Welding and Fabrication Technician

This two-year program covers all the theoretical and practical learning outcomes for Levels 1 and 2 of both the Metal Fabricator–Fitter (437A) and the Welder (456A) apprenticeship programs in Ontario. As a student in this program, you will learn to follow metal fabrication projects from the computer-aided engineering drawing (CAD) stage, through to the cutting and forming processes of piece parts, to the fitting, welding, and inspection of fabrications.

You will use conventional, and computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication equipment programmed using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. You also will develop welding skills that are in high demand with employers, in a state-of-the-art facility, using modern equipment including skills related to the common arc welding processes such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW or stick), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or MIG), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or TIG).

What You’ll Learn

• Demonstrate the set-up and safe operation of welding and fabricating processes and equipment including a working knowledge of Health and Safety legislation, lock-out procedures, hazard control, personal protective equipment, and WHMIS-related information.
• Demonstrate the set-up, application, and troubleshooting of modern industrial welding and related processes including Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc (GTAW), Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC) and Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC).
• Describe the theory of operation, applications, materials selection, and trouble-shooting of the standard welding and fabrication process and equipment.
• Select, plan, and demonstrate metal fabrication operations including measuring, layout, cutting, forming, and fitting for weldment manufacturing using industrial metal fabrication machinery including CNC profile cutting machines, plate rolls, shears, iron-worker, and press brakes.
• Prepare welding documentation and develop a familiarity with the common welding codes and standards in the welding industry (i.e. ASME and CSA).