Welder

For more information about this trade, contact the training co-ordinator.

What does a Welder do?

A certified Welder has the knowledge, ability and skills required to layout, cut, prepare, repair, install and join metals of various compositions using a variety of welding equipment. Welders make and fix metal equipment and items crucial to everyday business operations. Since the range of industrial items made of metal is extensive, Welders must not only be versatile but also highly skilled. A certified Welder has been trained to:

• shear and saw metal using hand or power tools
• drill, grind, chip and brush metal using common hand tools
• use and maintain oxyacetylene, electric arc and spot welding equipment
• weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals
• braze and solder metals
• perform inert gas welding, flame cutting, flame heating and heat treating techniques on metal
• form, bend and straighten metals by forging

What skills/abilities are required?

If you enjoy creating things with your hands, are practical and results-oriented and have an interest in working with metal, you may want to become a welder. Whether you work in a small metal fabricating shop or in a large industrial complex, the job has lots of variety. In fact, being versatile is important since welders make or repair a wide range of items. In addition to having good manual skills, welders must have a knowledge of metallurgy and relevant codes, regulations and laws and be able to:

• communicate clearly and read and follow blueprints
• operate hand and power tools
• plan and think sequentially and three-dimensionally
• work on scaffolds and ladders and sometimes make repairs in awkward or cramped locations

How long is the apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship is three years of three levels. Practical and technical training is a minimum of 1600 hours per level. About 80 per cent of the time is spent learning practical on-the-job skills under the supervision of a certified journeyperson and 20 per cent consists of learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the trade through in-school training.

What is taught during in-school/technical training

For each level of training, you attend school for blocks of time. Completed practical assignments and theory examinations are included in the evaluation of final grades. Courses are designed to enhance what is learned on the job and include:

• Science, Mathematics and Communications related to the trade
• modern welding
• welding metallurgy
• oxyacetylene welding
• sheet metal layout
• blueprint reading
• mechanical properties of metal
• ferrous metals
• non-ferrous metals
• safety

Link to Curriculum Information

What is the supervision ratio?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a skilled journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently.

For every apprentice working in this trade, the employer is required to maintain a 1:1 ratio of apprentices to journeypersons on-site and must ensure that the apprentice is directly supervised by a certified journeyperson in the trade.

What are the entrance requirements?

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP): Begin your apprenticeship training in high school. A minimum age of 16 years in required.

General Admission: A Grade 12 or equivalent high school academic standing is required, including a recommended course in Science. If you do not hold a high school diploma, you can also qualify as an Access Program Trainee (formerly Mature Student). Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment may be required.

Trades Qualification: If you are experienced in the trade, but do not hold a Certificate of Qualification, you may become a certified journeyperson based on years of proven industry experience and successful completion of the Red Seal Examination. A Trades Qualification Application and trade specific work experience form must be submitted. Trades professionals whose entrance readiness is less than that required, must take appropriate upgrading.

For additional details on entrance requirements and how to begin your apprenticeship or obtain certification, see section on "How to Start".

Do I get a certificate?

When you successfully complete all your required levels of practical experience and technical training, you write an interprovincial examination. You must score at least 70 per cent or better to qualify for a “Red Seal” endorsed interprovincial certificate confirming your status as a certified journeyperson.

Your “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification as a journeyperson in this trade is recognized throughout Canada.

What salary can I expect as an apprentice?

Regulations under the Apprenticeship and Certification Act establish minimum wage rates for apprentices. Every employer who enters into an apprenticeship agreement with an apprentice must ensure that the apprentice is paid at least the minimum wage rate for that trade.

Apprentices who work for unionized employers are entitled to the wage rate in the collective agreement if it exceeds the pay rates specified in the trade regulation.

Employers may also provide other benefits such as group insurance for health, dental and vision care and training benefits.

Current wage details are available by downloading the training wage schedule.

What are my career prospects?

Welders work in many different kinds of businesses. They may be employed at large industrial plants, refineries, in factories, in building construction or in small fabrication shops. As part of the job, many welders may work at one site for a prolonged period or perform a variety of tasks including vehicle and implement repairs, heavy equipment servicing and maintenance. Welders also work closely with other tradespeople including steamfitters-pipefitters, boilermakers, carpenters, ironworkers, millwrights, machinists and automotive and heavy duty equipment mechanics.

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