Welding and Fabrication Technician

Select start date and campus

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.

Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online.

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - September 2025

Level 1

Course details

Computer Applications
COMP1723

Description: This introductory course will enable the students to effectively use PC-based software used in industry and the Learning Management System (LMS) at Conestoga College. The students will explore the D2L system be able to use course shells' content. In addition, basic to intermediate Microsoft Windows topics are covered, to view, download, and manipulate files. Microsoft Office programs for email, word processing, spreadsheets and presentation are used for effective communication and preparation of documentation.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.

Hours: 1
Credits: 0
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Engineering Drawing Interpretation
DRWG1497

Description:

This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles and concepts of technical drawings. Emphasis will be placed on basic drafting in orthographic projections, sections, dimensioning and tolerancing, notes, specifications, and welding symbols to prepare the student for the interpretation of welded fabrication engineering drawings.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Trade Calculations I
MATH1455

Description: This course is an applications oriented mathematics course in which the student utilizes basic mathematical operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers, decimals and fractions. In addition, students will use both the imperial and System International when solving problems in linear measurement, area, volume and mass. This course is designed to develop a proficiency in mathematics necessary for subsequent courses in Metal Fabrication and Welding Technology.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Welding Process Theory I
WELD1360

Description:

This theoretical course will begin with an introduction to welding, health and safety issues, welding history and applications. The next topics will introduce the principles and applications of the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process and gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process fundamentals.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding I
WELD1645

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: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Semi-Automatic Welding I
WELD1655

Description:

This course will develop basic welding skills with the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process (commonly referred to as MIG 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.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Thermal Cutting and Brazing
WELD1660

Description: In this course, the student will be introduced to the safe set-up and use of thermal cutting processes for the cutting, piercing, beveling and gouging of various metals. Theoretical study and hands-on practice will stress safety and quality using oxy-fuel cutting, welding and brazing, plasma arc cutting, and air-carbon arc cutting and gouging processes.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

CAD for Fabrication Technology
DRWG1855

Description: In this course the student will be introduced to computer-aided drafting (CAD) and create piece part and assembly drawings of welded fabrications. The application of welding symbols and the writing of Bills of Materials will also be included in the course.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: DRWG1497
CoRequisites:

Trade Calculations II
MATH1485

Description:

This course is a follow-up to Technical Calculations I, furthering the student’s ability to solve trade-related mathematical problems utilizing algebra and trigonometry. The course is designed to enhance problem solving skills. In this course, students will be provided with a practical working knowledge in solving trade-related mathematical problems. The course covers both vocational (job oriented) and generic skills (written, analytical and problem-solving).

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: MATH1455
CoRequisites:

Welding Processes Theory II
WELD1670

Description:

This theoretical course will introduce the principles and applications of the major welding processes, including gas metal arc welding (GMAW), metal cored arc welding (MCAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW) as well as the gas tungsten arc welding process (GTAW). In addition, the student will be introduced to the basic filler metals and shielding gases used with these major welding processes.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: WELD1360
CoRequisites:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding II
WELD1680

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 bend testing to assess quality.

Hours: 56
Credits: 4
Pre-Requisites: WELD1645
CoRequisites:

Semi-Automatic Welding II
WELD1695

Description:

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

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: WELD1655
CoRequisites:

Welding Quality and Inspection
WELD1700

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: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
WELD1715

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, horizontal and vertical positions on both mild steel and aluminum materials.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Introduction to Metal Fabrication
WELD1950

Description: This course is designed to introduce the student to the concepts of basic metal fabrication methods and principles. Emphasis will be placed on safety and on the proper selection, use and care of hand measuring and power tools. In addition, the student will be operating metal fabrication machines including plate shears, drilling machines, and the press brake

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: DRWG1497
CoRequisites:

Level 3

Course details

CAD/CAM for Fabrication Technology I
DRWG2230

Description: In this course the student will continue to develop computer-aided design (CAD) skills for welded fabrications. Through the introduction of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software, the student will be introduced to methods of importing and modifying CAD files for use on industrial fabrication machinery. The student will be introduced to concepts of job nesting and optimization, basic software output reports and manipulation of the cutting or forming sequences.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: DRWG1855
CoRequisites:

Pattern and Template Development
DRWG2240

Description:

This course provides the student with several methods for layout-developing and pattern-making for a variety of geometric shapes, such as cones, hoppers, pipe intersections and transitions. The student will 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. An introduction to computer software to solve complex surface development problems will be included.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: WELD1950
CoRequisites:

Trade Calculations III
MATH2310

Description: This course builds on knowledge and skills acquired in Trade Calculations I & II and is designed to enhance problem solving skills. Students will apply mathematical knowledge to solving practical problems in trades science, welding quality assurance, metal fabrication shop operations, and cost estimating.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: MATH1485
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Theory I
WELD2440

Description:

This course will provide the student with the theoretical background to safely and effectively set-up and operate metal cutting and forming equipment. The cutting equipment studied will include a heavy duty metal shear and a multi-torch CNC thermal cutting table. The forming equipment studied will include heavy duty press brakes and metal turning rolls. In addition, students will do process planning from engineering drawings and write route sheets detailing the fabrication processes and sequence used in example case studies.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: WELD1950
CoRequisites:

Welding Qualification I
WELD2450

Description: During this course, students will practice welding test plates for structural welding tests with backing (as per CSA W47.1 - ‘S'-classification). The students will then attempt to pass one or more simulated tests with all position SMAW, all position GMAW-Short Circuiting, flat position GMAW-Spray Arc, or all position FCAW/MCAW. These simulated tests will be evaluated by faculty to the CSA W47.1 acceptance criteria (with visual inspection and guided bend testing).

