Welding

What is welding? 

Welding involves the joining of metals using manual, semi-automatic and automatic arc welding equipment. Welders generally plan their work from drawings and blueprints and may use hand tools and machines to fabricate, assemble and welding to make products. Manual welding is controlled entirely by the welder, while semi-manual welding uses machines to perform some of the tasks. 

There are many different types of welding depending on the material, equipment and techniques used, the nature of the final product and the degree of expertise required. These categories include Arc welders, Mig welders, TIG welders, Pressure welders, Fitter-Welders and flame-cutters. Welding provides a lucrative and rewarding career, with highly transferable skills and can offer very diverse work and challenges. 

Welders perform some or all of the following duties: 

HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD  

Completion of secondary school is usually required. 

Completion of a three-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in welding is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. 

Trade certification is compulsory in Alberta and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. 

Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified welders. 

Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators 

Some secondary school education is required. 

Several months of on-the-job training are usually provided. 

Experience as a machine operator helper may be required. 

Experience with robotics may be required.  

INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS  

Positions in welding may not be abundant in Indigenous and remote communities. However, if there are nearby mining operations, candidates may be able to get hired to travel in. Many mines operate on a 2-week in, 2-week out work rotation. 

With math literacy in the north being lower than in other places, northern and remote students may need extra support in order to pass tests and get their red seal. 

DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS 

With this job being heavy manual labour, it may not be possible for someone with a severe physical disability. Accommodations may be necessary for someone with a learning disability. 

Welding and the Skills for Success Program

The key Skills for Success for this career path are:

• Reading
• Numeracy 
• Adaptability

Welding