Welding

Overview

If you are someone who gets along well with others, has good hand-eye coordination, values quality and job safety and are you comfortable with heights and confined spaces, this is the program for you. These are a few of the strengths you will need to succeed in this line of work. In this program, you learn how to permanently join pieces of metal by applying heat, using filler material or fusion process. You join parts that are being manufactured, form part of a structure or are damaged or worn. You also learn various welding and cutting processes to join structural steel and cut metal in vessels, piping and other components. Welders are good problem-solvers who have mechanical and mathematical aptitude and good planning skills.

In this program, you read and interpret blueprints and welding process specifications, gain knowledge of metallurgy and codes, and learn about the effectiveness of using different equipment for different welding processes.

Welding and Metal Fabrication are both two-year programs that share the same courses in the first year. Both programs offer strong apprenticeship tracks and graduates from both programs often end up working side-by-side.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside of the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• This program is eligible for an optional cooperative education (co-op) credit course between year one and two.
  • Co-op provides an opportunity for paid, full-time employment in a field related to your program.
  • Co-op takes place in third term and must be a minimum of 12 weeks and 420 hours.
  • Our co-op program follows Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL) guidelines.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• Designed to meet the increasing demands of the welding and fabrication sector, the skills you learn are relevant to the needs of industry, now and in the future.
• This program places a high importance on providing you with skills and knowledge to work safely in industry. To prepare for employment, you participate in safety awareness courses.

Other info

• Many employers in this industry require a current, official criminal record check as part of the hiring process. A conviction on your criminal record may impact your ability to secure employment.
• Certain Welding processes are regulated through CWB and ASME codes.
• To work in the field of High-Pressure Welding in the Welder trade, an individual requires a license or permit under the regulatory authority in Nova Scotia, the Technical Safety Division. 

September 2025

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Burridge Campus Yarmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Pictou Campus Stellarton	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist
Strait Area Campus Port Hawkesbury	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available
Sydney Waterfront Campus Sydney	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent.
  • International students – High school diploma equivalency and English language requirements vary by country. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Welding - Diploma - Year 1
• Welding - Diploma - Year 2

Career options

• Graduates work for a wide variety of industries and companies. They're employed by structural steel and manufacturing plants, heavy machinery companies, and the construction and shipbuilding sectors.
• Learn more about labour market information. View career options

Future study options

• Graduates may register as an apprentice with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency (NSAA) once employed. Apprenticeship is an optional but beneficial journey that combines on-the-job-learning with technical training.
• Red Seal Endorsement - Individuals who complete an apprenticeship program are eligible to write the inter-provincial exam once they pass the Welder Practical Exam. A Red Seal allows certified tradespeople to practice the trade in any province or territory in Canada where the trade is designated.
• Learn more about the Welder trade
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count toward a university degree. Learn more about applying your diploma towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

INDR 1010 - Industry Readiness
A crucial component of trade practice is the ability to share information. Explaining work, applying trade skills and meeting industry standards involves communicating effectively. This course introduces these skills with a trade focus and will help prepare students to contribute to employment and in the classroom. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

INDR 1020 - Working Effectively in the Trades
Almost all trades professionals will need to work well with others. Students in this course will learn to be effective team members and adapt and analyze how they share information with others. A selection of activities relevant to the particular trade will be used to practice collecting, analyzing and using trade information. Course work may tie directly to projects and assignments happening elsewhere in the program and in its shops.

MATH 1016 - Math I
In this course, the learner will improve math skills to a level required for entering the workforce. The course concentrates on the skills that will allow the learner to efficiently solve equations and formulas encountered in industry, these will include: fractions, decimals, metric measurements and problem solving. This course emphasizes practical problem solving while it attempts to increase overall competency in mathematics.

MATH 2001 - Math II
In this course, learners will cover; area, volume, circumference and weights of various geometric shapes, problem-solving using tables of roots, and orientation using angular measure.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.

SAFE 1020 - Safety Basics – Restricted Spaces
The learner is introduced to the basic requirements and procedures involved with working in restricted spaces. The definition and potential hazards of restricted spaces are discussed The course material is infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1021 - Safety Basics – Hazard Identification
The learners are introduced to the types of hazards encountered in workplaces and the approach that should be followed when recommending and implementing appropriate controls. Two key elements of Hazard Identification are addressed: Hazard Assessment and Inspection. The Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act is discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1022 - Safety Basics – Working at Heights
The student is introduced to hazards and responsibilities concerned with working at heights in the workplace. Guardrails, travel restraints, roof work, fall arrest components will be discussed. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1023 - Safety Basics – Lock-out Tag Out
Lock-out Tag Out introduces students to the hazards related to energized systems and procedures to ensure worker safety. Related legislation and risk management is discussed and the student is exposed to the various types of lock-out devices. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

SAFE 1024 - Safety Basics – Respiratory Protection
This course introduces students to the potential of atmospheric hazards in the workplace and the available personal protection and control methods to maintain a safe work environment. Discussion topics include identification and testing for atmospheric hazards and workplace respiratory programs. The course material is to be infused throughout the curriculum and may be delivered in the classroom, shop or other opportunity as designed and developed by the instructor.

