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Welding Techniques

Two students work together to measure a metal part on a metal workbench, with a drawing and tape measure on top. Another group of students and a professor work at a bench in the background.

The precision work of welders and fabricators holds up bridges and delivers miners safely underground. Gain foundational skills in welding, fabrication, detailing and millwrighting that can be used across the country, from coast to coast, in virtually any industry.

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Home / Learn / Programs List / Welding Techniques
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
One year or less
Start Date(s)
January (Winter)
September (Fall)
Locations
Belleville
Open to
International Students
Domestic Students

Find your career

As a welder/fabricator technician, you will find job opportunities in any industry where metal fabrication and maintenance are performed. Your new skills can take you anywhere:

  • You could work in manufacturing, construction, welding or inspection.
  • Fabricate mining equipment; machinery; pipelines; bridge truss systems; vehicles such as subway cars and fire trucks; or shipbuilding and aerospace. 
  • Get an employment edge with certificates you can earn in the program, such as certified welder, structural steel plate fitter, certified welding inspector or welding supervisor. 
  • You could fast track into an apprenticeship. 

Our grads get great jobs

  • Technical Advisor, Voith Hydro Inc. 
  • Welder, Durose Manufacturing Limited 
  • Welder/Setter, L-3 Communications 
  • Welder/Fitter, North American Steel 
  • Level 2 Welding Inspector, Canadian Welding Bureau 
  • Thermite Welding, Canadian Pacific Railway 
  • Production/Welding, Honda Canada 
  • Welder/Fabricator, Material Handling Systems 
  • Welder/Fabricator, Timmins Trailers 
  • Welder/Fabricator, McCloskey International Ltd. 

Is it for you?

Welders play an essential role in building and maintaining critical infrastructure. This is a good career for people who: 

  • Show precision in their work. 
  • Have solid math skills. 
  • Take pride in doing things right. 
  • Would like to master a skill that will be in demand wherever they go. 

How you'll learn

Experiential learning 

Prepare to meet increasingly complex industry standards through hands-on learning in Loyalist’s newly equipped The Bay of Quinte Skills Centre: 

  • Follow projects from the engineering drawings stage, through cutting and forming processes, to the completion of the job and quality inspection. 
  • Create with new and evolving technologies such as CNC press brakes, CNC plasma cutting and 3D designing. 
  • Practise welding techniques such as gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding. 
  • Participate in the Ontario Skills Competition and field trips to the Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show. 

Obtain certification with the Canadian Welding Bureau for the following welding certificates in Loyalist’s on-site test centre: 

  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (G.M.A.W.) Flat Position 
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Steel (G.T.A.W.) Fillet 
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Stainless Steel (G.T.A.W.) Fillet 
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Aluminum (G.T.A.W.) Fillet 
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (S.M.A.W.) Four Positions 
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding (F.C.A.W.) Flat Position 
  • Metal Cored Arc Welding (M.C.A.W.) Flat Position 
  • Welding Inspector Certificate and Welding Supervisor are also offered through the Canadian Welding Bureau Centre for Learning (part of the C.W.B. Group) 

Outstanding faculty make the difference 

Learn in bright, well-equipped facilities with dedicated faculty: 

  • Professors include a Red Seal Structural Plate Fitter and proceeding officer with the Canadian Welding Bureau. 
  • Teachers have a vast network of industry contacts to help connect students with jobs.

Courses

COMP1017 Computer Applications

Students are introduced to Microsoft applications such as Outlook (email), PowerPoint, Microsoft Word and Excel. Students learn how to use the Internet and understand the use of a maintenance management system. Within the course, students are equipped with job searching techniques, interview skills and will prepare a cover letter and résumé.

WELD1013 Fitting 1

Students focus on the use and application of equipment, tools, fasteners and processes used in fabrication practices in the welding industry. Students will interpret plans for the actual fabrication of small projects. Students will develop techniques for layout, fitting, squaring, tacking and fabricating.

WELD1012 Layout 1

Students focus on the use and application of describe objects in a mechanical form, drafting standards under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Students will develop techniques for understanding and reading blueprints as they relate to the fabricating industry.

SAFE1003 Occupational Health & Safety

Students learn the rights and responsibilities of the various stakeholders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Specific topics associated with the four main types of hazards found in workplaces (physical, biological, ergonomic and chemical) are covered. Where possible and practical, in addition to theory-based classes, students are involved in practical hands-on activities. WHMIS legislation is also introduced.

MATH1027 Technical Math 1 (WELT)

In this course, students demonstrate basic analytical skills and they are prepared for further studies in mathematics. Topics include basic number systems and operations, units and measurement, basic algebraic operations, geometry and solving word problems.

