Welder (Apprenticeship) | Full-time | Ontario College Certificate

Please note:

Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). For more information on apprenticeship training contact your local Employment Ontario apprenticeship office.

Program description

The Welding Techniques - Apprenticeship program is delivered at Conestoga's Cambridge campus and provides the theoretical knowledge of all aspects of the regulated and non-regulated welding trade together with the practical training necessary to complement the apprentice's on-the-job training with an employer using highly flexible delivery modes. Upon completion, this program, confers the graduate an Ontario College Certificate titled Welding Techniques - Apprenticeship.

For more information contact the Program Coordinator at metalfab@conestogac.on.ca.

Program details

Code: 1163

Delivery: Apprenticeship

Length: 720 hours

Start: Varies

Campus: Cambridge (Fountain Street)

Credential: Ontario College Certificate

Program contacts

welding@conestogac.on.ca

Academic school

Engineering & Technology

Fees & payment

Fees are set by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development as per the Offer of Classroom Training.
Books, safety equipment, tools, and parking fees are additional. For details, visit Orientation & support.
Applicants are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Awards & scholarships

Conestoga College's Student Financial Services administers many awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants. Information and application forms for numerous awards, bursaries and scholarships are administered by Student Financial Services.

Many program-specific awards are administered by individual programs. Students should speak to their faculty or program coordinators about additional awards available in their program specific areas.

Courses

Level 1

Course details

Engineering Drawings I
DRWG1702

Description: The apprentice will be introduced to engineering drawing interpretation, common drawing views, and the commonly available structural shapes. Basic drafting and sketching operations will be practiced with drafting tools and freehand sketching. Additional topics include welded joint design and welding symbols.

Hours: 48
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Semi-Automatic Welding Processes I
WELD1270

Description:

This course will develop basic welding skills with the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) (commonly referred to as MIG welding) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) (commonly referred to as flux cored welding) processes. Techniques will be developed for producing fillet and groove welds in the flat and horizontal positions with both processes.

Hours: 54
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
WELD1280

Description:

This course will develop basic welding skills with the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process, commonly referred to as stick welding. Techniques will be developed for producing fillet welds in all welding positions while groove welds will be produced in the flat, horizontal and vertical positions with a variety of electrode types.

Hours: 69
Credits: 5
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Thermal Cutting
WELD1292

Description: This applied course will introduce the apprentice to the safe setup and application of oxy-fuel gas cutting (OFC), plasma arc cutting (PAC), and air-carbon arc gouging (CAC-A) processes.

Hours: 18
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Trade Practices
WELD1305

Description:

This course introduces the apprentice to the theory of welding and thermal cutting processes and equipment. Topics include power sources and equipment, shielding metal arc welding (SMAW), gas-metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), and thermal cutting and gouging.

Hours: 45
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Welding & Fabrication Quality I
WELD1310

Description:

Welding quality will be studied from a perspective of defect identification and reviewing cause, effect and corrective actions for various defects. In addition, causes and control methods for warpage and distortion in welded fabrication will also be reviewed.

Hours: 27
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Welding Theory I
WELD1320

Description:

The major welding processes will be studied in this course with emphasis on learning the effect, set-up and control of the main welding variables. This knowledge will then be used to assist in developing welding skills in accompanying practical courses. Processes to be studied include Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Metal Cored Arc Welding (MCAW).

Hours: 39
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 2

Course details

Engineering Drawings II
DRWG2125

Description: This course will further develop interpretation and drawing skills from Engineering Drawings I with detail drawings for structural steel, platework, pressure vessels, and piping. Additional practice will be gained from producing Bill of Materials from fabrication drawings that specify piece part dimensions and processing methods.

Hours: 27
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding I
WELD2270

Description: The apprentice will develop welding skills with the Gas Tungten Arc Welding (GTAW) process on mild-steel applications. Techniques for producing fillet and groove welds in the flat and horizontal positions will be learned.

Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Semi-Automatic Welding II
WELD2285

Description: This course will further develop Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) skills with additional practice making fillet and groove welds in flat, horizontal and vertical positions. Welding qualification tests will be practiced on groove weld assemblies with backing bars, followed by guided bend testing to assess quality.

Hours: 39
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
WELD2295

Description: This course will further develop Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) skills with additional practice making fillet and groove welds in all positions. Welding qualification tests will be practiced on groove weld assemblies with backing bars, followed by guided bend testing to assess quality.

Hours: 51
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Welding Theory II
WELD2305

Description: This course continues from Welding Theory I with topics including torch brazing (TB), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), an introduction to welding metallurgy, and weld testing including destructive and non-destructive methods.

Hours: 21
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Applications I
WELD2560

Description: The apprentice will be introduced to metal fabrication and fitting by interpreting engineering drawings and using fabrication shop machinery to cut and prepare piece parts, and fit and tack weld the parts according to engineering drawing specifications.

Hours: 12
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Welding Theory III
WELD3005

Description: This course continues from Welding Theory II with topics including Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), Stud Welding (SW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW).

Hours: 18
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Applications II
WELD3015

Description: In this applications course, the apprentice will set-up and operate fabrication machine tools for cutting and forming metal components. The students will apply layout and pattern making skills, and cut, form, fabricate, and fit metal projects.

Hours: 39
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Automatic and Semi-Automatic Welding
WELD3112

Description: In this applications course, the apprentice will set-up and operate mechanized Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) equipment, the Stud Welding (SW) process, and advance skills with the semi-automatic processes Metal Cored Arc Welding (MCAW) and pulsed-Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW-P).

Hours: 21
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding II
WELD3127

Description: This course will further develop Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) skills with additional practice making fillet and groove welds in all positions on steel plate and pipe assemblies. Additional skills will be developed using the GTAW process and aluminum fillet and groove welds as well as an introduction to the similar Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) process.

Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Theory
WELD3137

Description: This course extends the fundamentals of part layout to include the flat pattern and template development. The radial line, parallel line, and triangulation methods will be applied to creating templates for fabricated shapes. Additionally, the theory of operation of standard metal fabrication machinery for cutting and shaping metal components such as the plate shear, press brake, and plate rolls will be covered.

Hours: 48
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding III
WELD3145

Description: The apprentice will advance Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) skills for both plate and pipe applications in all positions with both mild and stainless steel electrodes. Welding qualification tests will be practiced on groove weld assemblies with open root design, followed by guided bend testing to assess quality.

Hours: 48
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Welding & Fabrication Quality II
WELD3150

Description: This theoretical course continues the topics of welding metallurgy to included low-alloy steel, stainless steel, cast-iron, and non-ferrous alloys. Other topics include welding distortion and residual stress control, and welding codes and standards for the qualification of welding procedures and personnel.

Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

Perform work responsibly and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Interpret engineering drawings to select, cut and form metal shapes for fabrication and to perform welding joint preparation and procedures as required by welding symbols.
Use layout and fabrication processes typical to the industry to determine correct form with. accuracy
Select appropriate tools and devices to perform mathematical calculations and technical measurements for successful completion of a project
Perform welding to meet the quality requirements of the CSA Structural Welding Standard W59.03 using the Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding processes.
Create high quality welds on various types of materials and create joints in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions
Identify defect in welds, demonstrate how to prevent them and define procedures for correction of defective weld quality
Select appropriate Thermal Cutting processes in terms of Oxy-Fuel Cutting, Plasma Arc Cutting and Air Carbon Arc Gouging processes in accordance with government safety regulations, manufacturers’ recommendations and approved industry standards

Program handbook

Graduate opportunities

Welders operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Graduates are employed in construction, manufacturing and repair welding sectors as MIG, stick or TIG process welders. Some graduates will also perform basic metal fabrication operations.

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program device & software requirements

This program requires you to have a device that meets certain specifications. For most students, this cost is in addition to the tuition & fees listed above.

view device requirements

Which welding program is right for you?

Conestoga College has the most comprehensive program offering in the high-demand field of welding, metal fabrication, and welding engineering technology in Ontario. The number of programs can make it difficult to determine which one is right for you. This guide will assist you in understanding the key differences between programs.

Program details	Key features	Career & pathways
Production GMAW Welder #1337 Certificate \| 12 weeks \| Brantford	Acquire GMAW practical skills and theory	Production welder in a manufacturing environment May be eligible to take the CWB welder tests Certificate + Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) credential upon successful completion of the CWB weld skills test
Welding Techniques #1193 Certificate \| 30 weeks \| Cambridge	Pre-apprenticeship program covering the in-school training of the Welder and Metal Fabricator (Fitter) trades Great starting point to gain skills in all aspects of welding No welding skills necessary to apply Develop welding skills such as Shielded Metal Arc welding, Gas Metal Arc welding, Flux Cored Arc welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc welding	Follows the curriculum of the provincial trades Welder (456A) and Metal Fabricator Fitter (437A) Opportunity to apply for an exemption from the Level 1 apprenticeship in-school component Common first year with Welding and Fabrication Technician #0046 May be eligible to take the CWB welder tests Ladders into Welding Engineering Technician - Robotics (Optional Co-op) #1502, Welding Engineering Technology - Inspection #0043 and Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Welding and Robotics #1079
Welding and Fabrication Technician #0046 Diploma \| 2 years \| Cambridge	Pre-apprenticeship program covering the in-school training of the Welder and Metal Fabricator (Fitter) trades Develop the knowledge and skills required for the layout, preparation, forming, fitting, joining and inspection of welded fabrications Develop welding skills such as Shielded Metal Arc welding, Gas Metal Arc welding, Flux Cored Arc welding, and Gas Tungsten Arc welding	First year courses are common to the Welding Engineering Technician – Robotics program #1502 allowing movement between the two programs after year one Opportunity to apply for an exemption from the Level 1 & 2 apprenticeship in-school component May be eligible to take the CWB welder tests Ladders into Welding Eng. Technology – Inspection #0043 and Manufacturing Eng. Technology – Welding & Robotics #1079
Welding Engineering Technician – Robotics (Optional Co-op) #1502 Diploma \| 2 years \| Cambridge	Learn to operate and troubleshoot robotic welding systems while having maintenance, welding, and robotic programming knowledge Create and read blueprints and gain an understanding of metals and their characteristics, complemented by solid welding automation knowledge and welding robot programming Optional paid co-op work term	First year courses are common to the Welding and Fabrication Technician program #0046 allowing movement between the two programs after year one May be eligible to take the CWB welder tests Ladders into Welding Eng. Technology – Inspection #0043 and Manufacturing Eng. Technology – Welding & Robotics #1079
Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Welding and Robotics (Optional Co-op) #1079 Advanced Diploma \| 3 years \| Cambridge	Benefit from extensive hands-on work with welding automation and robotics systems including: GMAW (MIG) and spot-welding applications, CAD/CAM applications with CNC thermal cutting, and off-line robotic simulation programming applications Optional co-op stream includes four consecutive 4-month paid work terms	Laddering opportunity from Welding Techniques #1193 The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) category
Welding Engineering Technology – Inspection (Optional Co-op) #0043 Advanced Diploma \| 3 years \| Cambridge	Prepares you to work in the demanding and rewarding field of welding inspection and quality assurance through metallurgical analysis, destructive testing of welds and non-destructive evaluation methods for quality control and assurance Optional co-op stream includes four consecutive 4-month paid work terms	Laddering opportunity from Welding Techniques #1193 The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes this program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) category Opportunity to challenge CWB Level 1 Visual Weld Inspection exam

