: OPSN 2026 002 (IP Exams aligned to the 2023 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS)). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between 2014 NOA and the 2023 RSOS can be found here.

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.

Welder Practical Examination for Trade Qualifiers

The Welder Challenge Pathway requires written and practical examinations to achieve Welder certification in British Columbia. Trade qualifiers challenging the Welder certification must successfully pass the written examination (Welder Interprovincial Red Seal) with a score of 70% or higher before applying to complete the practical examination.

  • Precision
  • Coordination
  • Basic drafting
  • Basic metallurgy
  • Specialized tools and equipment 
Certification challenge only trade
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Welder Endorsement: Multi-Process Alloy Welding (MPAW)

Welder Endorsement

Multi-Process Alloy Welding (MPAW)

An Indigenous tradeworker working in a shop.
Manufacturing Construction Maritime ForestryAthleticCollaborativeMathematicalPreciseTactile
  • How to describe and identify specialized welding processes
  • How to interpret and apply mechanical drawings and layout components
  • How to fabricate weldments
  • How to use the Shielded Metal Arc Welding process on low-carbon steel plate and pipe and stainless steel
  • How to use the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process for stainless steel 

Multi-Process Alloy Welders combine the skills all welders learn to master and then pushing them to the next level with expertise in specialized alloys and welding processes. 

As a Multi-Process Alloy Welder (MPAW), you’ll enjoy the challenge that comes with taking your welding skills to the next level.  

You’ll test your precision and coordination, as you learn to master specialized welding techniques. Identifying these next-level skills and the types of metals they work with will require focus, and collaboration as you work out the best solution for each task. 

5.00
1.00
Training Hours
900
False

To register for this program, you must hold either a Welder – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement or a Welder B – Certificate of Qualification with Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement. This advanced level of training will appear as an endorsement on the original Welder Certificate of Qualification. 

For more information on the Welder program please refer to the Welder program page.

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Program Information

Exam Information 

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

Endorsement Exam

Program and Exam Updates

  • March 31, 2017: OPSN 2016 014 (New Program Outline in effect)
    Note: Changes to the Welder program have impacted MPAW endorsement training content. Please refer to the Outline review details attached to the OPSN.
  • OPSN Archives

None

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.

  • Precision
  • Coordination
  • Basic Metallurgy
  • Weldment fabrication
  • Specialized welding processes 
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Winder Electrician

Winder 

Electrician

Construction Maritime ManufacturingAnalyticalCoordinatedResourceful

Please note that this program is only available for those wishing to challenge certification. There is no apprenticeship pathway at this time.

Occupational Description

Winder Electricians test, rewind, recondition, rebuild, replace and generally service electric motors, generators, alternators, transformers, control equipment, mobile machines and other related components in commercial, institutional and industrial establishments.

32.00
4.00
Training Hours
6000
False

BC apprentices registered in this program must take their technical training in Alberta. Click here to view the Program Outline for technical training in Alberta.

Click here to view the training schedule in Alberta.

 

Program Updates

Program and Exam Information

Challenge the Trade

If you have significant work experience in a trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may apply to challenge the certification. Learn more about How to Challenge a Skilled Trade.

Certification challenge only trade
0

Plumber

Plumber

A female tradesperson stands smiling in a shop in front of a wall of tools.
Construction Forestry Manufacturing Oil and Gas Maritime
Red Seal
AnalyticalCuriousIndependentLogicalPersistent
  • How to read and interpret blueprints, drawings and project specifications
  • How to install, repair and maintain plumbing fixtures and systems
  • How to install specialized systems
  • How to select, measure, shape and join pipes
  • How to locate, prevent, repair and test pipes for leaks 

Plumbers take great satisfaction creating, and fixing complex systems. Their logical approach is fit for a career centered around installing and repairing the essential plumbing we depend on. 

As a Plumber, you’ll constantly test your troubleshooting skills, demonstrating a persistent and agile approach to work as you think ahead while fixing, installing, and reviewing complex systems and appliances.  

You enjoy challenging and time-sensitive tasks, not to mention working in a key role that upholds high safety standards and ensures we protect the essential water systems around us.

30.00
4.00
Training Hours
6300
True

Technical Training

The classroom is where you learn the technical knowledge to complement your work-based training. Make sure to register as early as possible to secure a seat for technical training with a SkilledTradesBC-designated training provider. 

Visit Trades Training BC and EducationPlannerBC to find where this program is being offered across the province. 

Harmonized Program Information and Resources

Exam Information and Resources

Find exam-related information and resources under each menu item below. Looking for more exam tips? Visit the Exam and Study Support page. 

 

 

 

  • Exam Breakdown
  • Acronyms
  • Code Books required:
    • One version of each of the following two code books will be required:
      • National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) 2015 or 2020
      • CSA B149.1:15 or CSA B149.1:20

 

Program, Harmonization and Exam Updates

Program Updates

Harmonization Progress

  • Level 1 - Harmonized*

  • Level 2 - Harmonized*

  • Level 3 - Harmonized*

  • Level 4 - Harmonized*

*Harmonized = Program stream with re-aligned content beginning in April 2019

If you are unclear as to what program you are registered in, or unclear as to which program you should be following, please Contact Us. 

  • March 2026: OPSN 2026 003 (IP Exam Candidates to receive 2025 National Plumbing Code Revisions and Errata package in addition to the National Plumbing Code 2020)

  • February 2025: Program Update (IP Exams aligned to the 2023 Red Seal Occupational Standards (RSOS) with revised Exam Breakdown). A Comparative Analysis detailing changes between 2016 RSOS and the 2023 RSOS can be found here.

  • April 2024: OPSN 2024 011 (Harmonized Level 3 SLE Launch)

  • October 2022: OPSN 2022 025 (Harmonized Level 2 SLE Code Book Update

Challenge the Certification Exam

If you have work experience in the trade but have never been certified in Canada, you may be eligible to challenge the certification exam as a Trade Qualifier to become certified without going through an apprenticeship program. 

If you have some practical experience but do not yet qualify for the certification exam, you may be eligible to challenge a level exam to enter the program at the appropriate level. 

Check the Program Profile on this page for the available pathway options and eligibility details.

  • Critical thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Quality control
  • Plumbing components preparation and assembly
  • Plumbing systems installation  
Certification challenge only trade
1

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