WELD 2000 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding - Exotic Metals
This course is designed to introduce the learner to the welding of exotic materials with an emphasis on following a proper welding procedure. The learners will perform welding on a variety of metals.

WELD 2100 - Blueprint Reading III
This course is designed to enhance the learner’s knowledge of blueprint terminology, welding symbols and design. The learner will be provided with a greater understanding of the skills required to interpret welding prints, working drawings and sketches.

WELD 2200 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding III
This course is designed to further develop knowledge and skills in the vertical and overhead positions using F3/F4 type electrodes. This course will also introduce the learner to open root welding using F3/F4 type electrodes in all positions.

WELD 3000 - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II
This course is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of the learner in the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. The learner will perform welds in all positions on various materials.

WELD 3008 - GMAW II
This course is designed to further the learner’s knowledge and skills of the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. The learner will also be introduced to open root welding using the GMAW process. Learners will have the opportunity to plan, execute and evaluate welds.

WELD 3009 - FCAW II
This course is designed to further the learner’s knowledge and skills of the Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) process. Learners will have the opportunity to plan, perform and evaluate welds according to industry standards.

WELD 3100 - Work Experience II
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal.

WEMF 1000 - Safety Fundamentals
In this course, the learner will demonstrate the use of trade tools. The learner will also cover the principles of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it relates to industry.

WEMF 1100 - Oxy-Fuel Processes
This course introduces the learner to the set-up, assembly, disassembly and operation of oxy-fuel cutting and welding equipment. This course will also include storage, handling, identification and transporting of cylinders.

WEMF 1200 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
This course is designed to introduce the learner to the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process. The learner will identify, SMAW equipment, consumables and apply codes and standards including CSA W117.2. The learner will perform fillet and full penetration groove welds in the flat position. The learner will also perform an open root weld in the flat position using F3 - F4 type electrodes.

WEMF 1300 - Blueprint Reading I
This is an introductory course in basic blueprint reading. This course includes the identification of commonly used blueprint lines, drawings, dimensioning systems and welding symbols. Learners will be required to practice basic sketching techniques that assists in the interpretation of drawings and specifications.

WEMF 1400 - Rigging and Material Handling I
In this course the learners will learn safe operating procedures and practices for material handling. This course will give the learner the opportunity to select and use rigging hardware, learners will demonstrate knowledge of safe work practices as defined by industry standards.

WEMF 1500 - Portfolio Work Experience
This course provides learners with the opportunity to engage with local industry and become familiar with jobsite conditions and requirements.

WEMF 2000 - Semi-Automatic Wire Welding Processes I
This course is designed to introduce the learner to the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes. Information on electrode types, shielding gases and power sources will be covered.

WEMF 2100 - Blueprint Reading II
This course includes the identification of commonly used blueprint terms and welding symbols. Learners will be required to practice material identification and interpretation of drawings and specifications.

WEMF 2200 - Layout and Fabrication I
The course introduces the skills required to transfer patterns to plate, layout, fabricate and assemble the required piece.

WEMF 2300 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
The learner will identify consumables, positions and apply codes and standards. The learner will perform surface welding, fillet and full penetration groove welds in the horizontal position. The learner will also perform open root welds in the horizontal position using F3-F4 type electrodes.

WEMF 3000 - Layout and Fabrication II
In this course learners will focus on structural steel, layout and fabrication techniques, bending equipment and procedures.

WEMF 3100 - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I
This course introduces the learner to the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. The course will involve identification of electrodes and their applications, consumables and shielding gases.

WORK 1100 - Workplace Mentoring I
This unit of instruction is designed to assist learners in managing their learning as an apprentice in the workplace. Learners will study their own experiences with learning new skills and identify their own learning preferences as an aid to developing learning strategies.

Open elective course requirement. Four credits. NOTE: No two courses can be used to satisfy program requirements that are at the same level, subject area and topical area or that are otherwise deemed to be equivalent.