Programs with a welding component

Program	Key features	Career & pathways
Electro Mechanical and Automation Maintenance (Optional Co-op) #1318 Diploma \| 2 years \| Cambridge	Focuses on the field of Mechatronics from an industrial maintenance perspective and includes two courses in welding Develop welding skills such as Shielded Metal Arc welding, Gas Metal Arc welding and Gas Tungsten Arc welding Optional paid co-op work term	Covers the learning outcomes for Levels 1 and 2 of the Electrician and Millwright apprenticeship programs in Ontario. If you pursue an apprenticeship in either trade, you may be exempt from these levels of in-school training.
Construction Techniques (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC and Welding) #07161 Certificate \| 30 weeks \| Waterloo	Introduction to a variety of skills in the construction trade including carpentry, electrical, HVAC and welding allowing you to narrow your field of interest	Pursue an entry-level position in the construction trades that may lead to an apprenticeship
Construction Techniques (Welding, HVAC, Plumbing, and Masonry) #07163 Certificate \| 30 weeks \| Waterloo	Introduction to a variety of skills in the construction trade including HVAC, welding, plumbing and masonry allowing you to narrow your field of interest	Pursue an entry-level position in the construction trades that may lead to an apprenticeship
Applied Manufacturing Management – Welding Stream #1553 Graduate Certificate \| 2 years \| Guelph	Must have a 3-year Advanced Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field for admission into the program Focuses on the development of leadership skills and the ability to manage complex manufacturing processes and teams. Welding courses are included as a component of the program Gain practical skills as you learn to weld with Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GTAW) machines	Graduates will be able to look for employment in small to large manufacturing and support industries including automation, metal machining, welding, automotive manufacturing suppliers, food and beverage processing and packaging, pharmaceutical, textiles, or general manufacturing as managers, supervisors or team leads with an enhanced applied perspective.

Traditional apprenticeship

These programs require an employer sponsor and a number of hours on the job before an offer of classroom training is sent.

Program	Key features
Welder Apprenticeship #1163 Certificate \| 3 years	In-class component of apprenticeship training that complements the apprentice’s on-the-job training provided by an employer Acquire theoretical knowledge of all aspects of the regulated and non-regulated welding trade An employer sponsor is required prior to registration
Welding Techniques – Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship #1173 Certificate \| 3 years	In-class component of apprenticeship training that complements the apprentice’s on-the-job training provided by an employer Acquire theoretical knowledge of all aspects of metal fabrication. Metal fabricators produce, assemble, fit and install steel or other metal components for building, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other similar structures and products. An employer sponsor is required prior to registration

Program

Key features

Welder Apprenticeship #1163
Certificate | 3 years

In-class component of apprenticeship training that complements the apprentice’s on-the-job training provided by an employer
Acquire theoretical knowledge of all aspects of the regulated and non-regulated welding trade
An employer sponsor is required prior to registration

Welding Techniques – Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship #1173
Certificate | 3 years

In-class component of apprenticeship training that complements the apprentice’s on-the-job training provided by an employer
Acquire theoretical knowledge of all aspects of metal fabrication. Metal fabricators produce, assemble, fit and install steel or other metal components for building, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other similar structures and products.
An employer sponsor is required prior to registration

#ThinkConestoga

Success stories

October 20, 2024

Conestoga celebrates class of 2024 at fall convocation

October 5, 2024

Homecoming welcomes architecture degree program students, alumni and faculty

September 27, 2024

Interior Design students win top prizes in student design competition

August 16, 2024

Packaging students awarded top prize in international competition for toy box design