In partnership with the CWB Welding Foundation's Women of Steel: Forging Forward project, Yukon University is pleased to offer welding training for those who identify as a woman and/or non-binary. This program is also offered in partnership with Yukon Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT), who will be administering living allowances and other supports to students to help remove barriers to participation in this opportunity.

Our Welding pre-apprenticeship program offers practical theory, hands-on welding training and skills development in a safe and supportive environment, with a flexible schedule to balance responsibilities. Short training periods allow exploration of several welding processes. You may obtain up to eight CWB welding qualifications in various positions with multiple processes to help get you ready for apprenticeship, post-secondary and employment.

The Women of Steel project features a mentorship component that will help you start and advance in welding, fabrication, and other professions while developing relationships to support you at all stages of your career.

The objective of the Welding Pre-Apprenticeship program is to provide students with:

• Theoretical trade knowledge which, together with hands-on shop experience, will enable students to go on to train for employment as capable and knowledgeable first-year apprentices.
• Good on-the-job safety skills and awareness.
• The ability to apply mathematical concepts to the welding equipment field

General outcomes

At the end of this program, students will have:

• Developed competencies in job safety skills and awareness of workplace hazards.
• Acquired practical hands-on experience with a variety of stationary and portable power tools.
• Acquired skills and knowledge to make a successful transition to an entry-level position in the work force.
• Demonstrated the ability to apply mathematical concepts to the welding field.
• Completed the theoretical and practical requirements for Level I of the Welding Apprenticeship and have an opportunity to challenge the Welding Apprenticeship Level 1 exam.

• Math 10 (min 75%) or equivalent AND English 10 or equivalent

• good physical condition
• good hand-eye coordination
• suitable work clothes and steel toed work shoes

In order to graduate, students must successfully complete all courses in the program and maintain an overall "C" average (70%).

Graduates of the program will receive a Yukon University certificate.

Students may also be offered technical credit towards a Yukon apprenticeship and the opportunity to challenge the Welding Apprenticeship Level 1 (first-year) exam.

Yukon University recognizes that a greater understanding and awareness of Yukon First Nations history, culture and journey towards self-determination will help to build positive relationships among all Yukon citizens. As a result, you will be required to achieve core competency in knowledge of Yukon First Nations.

For details, visit Yukon First Nations Core Competency

Tuition is free for students accepted into the program. Ancillary and application fees are also covered. Contact the program advisor for details.

Education is an investment in your future, your family and your community. Yukon University is pleased to support that investment by offering some of the most competitive tuition rates in the country, as well as several student financial awards to help offset your educational and living costs.

Certain wraparound supports will be available for students in this program, including childcare, rent, food, and emergency subsidies. Contact the program advisor for more details. 

There are also government programs, scholarships, bursaries, awards and First Nation funding available to financially support you throughout your academic career.

See money matters for more information, or talk to our financial advising staff in the Student Services Centre. Email or call 867 668 5209 to make an appointment.