Photo courtesy of Okanagan College

By Liam Verster

Skilled Worker Certification

Tuition free program helping welders gain their Canadian certifications

Dec 11, 2025 | 11:34 AM

Okanagan College is offering a program to get internationally trained welders working in Canada.

The National Welder Competency Assessment and Skills Training (NWCAST) program allows people who learned the trade outside fo the country get Canadian certification and connected to meaningful jobs.

The program is tuition free and offered out of the Kelowna campus in partnership with the Canadian Welding Bureau Group (CWB) with the goal of getting more newcomers working in the field and filling gaps in the workforce.

“Addressing the skilled trades shortage requires collaboration between industry, educators and government,” said Mary Fuke, manager of government relations with the CWB Group.

“Through NWCAST and our partnership with Okanagan College, we’re creating clear, inclusive pathways for internationally trained professionals to apply their experience, earn Canadian credentials and enter the workforce with confidence.”

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Okanagan College is exclusive in delivering this new program.

“The NWCAST program represents a game-changing opportunity for welders in British Columbia and beyond,” Caitlin Hartigan, dean of trades and apprenticeship at Okanagan College, said.

“By partnering with the CWB Group, we’re breaking down barriers to certification and creating clear pathways into high-demand careers. This initiative addresses the critical labor shortage in the welding industry and supports newcomers and internationally trained professionals in building successful futures.”

People who trained as welders outside of Canada and looking to get back in that industry can learn more about the NWCAST program at the Okanagan College website.