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: WELD1680
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Techniques I
WELD2460

Description:

Sheet metal and light structural fabrications will be produced in this practical shop class. Thermal metal cutting methods used will include manual and mechanized oxy-fuel cutting, plasma-arc cutting and carbon arc gouging. Mechanical cutting methods used will include hand tools, ironworkers, drills and bandsaws. Students will use measuring and layout tools and prepare parts for fitting and tacking.

Hours: 84
Credits: 6
Pre-Requisites: WELD1950
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

CAD/CAM for Fabrication Technology II
DRWG2250

Description: In this course the student will continue to develop computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) skills for fabrication operations. The student will apply CAD/CAM knowledge to real-world fabrication projects. An introduction to three-dimensional, feature-based modeling will develop the skills required to sketch practical fabricated components and to generate templates and flat patterns automatically for manipulation within cutting or forming sequences.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: DRWG2230
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Theory II
WELD2470

Description:

This course will develop an understanding of project planning for fabrication and installation by studying and applying drawing interpretation, codes and standards, cost estimating and compliance with regulations as well as client completion schedules. The course will also introduce the basic design of jigs and fixtures for weldments and the options for mechanization and automation of welding processes for cost effective operations.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: WELD2440
CoRequisites:

Welding Qualification II
WELD2480

Description: During this course, students will practice welding test plates for standard welding tests with steel backing or open roots. The students will then attempt to pass the test for one or more tests with all position SMAW, all position GMAW-Short Circuiting, flat position GMAW-Spray Arc, or all position FCAW/MCAW. These simulated tests will be evaluated by faculty to the acceptance criteria of CSA W47.1 or ASME Section IX (with visual inspection and guided bend testing).

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Techniques II
WELD2490

Description:

This course will provide the hands on skills to fabricate a wide variety of projects from light gauge to heavy structural steel weldments. In addition to the hand tools and small power tools introduced in early courses, this course will also integrate the CNC thermal cutting table, press brake, turning rolls, and plate shear. Students will work with a wide variety of equipment and processes to measure, cut, form, fit and tack fabrication projects to engineering drawing requirements. The students will also be working with material handling equipment including overhead cranes and jib cranes. An efficient, safe and cooperative approach will be expected during the completion of individual and group projects.

Hours: 112
Credits: 8
Pre-Requisites: WELD2460
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Rigging and Installation
WELD2500

Description:

This course will provide the student with an understanding of the requirements for preparing a fabrication project for shipping to the client or construction. 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 will also be covered.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Metal Fabrication Materials and Quality
WELD2515

Description: This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of metallurgy and the selection of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys commonly used in the metal fabrication industry. The identification of base metals, alloy numbering systems, and the selection of welding filler metals to meet welding specification requirements will be included. A working knowledege of welding codes and standards will be included along with an introduction to the common methods for weld testing and evaluation. Laboratory activities will included demonstrations and some hands-on with the various destructive and non-destructive testing methods for welds.

Hours: 42
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: WELD1700
CoRequisites:

Welding Process Applications
WELD2530

Description: This is primarily a laboratory based course which introduces the student to some of the more advanced welding processes and technologies used in the welding and fabrication industry. Hands-on welding activities with the submerged arc welding (SAW), resistance spot welding (RSW), pulsed gas-metal-arc and gas-tungsten-arc (GMAW-P & GTAW-P) will be included. The student will also learn to operate various mechanized welding equipment such as welding travel carriages, rotators, and manipulators.

Hours: 28
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites:
CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Program outcomes

Demonstrate the set-up and safe operation of welding and fabricating processes and equipment including a working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation, lock-out procedures, hazard control, personal protective equipment, and WHMIS related information.
Demonstrate the set-up, application, and troubleshooting of modern industrial welding and related processes including Shielded metal Arc (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc (GTAW), Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC) and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC).
Describe the theory of operation, applications, materials selection and trouble-shooting of the standard welding and fabrication process and equipment.
Select, plan, and demonstrate metal fabrication operations including measuring, layout, cutting, forming and fitting for weldment manufacturing using industrial metal fabrication machinery including CNC profile cutting machines, plate rolls, shears, iron-worker, and press brakes.
Prepare welding documentation and develop a familiarity with the common welding codes and standards in the welding industry (i.e. ASME and CSA).
Explain the application of standard inspection and testing methods used to assess the quality of welds and welded fabrications and create detailed inspection documentation and reports on findings including corrective actions.
Identify common metals, alloys, and classification systems and select the appropriate welding and fabricating techniques and consumables for adapting to the characteristics of the different types.
Perform mathematical calculations related to the applications of welding and fabrication technology, layout and measurement, rigging and material handling, and quality assurance.
Interpret engineering drawings, welding symbols, bills of material and create piece-part and assembly drawings using CAD software.
Interpret engineering drawings and develop layouts and templates for flat patterns, cones, transition joints, and pipe intersections and other fabrication requirements, and generate cutting programs for CNC fabrication machinery.
Select, plan, and demonstrate the required techniques for safely preparing a welding fabrication for shipping and site installation.
Develop computer application skills to solve technical problems in the following areas: operating system and file management, technical document creation, spreadsheets, online searching and communication.
Communicate information effectively to individuals and groups by applying communication principles and by preparing both formal and informal reports.
Acquire an increased appreciation and understanding of the concepts and values required to enhance the quality of life for self and others in the home, workplace and the local and global community through an exploration of selected broad goals of education in the areas of aesthetic, civic life, culture, personal development, society, work and the economy, science and technology.