Welding Technician Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Welding Technician Program is a two-year diploma program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to become qualified welding technicians. Through hands-on experiential learning in a state-of-the-art weld shop, students gain expertise in cutting, fitting, and welding sequences, as well as industry-standard inspection procedures. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in various industries facing a shortage of skilled trade workers.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: To equip students with the skills and knowledge to become qualified welding technicians, contributing to the structural development of industries facing a shortage of skilled trade workers.
• Description: Welding Technicians work closely with engineers, possess expertise in determining cutting, fitting, and welding sequences, and have a thorough understanding of manufacturing codes and standards across various industries.
• Program Highlights:
• Hands-on experiential learning in a state-of-the-art, full-size weld shop and fabrication lab, accredited by the Canadian Welding Bureau and Technical Standards & Safety Authority.
• Practical experience in metal fabrication projects, from engineering drawings to cutting, forming, and welding processes.
• Shares a common first year with Niagara College's Welding Techniques program.

Outline:

• Program Structure: 2-year Diploma program delivered over 4 terms.
• Course Schedule:
• Term 1 (Fall):
• MATH1018 - Applied Trade Calculations (3 credits)
• DRFT1119 - Engineering Drawings (3 credits)
• TECH1150 - Health and Safety (3 credits)
• WELD1001 - Introduction to Welding and Cutting Processes (4 credits)
• WELD1002 - Layout and Fabrication (4 credits)
• WELD1003 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding - Flat Applications (6 credits)
• Term 2 (Winter):
• CAPL1199 - Computer Applications (3 credits)
• COMM1125 - Essentials of Workplace Communication (3 credits)
• MECH1011 - Mechanical Repair Technologies (4 credits)
• WELD1004 - Introduction to Semi Automatic Welding Processes (6 credits)
• WELD1006 - Weld Applications - Horizontal and Vertical (6 credits)
• WELD1007 - Weld Quality (3 credits)
• Term 3 (Fall):
• MECH1109 - Mechanical Engineering Drawings II (3 credits)
• WELD1101 - Welding Inspection, Codes and Standards (3 credits)
• WELD1102 - Layout and Fabrication II (3 credits)
• WELD1104 - Distortion and Metallurgy (3 credits)
• WELD1108 - Rigging and Construction (3 credits)
• WELD1103 - Shielded Metal Arc Welding III (4 credits)
• Elective:
Completion of 1 additional General Education elective course required.
• Term 4 (Winter):
• WELD1109 - Destructive and Non-Destructive Examination (3 credits)
• WELD1110 - Pipe and Pressure Vessel Welding (6 credits)
• WELD1111 - Semi Automatic Welding Processes II (4 credits)
• WELD1105 - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (6 credits)

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Aviation welding technician
• Brazing machine operator
• Construction, electric arc, gas shielded arc, maintenance, manufacturing, pipe, pressure vessel, production, shipbuilding welder
• Fabrication estimator
• Metal fabricator apprentice
• Quality control inspector
• Welder and welder trainee
• Welder fitter or fabricator-fitter
• Welding product sales associate

Other:

• Learning Outcomes (Term 1244):
• Perform safe work practices in the welding shop according to OHSA regulations.
• Interpret drawings used in manufacturing and fabrication environments.
• Perform trade-related mathematical calculations.
• Utilize cutting, gouging, and welding processes for practical projects.
• Perform hands-on welding in various positions using different processes and consumables.
• Identify and troubleshoot mechanical problems and recommend solutions.
• Identify applicable codes and standards for fabrication activities.
• Apply distortion control and correction techniques.
• Identify appropriate lifting devices and equipment based on weight calculations.