Welding and Fabrication Technician

September 2020

Availability: Accepting Applications
Credential: Ontario College Diploma ( 4 semesters )
Classes begin:
September 08, 2020
Offered at:
Sutherland Campus
Program code:
WFT
Tuition & Ancillary Fees:
Tuition is unavailable at this time
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Welders work in numerous industries and across many sectors including in manufacturing foundries, factories, at construction sites and in the aerospace industry.

Program Highlights

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 the Welding and Fabrication Techniques 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.

Welding Certifications

This program provides progressive opportunities to earn Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) certifications. Program curriculum is in line with having completed Level III of the in-school portion of the Welding Apprenticeship:

  • Upon successful completion of the 2-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 and Health and Safety
  • Project Management

In addition, you will have an opportunity to obtain industry related health and safety certifications.

Welding Techniques Grads: Class of 2013 and 2014

If you graduated from the Fleming College Welding Techniques program in 2013 or 2014, you are eligible for admission to semester 3 (second year) of the Welding and Fabrication Technician diploma. Contact Program Coordinator Valentin Bolsterli for more information about the program. Contact the Admissions Office for details on how to apply.

Career Opportunities

The aim of 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.

Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre

Your classes and labs will take place in our Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, that opened Fall 2014. The $36.6 million, 87,000-square-foot training facility is built to LEED Gold environmental and energy efficiency and features state-of-the-art sustainable shop facilities and smart-wired classrooms. Our innovative welding lab features 30 stations and one of these is wheelchair-accessible. The lab is equipped with the latest technology for various welding processes. Faculty are videotaped while demonstrating techniques and TV monitors throughout the lab ensure that all students can see techniques in detail.

What it Takes to Succeed

Employers want applicants who have mastered the techniques of the trade and have experience in 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.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Students applying to Welding and Fabrication Technician must meet the following requirements:

  • OSSD with majority of credits at the Workplace (E) level including Gr 12 (E)English

Where Workplace level courses are listed, C, U and M courses will be accepted.

For programs requiring a majority of credits at the Workplace level, OLC4O will be counted as an acceptable English course.

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

Mature Students

If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

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 below.

Ontario Tech University

Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
  • Successful completion of the Ontario Tech Commerce Bridge program.
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.
Requirement
  • Minimum mid-70% cumulative program average.
Transfer Credit
  • 18 credit diploma.
  • Note: No transfer credits awarded.

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.
See the official articulation agreement.

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