For Okanagan College alum Jimmy Appel, and other journeyperson welders and welding apprentices in B.C. who work in Alberta, a drive across the provincial border for B-Pressure initial certification or recertification testing may soon be a thing of the past.
On June 26, Okanagan College became the first post-secondary institution in British Columbia to be certified by the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) to conduct B-Pressure welder testing.
B-Pressure certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in Alberta's welding industry. Once achieved, it qualifies welders to work on pressure vessels and piping systems used in the oil and gas, energy and heavy industrial sectors. Because the credential typically needs to be renewed every six months, welders living in the Okanagan but working in Alberta have had to travel out of province to keep their ticket current. With OC obtaining the accreditation to conduct that testing, welders can complete B-Pressure recertification closer to home.
"This designation is a significant milestone for Okanagan College and for skilled trades professionals living in British Columbia," said OC's Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship, Caitlin Hartigan, "Being able to offer ABSA-certified B-Pressure initial and recertification testing means our students and local certified welders can achieve and maintain a high-demand, Alberta industry-recognized credential right here in the Okanagan."
Until now, welders living in B.C. have had to complete recertification in Alberta before returning to work. With this new accreditation, they can now complete their B-Pressure recertification at Okanagan College in Kelowna, saving time and reducing barriers to employment.
Hartigan adds, "This is an incredible accomplishment for our institution and welding department, and we are proud to be the first post-secondary institution in B.C. to offer this level of certification and recertification to welders. It strengthens opportunities for our students and supports the mobility and success of welders across Western Canada."
"When I finished my journeyman welding course at OC, the first thing I had to do was drive to Alberta for my initial B-pressure test," explained Appel. "Having the ability to complete this testing right here in Kelowna will save local pressure welders a 2,000-kilometre round trip and hotel expenses for Alberta certificate renewals. Additionally, being able to test for company-specific procedures locally without traveling to Alberta will save tradespeople countless hours every year."
Earning the designation took members of OC's welding department over six months. They built a formal quality management system to cover testing, safety, equipment control and training records aligned with testing procedures with pressure welding regulations and industry requirements. ABSA conducted an on-site audit at the Kelowna campus in late June, reviewing facilities, instructor qualifications and testing procedures. OC's system passed with a score of 97.3 per cent, with auditors flagging no major or minor deficiencies.
Okanagan College recognizes the important contributions of its industry partners whose guidance and support helped make this achievement possible, extending special thanks to members of its Welding & Manufacturing Industry Steering Committee, particularly Graeme Gibson of Vitalis and Jon Pinkerton, Owner of Momentum Site Services, for their expertise, advocacy, and continued partnership throughout the accreditation process.
"The support of our industry partners is invaluable," said Hartigan. "Their insight helps ensure our programs remain aligned with workforce needs and industry standards. It's another example of what can be accomplished when education and industry work together."
OC's Provost and VP Academic, Dr. Samantha Lenci, added, "This recognition further validates the quality of our instructors, facilities and training systems. It shows that Okanagan College prepares students for the workforce and is also trusted to deliver industry-regulated recertification services that support the success of welders and employers across B.C. and Alberta."
To learn more about B-Pressure recertification and additional welder testing available as well as welding programs at Okanagan College, visit okanagancollege.ca/welding.
