Welder Competency Assessment and Skills Training (WCAST) Program
In partnership with the CWB Group, the Welder Competency Assessment and Skills Training (WCAST) program was developed to help address the existing labour shortages in Canada’s welding and joining industry. Through support from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), this unique program provides an opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in welding to learn online and in-person by following a personalized pathway.
Offered out of our Kelowna Campus, this program is a unique opportunity being offered tuition-free to persons that meet eligibility criteria; see below.
Upon completing the program and on the last day students will be given the opportunity to be tested for the CSA 47.1 flat position welding ticket. A welder qualification card that are issued after a welder successfully passes a practical test witnessed by a Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) representative. This ticket is crucial for welders and companies, as they certify that the welder is competent in a specific welding position, processes, and joints according to the standards set in CSA W47.1. It is valid for two years and must be renewed by a check test to maintain the certification.
Note: steel toed shoes are required and must be purchased by the participants prior to the program start date.
Program Details
To be eligible for the WCAST program, prospective participants must:
- Be an internationally trained welder seeking to identify and address gaps in knowledge or hands-on skills or have, at minimum, a basic background in and understanding of welding and joining (may be self-taught)
- Be a Canadian citizen, an Indigenous person (First Nation Status or Non-Status, Métis or Inuit), permanent resident, or have a work permit and the ability to work in Canada, and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- We encourage everyone to apply, especially those from underserved groups such as Indigenous People, internationally trained welders, racialized minorities, persons with disabilities and the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
Once accepted into the program, you will be placed in a cohort based on your knowledge level.
After applying participants are required to take a prior learner online assessment, 91¾«Æ·ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï will determine your level based on this assessment.
Levels and length of hands-on training
- Beginner – No experience – 100 hours
- Intermediate – Some prior knowledge – 40 hours
- Advanced – 5+ years of experience – 20 hours
Participants are required to completed 5–6 Micro credentials depending on their knowledge level – 2 of which must be completed prior to hands-on training.
This program is being provided tuition free in partnership with the CWB Group.
Each participant will be provided a PPE tool kit.
*Steel toe work boots are required for hands-on training (not supplied), please estimate to spend between $200-$500 on work boots.
Cohort #1 January 12 -February 5 2026, evenings 2:30pm-10:30pm, Monday - Thursday; CWB testing on Feb 9 date time
Cohort #2 February 17 -March 12 2026, evenings 2:30pm-10:30pm, Monday - Thursday; CWB testing March 16 & 17 date time
Students are required to be able to attend all scheduled dates and time including testing days. Students will be selected for cohorts based on their assessment levels. In additional students are required to complete 2-5 online Micro credentials.
Prior to applying please check the above schedule to be sure you can be in full attendance.
How to Apply
To apply for the WCAST program please follow the below steps:
- Fill in the online application
- Submit the online assessment within 2-3 business dates. You will be emailed this assessment after your application has been received and we have determined your eligibility.
- Complete the 2 online welding and safety courses prior to the start date.
- Complete 2-3 online micro credentials and provided courses.
- Attend hands-on training that includes testing for CSA 47.1 welding ticket.
- Utilize employment resources
Do you have questions about the WCAST program?
Contact Us
To find out more about the CWB Group and our partnership please visit:
