Welding Techniques - Metal Fabrication (Apprenticeship)

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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 Metal Fabricator program provides the apprentice with theoretical knowledge of all aspects of metal fabrication together with the practical training necessary to complement the apprentice’s on-the-job training with an employer.

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

Program details

Code: 1173
Delivery: Apprenticeship
Length: 720 hours
Start: Varies
Campus: Cambridge - Fountain Street
Credential: Ontario College Certificate

Program contacts

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
DRWG2200

Description: This course will further develop interpretation and drawing skills from Blueprint Reading 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 and the layout and fabrication of basic shop projects.
  • Hours: 60
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Pattern and Template Development I
DRWG2210

Description: This course will further develop the ability to layout templates and patterns using radial and parallel line methods. Methods will include interpretation of drawings, use of layout and measuring tools and application of formulae to ensure accuracy and functionality to meet specified tolerances.
  • Hours: 33
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication I
WELD2400

Description:

This course will develop skills to plant, setup and perform metal fabrication techniques on sheet, plate, pipe and structural shapes. Hand and power tools will be used to perform fabrication exercises including coping, pipe branches, elbows and box construction.

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

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
WELD2410

Description:

This course will develop basic welding skills with the GTAW process, commonly referred to as TIG welding. Techniques will be developed for producing fillet and groove welds in the flat and horizontal positions on both mild and stainless steels.

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

Fabrication Machine Operation
WELD2420

Description: This course will develop skills in the safe operation of machine tools used for cutting, forming and piercing operations in the fabrication of metals. The course will combine classroom instruction with practical projects using machine tools including drill presses, plate shears, ironworkers, band saws, plate rolls and the brake press.
  • Hours: 24
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Welding & Fabrication Quality II
WELD2430

Description: The first topic in this course reviews advanced metallurgy topics including the application of an iron-carbon equilibrium diagram to understand how steels react to heat and the weldability of different metal types. The second topic examines additional methods to control and correct for weld distortion. The third topic will review codes and standards used in the welding industry and welding procedure documentation and qualification requirements.
  • Hours: 24
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

Pattern and Template Development II
DRWG3200

Description: This course will further expand the apprentice fabricators ability to solve complex surface development problems by mathematical, graphic and computer software applications.
  • Hours: 48
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication II
WELD3210

Description: This course will expose the apprentice fabricator to a range of advanced practical applications, building on Metal Fabrication I as well as other courses in the program. An efficient, safe and cooperative approach will be expected during the completion of individual and group projects.
  • Hours: 96
  • Credits: 7
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Fabrication Project Planning
WELD3220

Description:

This course will develop an understanding of Project Planning for fabrication and installation by studying and applying drawing interpretation, estimating and compliance with regulations as well as client completion schedules.

  • Hours: 15
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Shipment Preparation
WELD3230

Description:

This course will provide the apprentice fabricator with an understanding of the requirements for preparing a fabrication project for shipping to the client or construction site.

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

Fabrication Installation
WELD3240

Description: This course will provide the apprentice fabricator with an understanding of the process of site installation and erection by safe, efficient lifting and rigging as well as exposure to the application of fall protection regulations and equipment.
  • Hours: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Perform work responsibly and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
  2. 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.
  3. Use layout and fabrication processes typical to the industry to determine correct form with accuracy.
  4. Select appropriate tools and devices to perform mathematical calculations and technical measurements for successful completion of a project
  5. 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.
  6. Weld various types of materials in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions to create high quality joints.
  7. Identify defects in welds, demonstrate how to prevent them and define procedures for correction of defective weld quality
  8. 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, manufacturer’s recommendations and approved industry standards.
  9. Perform machine operations utilizing fabricating equipment such as iron worker, shear, bandsaw, brake press, and rollers according to industry standards and manufacturer’s recommendations
  10. Perform a site installation selecting and safely operating lifting and rigging equipment

Program handbook

Program handbook

Graduate opportunities

Metal fabricators fabricate, assemble, fit and install steel or other metal components for buildings, bridges, tanks, towers, boilers, pressure vessels and other similar structures and products. Graduates are employed in construction and manufacturing sectors as fabricators, fitters and fitterwelders. Some graduates may specialize in layout and piece part cutting and forming while others will also work in fitting and welding capacities.

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 requirements

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 detailsKey featuresCareer & 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
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
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
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

ProgramKey featuresCareer & 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.

ProgramKey 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

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