Welding and Fabrication Technician

September 2023

Availability:
Apply in early October 2022
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma ( 4 semesters )
Classes begin:
September 05, 2023
Offered at:
Sutherland Campus
Program code:
WFT
Tuition & Ancillary Fees:
Domestic:
$2,754.09 per semester*
International:
$9,103.16 per semester*
*Tuition amounts are from the 2022-2023 academic year and are subject to change.
Complete tuition detail below
View curriculum See courses & descriptions
Download page Includes curriculum
Book a tour Visit Fleming & meet faculty
On This Page

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.

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.

Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour of the welding shop.

Minimum Admission Requirements

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

Important Notice

Note: Applicants who do not meet the above minimum admission requirements may be interested in applying to the Welding Techniques program as a pathway to the Welding and Fabrication Technician program.

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 Skillsmarker to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.

Technology Requirements

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)

Students are required to have their own computer, internet access, webcam and microphone.

Tuition and Fees Detail

Tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change without notice. The fees presented below reflect Fall start programs only for the current academic year. For details about the fee differences for other program start dates please refer to the below.

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.
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.
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.

Seneca College

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.

Last Revised: