Welders work in a variety of manufacturing, oil and gas industry and construction jobs they are always in demand. Pre-employment welders then can work their way up through an apprenticeship if they choose to become journeyperson welder.
Welders join or sever metals in beams, and other metal components, make metal parts used in construction and manufacturing plants, and weld parts, tools, machines, and equipment.
Welders use different welding processes and fillers depending upon the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength.
For a typical welding project, they:
- Develop patterns for projects or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders
- Clean, check for defects and shape component parts, sometimes using a cutting torch
- Weld parts together
Welders are employed in a variety of industries including vessel or structural steel assembly, pipeline construction, commercial construction, industrial construction, steel fabrication and heavy equipment repair. Employment prospects for welders change with seasonal and economic climates.
Twelve weeks of in-class and laboratory instruction is followed by a four-week practicum. Students who have completed 12 weeks of class and have a minimum average of 65% will be placed in a non-paid practicum.
Admission Requirements:
A minimum of 50% in:
- English 10-2 and Math 10-3
- Or GED (pass mark in all 5 tests)
Out-of-province applicants or those not meeting the admission requirements should refer to the Admissions section of the website.
Student should also refer to the Apprenticeship and Industry training website www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca for career opportunities.
Graduation Requirements:
Students who have completed the requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement.
Opportunities for Further Study:
Students with a minimum 65% standing in program requirements and 90% or better attendance record will be eligible to write the Alberta Apprenticeship first year Welding examination.
Certification:
SA 120 Safety Training includes a variety of short modules: Standard First Aid, CPR, Fall Protection, H2S Alive, Construction Safety Training System and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. Students successfully completing these modules will be awarded the applicable certification.
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