Tuition-free welding program banner

Welding

Overview Admissions Careers & Connections Tools & Supplies Courses & Costs Program Information Session

Overview

Assiniboine Community College is proud to partner with Conestoga College to deliver this program under the federal government's Skilled Trades Awareness Readiness (STAR) program.

This tuition-free, pre-apprenticeship Welding program aims to encourage key groups including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, and those currently underemployed, to explore a career in the skilled trades. 

This 33-week program includes:

  • a 15-week preparatory course component that includes academic upgrading, employment strategies, computer applications, math for trades and introductory welding courses, followed by
  • a 10-week Level 1 Welding Apprenticeship program, and finally
  • an 8-week paid work placement in the students' field of study

Anyone interested in this program must attend an online information session as part of their application.

Info Session Registration

 

Admissions

Admission requirements:

  • Grade 12 or equivalent
  • 16 years of age or over
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Proficient in English language; visit assiniboine.net/elp for details

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information.

To be considered for this program, you must do the following:

STEP 1: Attend aN online program information session

Anyone interested in this program must attend an online information session as part of their application. Click here to register for one of three upcoming information sessions (please note: you do not need to attend all three).

STEP 2: ATTEND AN Online ASSESSMENT SESSION

You must attend an online information session before attending an online assessment session.

If you decide that you would like to be considered for this pre-apprenticeship program, you will need to attend an online assessment session. You will be assessed on English, Mathematics, Mechanical Aptitude, and general software/document skills. 

The online assessment session dates are March 16, March 30 and April 13. 

Details on the assessment will be provided via email once you have attended an online information session.

STEP 3: PERSONAL INTERVIEW

After the online assessment, selected applicants will be invited to return for a personal interview.

If you are chosen, you will receive either a telephone call or email to advise you of the date and time of your interview. Please ensure you have the following ready for the interview:

  • Original, official high school and post-secondary transcripts
  • Any reference or recommendation letters from employers or instructors
  • Current resume

Careers & Connections

Graduates of this program will be trained to work safely in welding environments while being able to:

  • interpret and prepare drawings, prints and weld symbols
  • set-up welding stations
  • perform basic metal fabrication techniques
  • perform trade calculations and principles of operation inside welding shop environments
  • be proficient in computer applications related to metal fabrication and welding
  • complete work in compliance with occupational, health, safety and environmental legislation, as well as within established policies and procedures, codes and regulations, and ethical principles

Students who successfully complete the accredited program with an accumulative average of 70% or better in the trade subjects and level for which the program was accredited, gain employment and register as an apprentice within two years of graduating, will receive credit for Level 1 in-school technical training and 800 hours in the Welder apprenticeship program. 

Tools & Supplies

This program is tuition-free and all books, supplies, equipment and tools will be provided to students accepted into the program. 

Courses & Costs

The application fee, tuition, books, supplies, personal protective equipment and tools for the program are free to students accepted into the program.

At-Home Computing

For this program, you are expected to have access to a computer at home. It should have a webcam, microphone and internet access to enable remote learning for the theory portions of your programs.

At-Home Computing Information

Program Information Session

Anyone interested in this program must attend an online information session as part of their application. 

Please choose one of the following sessions (you do not need to attend all three):

  • March 8 @ 6 p.m.
  • March 22 @ 6 p.m.
  • April 6 @ 6 p.m.

Click here to register.

Fast Facts

Related News

Staff Spotlight: Heather Bruederlin

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Welding program tuition-free?

The college is able to offer the Welding program through a partnership with Conestoga College (Ontario), which is funded through the Government of Canada’s Skilled Trades Awareness Readiness (STAR) program.

What does tuition-free mean?

Tuition-free means that the Welding program’s application fee, tuition, books, supplies, personal protective equipment and tools for the program are free to students accepted to the program.

Will the Welding program always be tuition-free?

No, this is a special funding opportunity currently available for only the September 2021 intake.

How much is the application fee for the Welding, tuition-free program?

There is no application fee for this program. However, you must attend an information session before applying. It is a mandatory part of the application process.

The requirements say 16 or older, so can I start this if I’m still in high school and haven’t completed grade 12?

If you are currently in grade 12 and set to graduate prior to the start of the program, then yes, you can apply to the Welding, tuition-free program just like any other college program.

I don’t live in Manitoba… can I still apply?

Yes, Welding, tuition-free program is open for application from Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Can I apply to this program as an international student on a study visa?

No, the Welding, tuition-free program is not open to international students. Please see assiniboine.net/international for more information on studying as an international student.

How will applicants be chosen for the Welding, tuition-free program?

Acceptance to this program is based on a combination of attendance at an online program information session, your online assessment results, your personal interview and your ability to meet program admission requirements.

Who should take the Welding, tuition-free program?

This program gives students the basic welding and fabrication skills to start a new career. The following groups are encouraged to apply: women, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities and those currently underemployed.

I can’t make any of the information session dates; can I still apply?

No, attendance at an information session is a mandatory part of the application process for the Welding, tuition-free program.

What can I expect at the online assessment session?

You will be assessed in English, Mathematics, Mechanical Aptitude and general software/document skills.

Details on the assessment will be provided via email once you have attended an online information session.

What do I need to bring to each session?

You do not need to bring anything to the initial Welding, tuition-free, online program information session.

Details on the online assessment will be provided via email once you have attended an online information session.

If you are selected to proceed to the personal interview stage in the application process, please ensure you have original, official transcripts (high school and post-secondary), your current resume and any reference letters from employers, instructors or teachers.

What kind of interview is it? What do you want to know in the interview?

We will be asking questions to gauge your knowledge of the trade and your overall preparedness for the program.

What does the Welding, tuition-free program give me when I graduate?

You will receive a Welding certificate from Assiniboine Community College. Students who complete the program with an accumulative average of 70% or better in the trade subjects and level for which the program was accredited, gain employment and register as an apprentice within two years of graduating, will receive credit for Level 1 in-school technical training and 800 hours in the Welder apprenticeship program.

What happens if I’m not accepted to the program; can I apply again next year?

At this time, the tuition-free Welding program is only available for the July 2021 intake. Assiniboine continues to offer the Industrial Metals Fabrication – Welding Specialization program with a March 2022 intake. You would need to submit a new application to this program, and it is not tuition-free.

What are my other options for taking welding at Assiniboine?

Assiniboine continues to offer the Industrial Metals Fabrication – Welding Specialization program with an annual March intake.

Do I need prior experience in welding?

No; however, you will be assessed for overall mechanical aptitude during the assessment session.

Where do I get my transcripts if I’ve been out of high school for a long time?

Contact your high school or the student records area of the education department in the province where you completed high school. In Manitoba, visit the Student Records website.

How many references/recommendation letters do I need?

If you are selected to proceed to the interview stage for the Welding, tuition-free program, please provide references. Although not mandatory, two letters is ideal.