WELD1000 Welding 1

This course focuses on various fabrication processes. Oxyacetylene welding, brazing, cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) in various positions will be covered. Students will also study safety procedures and electrode identification. Co-requisite: SAFE 1003, WELD 1001

WELD1001 Welding Theory 1

Students learn an introduction to the theory and practice of welding, providing a strong background in the various fabrication processes. The course will cover oxyacetylene welding, brazing, cutting, G.M.A.W. (Gas Metal Arc Welding) and S.M.A.W. (Shielded Metal Arc Welding).

WELD1014 Fitting 2

Students learn the advanced interpretation of drawing and symbols for the actual fabrication of large projects. Techniques for layout, fitting, squaring, tacking, welding and fabricating will be practiced. Prerequisite: WELD 1013, SAFE 1003

WELD1011 Layout 2

Students learn the advanced interpretation of drawings and symbols for fabrication. This course also introduces students to computer-aided design using AutoCAD. Prerequisite: WELD 1012

WELD1006 Metallurgy 1

This course focuses on studying different metals and how they react to welding, distortion and stress. Students examine types of steel and the proper welding methods and electrode filler metals to be used. Different destructive and non-destructive testing will be performed along with an introduction to welding inspection.

MATH1028 Technical Math 2 (WELT)

Students consolidate the skills in arithmetic, algebra, solving equations, trigonometry and graphical analysis to solve problems used in technological applications. Prerequisite: MATH 1027 or MATH 1026

WELD1003 Welding 2

Students will get an introduction to Metal Core Arc Welding (MCAW), Gas Shielded Fluxed Core Arc Welding (FCAW-G) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). In addition, students will continue to study Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). Students will also learn about Canadian Welding Bureau Certification Tickets and will have the opportunity to practise using a range of processes in various positions. Prerequisite: WELD 1000, SAFE 1003

WELD1004 Welding Theory 2

Students are introduced to Flux-Cored Arc Welding and Metal-Cored Arc Welding, Shielded Metal Arc Welding of groove welded joints, robotics, automation, and production welding processes. Classification of weld faults, weldability of alloys, and welding codes and standards are explored. Students participate in the discussion and calculation of structural steel cutting processes. Prerequisite: WELD 1001

GNED1100 Becoming a Global Changemaker

This Loyalist College graduate attributes course will help shape your perspectives, broaden your understanding of important issues affecting our societies today, and equip you with invaluable knowledge and skills that will inform your ability to influence your community in a meaningful and impactful way. By exploring topics such as cultural competency, Indigenous education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, health and wellness, and ecological literacy, you'll be equipped with a powerful toolkit that extends far beyond the classroom.

*Courses subject to change.

A student wearing a welding mask and gloves welds a workpiece on top of a metal bench in a welding booth with red shields. Green graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Admission requirements

Required academic preparation 

  • OSSD/OSSGD or equivalent with courses at the general, advanced, (C), (U) or (M) level, AND 
  • Grade 12 English (C) level or equivalent

OR 

Recommended academic preparation 

  • Welding 
  • Grade 11 Mathematics 

Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) 

Do you have work experience or other types of non-credentialed learning? Through Loyalist’s PLAR program, applicants and current students may be eligible to receive academic credit for relevant educational, work and life experiences.

International students  

Learn more about admission requirements for international applicants and how to apply.

Costs

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Total: $4,089.08 
  • Additional Program Costs: $1,291 (year one) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.    

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies. 

  • Second-year students can apply for funding through the Canadian Welding Association (CWA) Foundation Post-Secondary School Award. 

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.   

Schulich Builders

Students enrolling in this program may be eligible for the Schulich Builders scholarship program. 

Schulich Builders covers tuition, tools and living expenses for students enrolling in a skilled trades program. Loyalist College will award ten scholarships per year: 

  • Five $20,000 scholarships for one-year certificate programs, and 
  • Five $40,000 scholarships for two-year diploma programs

Learn more and apply today! 

Approximate costs (2024 – 25) 

  • International Tuition: $15,000 
  • Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,367 
  • Mandatory Health Insurance: $659 
  • Total: $17,026 
  • Additional Program Costs: $1,291 (year one) 

Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.   

*Fees related to programs that are less than or greater than two semesters will be adjusted accordingly. Fees are subject to change. Please visit the Tuition and fees page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.

Paying for college 

At Loyalist College, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to your success. We’re here to help you navigate the costs of college and connect you with a variety of financial aid programs, resources and donor-supported awards. Explore paying for college.

  • Second-year students can apply for funding through the Canadian Welding Association (CWA) Foundation Post-Secondary School Award. 
A professor places a metal piece on top of a base. Students watch, leaning over the metal work trolley in the lab. Blue graphic circles are in the lower lefthand corner of the image.

Further study

What’s next? 

Autodesk certification 

Students are eligible to take the Autodesk certification exams at Loyalist College. Completing these industry-recognized credentials enables students to highlight that they have the in-demand skills employers are seeking.

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