Belleville, Ontario, October 15, 2012 – Loyalist College is pleased to announce that it will offer a two-year, four semester Welding and Fabrication Technician program for an Ontario College diploma, starting September 2013.
Building on the popularity of its current one-year Welding Techniques Ontario College Certificate, Loyalist’s new program provides an in-depth education for the demanding fields of welding and fabrication. Approved by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, the program combines academic excellence with hands-on training with the latest equipment in the new Skills Centre. Graduates may become welding technicians, fitters, millwrights and inspectors in a number of industries ranging from motor vehicle and equipment manufacturing to construction and metal production.
“Loyalist is a leading educator in the welding and fabrication field, so I am very pleased that the College has been approved to extend our teaching expertise to more students,” said Loyalist College President Maureen Piercy. “This program will help to prepare a wide variety of workers to meet the gap in Ontario’s skilled labour workforce.”
According to the Government of Canada’s national projection for the 2011-2020 period, job openings for metal forming, shaping and erecting occupations are expected to total 46,725. More than 45 percent of the job openings will arise from retirements. While job seekers are expected to be available to fill the job openings, a college diploma will help to ensure workers have the skills necessary to succeed.
“As a local employer, we are facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople,” said Paul Crouter, General Manager of Bellevue Fabricating Ltd. in Belleville. “We have opportunities available for machinists, millwrights and steel fitters. We are interested in future graduates of this program and are waiting to see what a second year of studies has for us.”
With new technologies such as laser and electron beam, welding results have improved and new opportunities have been created for graduates to use refined techniques in different jobs and industries. Skills are easily transferable across industries, so technicians are less vulnerable to economic slowdowns. Students learn to read and interpret blueprints and welding process specifications; operate welding equipment using diverse processes; and identify and address weld defects.
Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. The best testament to the College’s value is from students, 97 percent of whom say they would recommend Loyalist to a friend. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.
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For more information contact:
Kerry Lorimer
Manager, Corporate Communications & Media Relations
Loyalist College
613-969-1913 ext. 2536