Fleming College

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 new Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre, opened Fall 2014. The $36.6 million, 87,000-square-foot training facility is build 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.