This two-year program covers all the theoretical and practical learning outcomes for Level 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 numerical 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).
• Explain the application of standard inspection and testing methods used to assess the quality of welds and welded fabrications and create detailed inspection documentation and reports on findings including corrective actions.
• Identify common metals, alloys, and classification systems and select the appropriate welding and fabricating techniques and consumables for adapting to the characteristics of the different types.
• Perform mathematical calculations related to the applications of welding and fabrication technology, layout and measurement, rigging and material handling, and quality assurance.
• Interpret engineering drawings, welding symbols, bills of material and create piece-part and assembly drawings using CAD software.
• Interpret engineering drawings and develop layouts and templates for flat patterns, cones, transition joints, and pipe intersections and other fabrication requirements, and generate cutting programs for CNC fabrication machinery.
• Select, plan, and demonstrate the required techniques for safely preparing a welding fabrication for shipping and site installation.
• Develop computer application skills to solve technical problems in the following areas: operating system and file management, technical document creation, spreadsheets, online searching and communication.
• Communicate information effectively to individuals and groups by applying communication principles and by preparing both formal and informal reports.
• Acquire an increased appreciation and understanding of the concepts and values required to enhance the quality of life for self and others in the home, workplace and the local and global community through an exploration of selected broad goals of education in the areas of aesthetic, civic life, culture, personal development, society, work and the economy, science and technology.