Welding Techniques WTQ

Holland Code: R (Realistic)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in English. High school courses in technical communication would be beneficial preparation for this program.

Math & Science Basic math skills needed for measuring, analyzing and reading prints.

Technology Moderate computer skills required (email, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Enjoy building things
• Enjoy working with little direction or supervision
• The ability to concentrate on detailed work
• Patience
• Conflict management skills
• Ability to work well individually
• Able to prioritize jobs

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Welder, welder fitter trainee or an apprentice in a range of trades including welder, boilermaker, construction millwright, industrial mechanic/millwright, ironworker or pipefitter.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• A 40-hour work week is typical in this occupation but overtime is sometimes required to meet project deadlines.
• There is some risk of injury involved in working with torches and hot metals, and the resulting sparks and toxic gases.
• Welders may work outdoors on construction sites or indoors in production and repair shops.
• Travel may be required on jobs such as oilfield-related welding.
• Welders may be required to lift and move objects that weigh over 20 kg.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Industries that are involved in: vessel or structural steel assembly, pipeline construction, commercial construction, industrial construction, steel fabrication or heavy equipment repair.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Welding involves applying heat to metal pieces to melt and fuse them together.
• In electric arc welding, heat is created as electric current flows through an arc between the tip of the welding electrode and the metal.
• In gas welding, such as oxy-acetylene welding, the flame from the combustion of burning gases melts metal. In both arc and gas welding, filler materials are melted and added to fill the joint and make it stronger.
• In resistance welding, the metal piece itself is melted as current flows through it; no filler is required.
• Develop patterns or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders
• Clean, check for defects and shape component parts
• Weld parts together

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Graduates are eligible to test for welding tickets
• The Canadian Welding Association (CWA)
• The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB)
• Construction Sector Council
• Welding career video on YouTube (by CWA) - http://youtu.be/YuKDH4NtKjg  
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

NOC Code 7237 Welders and related machine operators. Working in Canada website is an excellent resource for labour market information (wages, jobs available). Go to the website, type in the NOC code from this program and your postal code to get detailed information.

Last Modified: January 23, 2024