Welding

Duties • Welders join or sever metals in beams, girders, vessels, piping and other metal components, make metal parts used in

construction and manufacturing plants, and weld parts, tools, machines and equipment.• Welding usually involves applying heat to metal pieces to melt and fuse them together. In electric arc welding, heat is

created as an 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 the 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, and no filler is added.

• Welders use different welding processes and fillers depending upon the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength. For a typical welding project, they:

• develop patterns for projects or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders• clean, check for defects and shape component parts, sometimes using a cutting torch• weld parts together• Welders may also build up worn parts by welding layers of high-strength hard-metal alloys onto them.• The work is most rewarding for those who enjoy building things and working with little direction or supervision.• To be successful in the trade, welders need:• manual dexterity• good vision (glasses are acceptable)• eye-hand coordination• the ability to concentrate on detailed work• patience

Education required

To become a Welder you should complete Grade 12 with credits in mathematics (particularly technical math) and some shop courses. In Ontario, welding is a Voluntary trade; completion of an apprenticeship could take approximately 3 years (5,280 hours) including 3 periods in-school theory (Level 1: 10 weeks; Level 2: 6 weeks; Level 3: 8 weeks). Upon successful completion of the training agreement, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship. This is the minimum to be apprenticed in this trade under the (OCTAA) Ontario College of Trades Apprenticeship Act (2009). Please note that minimum entry requirements to this and other trades are currently under review by the Ontario College of Trades.

Working environment and wages • Most workers in this occupation work full-time, sometimes in shift work, usually indoors. Those with the ability to work with

high-technology welding applications may have better employment opportunities. The bulk of employment opportunities are predicted to occur in the non-electrical, machinery, construction and metal-fabricating industries. Some workers will become self-employed.

• as an Apprentice you would start at a wage rate less than that of a journeyperson• this rate increases gradually as you gain competency • the wage range for fully qualified Welders ranges from $12.50/hr-$35/hr, depending on what geographic area they live in

and the type of welding they perform• Welding is physical and strenuous labor, and welders can work up to 70 hours per week. Overtime is common, as project

managers rush to complete construction. Hours are usually at least somewhat regular, although some factories work around the clock. Welders wear protective clothing, including eye protection, safety shoes, hoods and sometimes helmets to keep themselves safe. Modern labor laws dictate that they work in well-ventilated areas. However, other dangers still apply. The arc emits a potentially hazardous light, and fumes and burns can still sometimes be a safety issue.

Advancing in the field • An applicant who previously completed courses of study or work experience related to the Welder trade or holds a related

journeyperson certificate and has the employer's recommendation, may qualify for credit that could reduce the term of apprenticeship. Inquiries about credit for previously completed courses of study or work experience can be directed to an apprentice representative at any Apprenticeship and Industry Training Office.

• A person who has previous training or work experience in the trade and wants to determine their level of skill and knowledge for entry or advanced standing in an apprenticeship program may complete the Prior Learning Assessment Online Application. For more information, see the Prior Learning Assessment Guide.

• A high school student can become an apprentice and gain credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time under the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

• To learn the skills required of a Welder in Alberta and be issued an Alberta Journeyman Certificate, a person must:• satisfy the entrance requirements or pass the entrance exam (see Entrance Level Competencies, Exam Counseling Sheet, Entrance Exam

Study Guide, and Entrance Exam Support Materials List)• find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice

Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates and may select apprentices from among their current employees.• complete the online Apprenticeship Application and Contract• pay the non-refundable application fee as part of the application process • complete the required on-the-job training

- during on-the-job training, apprentice welders earn at least 60 percent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 75 percent in the second, and 90 percent in the third year.

• complete all of the program requirements as identified in the course outline• enroll in technical training

- select an educational institution that offers training for Welder apprentices, and a time to attend training- determine requirements for enrolling at the selected institution, and forward completed enrollment form to the selected institution

• review books and materials required for training• successfully complete all required exams