Welding Techniques

Program Overview

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Welding Techniques Ontario College Certificate program

Program description

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding career in welding and metal fabrication? The Welding Techniques program prepares you to enter the workplace with an exceptional skill set that is in high demand. You acquire comprehensive welding skills through hands-on practical labs using the latest equipment in our state-of-the-art facility. You create and read blueprints and gain an understanding of metals and their characteristics. In addition to the solid theoretical and hands-on practical welding knowledge, you gain experience in safe work practices and weld inspection methods from well-seasoned, experienced Canadian Welding Bureau qualified instructors. Upon successful completion of this program, you are eligible to test for the Canadian Welding Bureau Qualifications based on your level of competence.

Intake information

• Start date: Fall 2025
• Campus: Midland, Owen Sound

Tuition and fees

• Visit our tuition and fees page for detailed information on the cost to attend Georgian.
• You can afford this! Explore OSAP as well as awards, scholarships and bursaries to help you pay your way to graduation.

Admission requirements

• OSSD or equivalent with
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
• Mature students, non-secondary school applicants (19 years or older), and home school applicants may also be considered for admission. Eligibility may be met by applicants who have taken equivalent courses, upgrading, completed their GED, and equivalency testing. For complete details refer to:
• Applicants who have taken courses from a recognized and accredited post-secondary institution and/or have relevant life/learning experience may also be considered for admission; refer to the Credit for Prior Learning website for details:

Additional information

This program also covers all the learning outcomes for Level 1 of the Welder (456A) and Metal Fabricator (437A) – common core, as well as Level 2 welder apprenticeship programs in Ontario. Once you sign up as an apprentice in either trade, you may be exempt from this level of apprenticeship in-school training.

Career opportunities

Graduates may find a range of occupations in the welding field, including manufacturing and fabricating, automotive and heavy equipment production, automation, various trades unions and construction. Self-employment is another viable option upon graduation.

Graduates are eligible for exemption from Level 1 and 2 in-school training requirements when entering 456A Welder apprenticeship.

Program fit

Looking to prepare for a challenging and rewarding career in welding and metal fabrication? Do you enjoy hands-on learning?

If so, the Welding Techniques certificate program at Georgian might be right for you!

This unique 28-week, two-semester program prepares you to enter the workplace with exceptional welding skills that are in high demand across the industry.

Enhance your skillset

Throughout the Welding Techniques program, you will:

• acquire comprehensive welding skills through practical hands-on labs
• use the latest equipment in our state-of-the-art facility
• create and read blueprints
• gain an understanding of metals and their characteristics, as well as theoretical and hands-on practical welding knowledge
• learn about safe work practices and welding inspection methods from seasoned, experienced Canadian Welding Bureau-qualified instructors

Meet learning outcomes

This program also covers the learning outcomes* for:

• Level 1 of the Welder (456A) and Metal Fabricator (437A) common core
• Level 2 welder apprenticeship programs in Ontario

*Once you sign up as an apprentice in either trade, you may be exempt from this level of in-school apprenticeship training.

Upon completion of this program, you’ll be eligible to test for Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) qualifications based on your level of competence.

Industry support

Magna International Inc. is one of the world’s largest suppliers in the automotive space. It is a global mobility technology company with more than 158,000 employees – including many Georgian graduates! Magna is committed to providing Georgian students with opportunities to further their education and gain new skills.

The $1-million investment in Georgian includes a 2,200-square-foot Magna Mechatronics Lab with 17 pieces of new, cutting-edge equipment, and an award and scholarship suite for both future and current students, each valued up to $2,500.

Magna has provided hands-on learning experiences across various divisions to 133 co-op students since 2010, and is the proud of employer of 210 Georgian grads!

Course information

11 Program Courses 1 Communications Course 1 General Education Course

Program-specific courses

Semester 1 courses are listed below. For a full list of courses in the program including course descriptions, view the Welding Techniques program outline.

• WETC 1002 – Trade Calculations for Welders
• WETC 1005 – Metallurgy for Welding
• WETC 1013 – Welding and Cutting Processes
• WETC 1016 – Trades Practice and Safety
• WETC 1017 – Blueprint Reading for Metal Trades
• WETC 1018 – Shielded Metal Arc Welding Basics
• WETC 1019 – Gas Metal Arc Welding

Your course delivery method(s)

In person

This program is delivered fully in person and requires you to attend campus.

Related programs

• Electrical Techniques
• Carpentry and Renovation Techniques
• Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician
• Mechanical Techniques – Small Engine Mechanic

Program Outline

Welding Techniques Ontario College Certificate program at Georgian College: Extracted Information

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Degree Overview:

• Program Description: Equips students with exceptional welding skills in high demand through hands-on training using the latest equipment in a state-of-the-art facility.
Covers blueprint reading, metal understanding, safe work practices, and welding inspection methods.
• Objectives: Prepare graduates for a rewarding career in welding and metal fabrication, with exceptional skillsets for various industries.
• Program Highlights:
• Hands-on labs using latest equipment
• Blueprint reading and metal understanding
• Safe work practices and welding inspection methods
• CWB qualifications based on competence
• Covers Level 1 of Welder (456A) and Metal Fabricator (437A) common core and Level 2 welder apprenticeship programs in Ontario

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Outline:

• Program Length: 1 year (28 weeks, two semesters)
• Delivery Mode: In person
• Courses:
• Semester 1:
• WETC 1002 – Trade Calculations for Welders
• WETC 1005 – Metallurgy for Welding
• WETC 1013 – Welding and Cutting Processes
• WETC 1016 – Trades Practice and Safety
• WETC 1017 – Blueprint Reading for Metal Trades
• WETC 1018 – Shielded Metal Arc Welding Basics
• WETC 1019 – Gas Metal Arc Welding
• Other semesters: Refer to the Welding Techniques program outline for a complete list and descriptions of courses.
• Program structure:
• Semester-based
• Comprehensive welding training
• Focus on practical application
• Theoretical knowledge interspersed with hands-on experience
• Modules:
• Each course represents a module, with specific learning outcomes and assessments.
• Modules build upon each other, progressively advancing student skills and knowledge.

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• Written exams
• Practical assessments
• Ongoing evaluation of assignments and projects
• Competency-based evaluations
• May include examinations for CWB qualifications
• Assessment criteria:
• Mastery of technical skills
• Understanding of theoretical concepts
• Application of knowledge and skills in practical contexts
• Adherence to safety regulations and best practices
• Achievement of learning outcomes for each module

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on workshops and labs
• Individualized instruction
• Group projects and discussions
• Demonstrations and practical exercises
• Faculty:
• Experienced and certified instructors
• Canadian Welding Bureau qualified professionals
• Industry experts and guest speakers
• Unique approaches:
• State-of-the-art facilities and equipment
• Emphasis on real-world scenarios
• Strong focus on safety practices
• Industry-recognized certifications available

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Careers:

• Possible career paths:
• Welder
• Metal fabricator
• Manufacturing and fabrication
• Automotive and heavy equipment production
• Automation
• Various trades unions and construction
• Self-employment
• Career opportunities:
• High demand across diverse industries
• Potential for good salaries and benefits
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialization
• Apprenticeship pathways available

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Other:

• Industry support:
• Partnerships with leading companies like Magna International
• Access to industry-standard equipment and technologies
• Potential for internships and co-op placements
• Graduate outcomes:
• Well-prepared for entry-level welding positions
• Eligible for exemption from Level 1 and 2 apprenticeship training
• Equipped with skills and knowledge for lifelong learning and career development
• Additional information:
• Program delivery methods subject to change
• Several related programs available at Georgian College