Alberta · designated trade
Welder - Wire Process Operator
2-Period Apprenticeship ProgramCompulsory Certification
Welder - Wire Process Operator is a designated trade in Alberta. The Tradesecrets page lists a 2-Period Apprenticeship Program. Certification on that page is recorded as Compulsory Certification.
These facts were checked for Alberta on 4 October 2026. They do not by themselves apply in another province or territory. Tradesecrets and the Government of Alberta do not endorse TradesAtlas.
Welder-wire process operators work primarily in production and manufacturing plants, joining components and sub-assemblies to make various items using a variety of construction materials. Welding in this branch of the welder trade is restricted to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) and other semiautomatic wire feed welding processes.
- Source
- Tradesecrets profile
- Last checked
- 4 October 2026
Apprenticeship Education Program
Credential
- Certificate of Achievement
Certification
- Journeyperson Certificate
Program Requirements
- 2 periods (levels)
- Period 1:
- 1500 hours work experience
- 8 weeks classroom instruction
- Period 2:
- 1800 hours work experience per period
- All periods:
- Theory exam required
- Each period designed to take ~1 year
- Up to 18 months allowed between each requirement
Classroom Instruction
- 8 weeks in period 1
- Offered at Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge Polytechnic, Medicine Hat College, NAIT, Northern Lakes College, Northwestern Polytechnic, Olds College, Portage College, Red Deer Polytechnic, and SAIT
- Entrance requirements:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- or GED/CAEC
- or Entrance Exam
On-the-Job Instruction
- 1500 hours in period 1
- 1800 hours in period 2
- Sponsorship agreement required to earn hours.
- Must be completed with a qualified mentor.
- Demonstrate competence in activities outlined in the record book to receive credit.
Exams
- Theory exam required to complete each period
High School Credit
- Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
Recognized Programs
- Recognized programs offered by:
- Alberta Pipe Trades College (United Association Local 488) Alberta Pipe Trades College
- Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) Career Development College
Related Trade Certificates
Trades Qualifier Program
Work Experience Program
- Complete 36 months and 4950 hours of verifiable Welder - Wire Process Operator work experience.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($160.00).
Recognized Credentials Program
- Submit a copy of a recognized trade certificate from outside Alberta.
- Pass a theory exam.
- Pass a practical exam ($160.00).
Employment in the Trade
Restricted Activities
- Specific tasks and function within the trade may only be performed by authorized individuals.
- Restricted Activities List - Welder - Wire Process Operator
- Restricted Activities Info Sheet
- Board Order
Authorized Individuals
- To perform restricted activities, you must be:
- a registered apprentice or
- a certified journeyperson or
- hold a recognized trade certificate.
Apprentice-to-Mentor Ratio
- Employers may employ five apprentices for every one assigned mentor (5:1).
Wages
- Apprentices must be paid at least the below percentage of the rate received by the lowest-paid Welder - Wire Process Operator journeyperson employed by the same company.
- Period 1: 60%
- Period 2: 75%
Recognized Credentials
- If you hold a recognized trade certificate from outside of Alberta, you are authorized to work in the full scope of the trade in Alberta.
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