Welders are masters of heat and metal, using equipment to fuse support beams, solder robots for advanced manufacturing applications, and help shape aircraft, ships and other metal products. In this profession, safety and skill are paramount.
Welding courses and welding apprenticeships provide the skills and expertise you will need to join the workforce and earn your certification. Common welding techniques covered at Canadian colleges and through apprenticeship programs include gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), oxy-acetylene welding (OAW), and resistance welding and submerged arc welding (SAW).
Welders make an average of $51,800 in the year they earn certification. Those taking welding courses or in welding apprenticeships can earn an average of $35,070 while still in training. Those who have already earned their certification and worked for just two years can earn an average of $61,330. Welders are typically employed by companies that manufacture boilers, structural steel and platework, heavy machinery and other metal products. They can be employed full-time, work as contractors or run their own businesses.