Welding and Fabrication Technician
Welders work in numerous industries and across many sectors including in manufacturing foundries, factories, at construction sites and in the aerospace industry.
Program Information
Start Date
September 03, 2024
Domestic Availability
Accepting Applications
International Availability
Closed
Program Code
WFT
Delivery
In Person
Credential
Ontario College Diploma
Academic School
Location
Program Contact
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Canadian StudentsView Curriculum
Statistics continue to confirm that those getting into this skilled trade now will likely have steady employment for as long as they want to work in the welding and fabricating sector. In this program, you will learn how to:
- Select and apply welding processes and troubleshoot welding equipment
- Use a variety of destructive and non-destructive methods to test welds and acquire advanced skills in fitting and fabrication
- Gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge and have extensive practical hands-on training in welding and metal cutting techniques and all major welding processes
This program provides progressive opportunities to earn Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certifications. The program curriculum aligns with having completed Level III of the in-school portion of the Welding Apprenticeship:
- Upon successful completion of the two-semester Welding Techniques Certificate you will have the opportunity to test for the 1GF (Flat fillet and groove welds) and 2GF (horizontal position) certification from CWB
- Once you have successfully completed 2 more semesters in the Welding Fabrication Technician program, you will have the opportunity to test for the 3GF and 4GF (vertical and overhead positions)
The program focuses on a variety of techniques and accompanying theory associated with welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Courses include:
- Welding Fundamentals, Welding Processes and Practice
- Applied Blueprint Reading, Layout and Fitting practices
- SMAW (Shield Metal Arc Welding), GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding)
- Robotic and CNC Operating Skills
- Environmental Issues for Industry
- Skilled Trades Portfolio Development
- Trade Calculations
- Project Management
In addition, you will have an opportunity to obtain industry related health and safety certifications.
The aim of the Welding and Fabrication Technician program is to prepare graduates for entry-level work as a welder, such as welding, brazing and soldering machine operations. With their fitting skills, and knowledge of GMAW, SMAW and GTAW techniques, graduates also have the potential to pursue more highly skilled employment in the welding field. In addition, they will have the added knowledge of sustainable practices.
Employers want applicants who have mastered the techniques of the trade and have experience in various types of welding, such as this program provides. These skills and characteristics will help you succeed in the welding field:
- Very good manual dexterity, the ability to work quickly yet precisely, and good problem-solving skills
- Perseverance, concern for quality and a meticulous approach to the work
- The ability to communicate clearly, read and follow blueprints, and enjoy working with machinery and metals
- Physical strength and endurance, able to bend and work in awkward positions, good vision and hand-eye coordination
Skilled welders should also have: knowledge of metals, relevant product codes, regulations and laws, knowledge of applied mathematics (e.g., fractions, measuring) and geometry, computer skills, the ability to plan and think in steps and three-dimensionally, and a commitment to lifelong learning to keep up with changing technology.
Take a virtual tour of the welding shop.
The Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) is an option available to students in this program. To qualify for an IPD, you must take and successfully complete a series of required Indigenous Studies courses as well as participate in a minimum of four approved co-curricular Indigenous events or experiences. Your transcript will indicate the IPD upon graduation, a designation that provides you with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions to our shared society within the context of your program of study. The IPD provides a valuable skill set sought after in today's employment sector.
- Perform work responsibly and safely in compliance with applicable regulations, standards, and sustainable practices.
- Interpret complex engineering drawings, fabrication instructions, and welding symbols to complete advanced welding projects according to specifications.
- Perform safe set-up, operation, and maintenance of thermal and electric arc cutting and gouging equipment.
- Perform a variety of intermediate welding, including pre and post welding operations required in the fabrication of products, structures, templates, and patterns.
- Use basic destructive and non-destructive testing methods to determine the difference between defects, discontinuities and how they relate to overall weld quality.
- Create drawings, templates, and patterns for the fabrication of complex welding projects.
- Troubleshoot mechanical problems and implement the equipment repair.
- Use project management skills and processes to successfully complete an applied welding project.
Students applying to Welding and Fabrication Technician must meet the following requirements:
- OSSD with Gr 12 C English and Gr 12 C Math*
*Minimum final grade of 55% required in Gr 12 C Math.
Recommended (but not required for admission)
- Ability to lift 18 kg (40 lbs) and to dismantle and assemble large pieces of equipment
- Capacity to work with small and delicate instruments
- A high degree of fine and gross motor control
PC / Windows
- Operating System:Windows 10
- Processor:Core i5 - 1.6Ghz minimum
- Memory:8GB minimum
- Hard Disk:160GB minimum
Internet Connection: 2.5 Mbps Download and 3.0 Mbps Upload (minimum)
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Transfer Agreements
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions are summarized here.
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies and Digital Technology
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- 60 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
Bachelor of Commerce
Requirement
- Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
- Completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge.
Transfer Credit
- 45 out of a 120 credit degree.
- Refer to ONTransfer.ca for further details.
To apply please see the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) website.
For more information
Visit the Ontario Tech University website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
Requirement
- Minimum 70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
- Entry into 4th semester standing in an 8-semester program.
To apply please see the Ontario Colleges website.
For more information
Visit the Seneca College website for further articulation and program information.
Visit the ONTransfer.ca website for agreement information.
See the official articulation agreement.
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