Welding Techniques Program (T166)
Program Description
Program Overview
Welding is a high-demand trade, one that is critical for the success of many major development projects in every province across the country. The Welding Techniques program prepares students with practical, hands-on experience that applies the technical theory and elements of the welding field. Our state-of-the-art welding lab includes 26 individual stations that allow students to train in a controlled environment, as well as our virtual welding stations that offer students the opportunity to practise using realistic simulations. The Smart Welding Lab also provides a monitor and specialized infrared camera that lets instructors demonstrate and digitally document welding techniques.
*Domestic students only — see page for details.
Full Description
Employment opportunities in the welding trade span several industries, including transportation, petrochemical, oil and gas, aerospace, fabrication, manufacturing, pipelines, mining and construction.
George Brown’s Welding Techniques program prepares students with practical, hands-on experience that applies the technical theory and elements of the welding field. Students articulate their technical and essential employability skills through an e-portfolio, based on skill development throughout the program.
At the end of this intense, two-semester program, students will have the opportunity to challenge the shielded metal arc weld test, in accordance with CSA W47.1/W59 standards, in a position(s) of their choosing through the Canadian Welders Bureau. (This test will be voluntary and at an extra cost to the student.)
This experiential program will provide you with the skills to master five of the most common types of welding processes:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This process uses a consumable electrode covered with flux. It is the primary type of welding used in the maintenance and repair industry. Arc welding is usually used to weld iron and steel, although it can also be used for alloys (aluminum, nickel, etc.).
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): This welding process uses electricity to melt and join pieces of metal together. It is generally regarded as one of the easiest types of welding to learn. It is also called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). It can be used to weld a variety of metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, bronze, etc.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): The process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc. The tungsten and weld puddle are protected and cooled with inert gas, typically argon or helium. It is most commonly used for welding stainless steel and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, magnesium and copper alloys.
- Plasma Arc and Oxyfuel Cutting: This process utilizes an electrode and compressed gas, forced at high speeds through a nozzle, usually copper, to cut metal, primarily mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Oxyfuel cutting uses fuel gases combined with oxygen to cut metals, usually steel.
- Fabrication: Metal fabrication is the building of metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembling processes. It is a value-added process that involves the construction of machines and structures from various raw materials.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Industry
Welding is a high demand trade, one that is critical for the success of many major development projects in every province across the country. Employment opportunities span several industries including:
- transportation
- petrochemical
- oil and gas
- aerospace
- fabrication
- manufacturing
- pipelines
- mining
- construction
The Bureau of Labour Statistics paints a very bright future for welding careers in Ontario. Between 2010 and 2025, the industry is expected to see around 15 per cent growth, which is higher than the rate of growth for most other occupations. Welding positions are going to be incredibly important to both the provincial and national economy over the course of the next decade.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WELD 1010 | Blueprint Reading and Production for Welders |
| WELD 1011 | Mathematics for Welders |
| WELD 1012 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding I |
| WELD 1013 | Gas Metal Arc Welding I |
| WELD 1014 | Bronze Welding, Oxyfuel Cutting and Plasma Arc Cutting |
| WELD 1015 | Metallurgy for Welders I |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WELD 1112 | Shielded Metal Arc Welding II |
| WELD 1113 | Gas Metal Arc Welding II |
| WELD 1114 | Gas Tungsten Welding |
| WELD 1115 | Metallurgy for Welders II |
| WELD 1116 | Fabrication |
| PORT 1001 | Portfolio |
| WELD 1118 | CAD for Welders |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Perform work responsibly and in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and industry processes and procedures, including demonstrating learned knowledge of WHMIS.
- Interpret engineering drawings and blueprints to produce basic graphics and welding projects as required by industry.
- Select, plan and demonstrate sustainable metal fabrication operations using industrial metal fabrication machinery and emerging technologies.
- Perform basic technical measurements and welding functions accurately, using appropriate equipment and welding techniques.
- Create welds on various types of materials and joints in the major welding positions to industrial standards and codes.
- Use shop tools and equipment to manufacture, assemble, maintain and repair components according to required specifications and industry standards.
- Interact effectively and professionally in shop environments, both independently and with fellow workers and other tradespeople.
- Assess weld quality and implement corrective action where required to follow quality control and quality assurance procedures and meet organizational standards and requirements.
- Create a professional development plan that addresses one’s strengths and areas for growth in the greater context of the welder profession.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- grade 11 math (M or U) or Grade 12 (C or U)
** Mature student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Tom Tomassi, Program Co-ordinator
School of Apprenticeship and Skilled Trades
Email: ttomassi@georgebrown.ca
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 4303
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Do you have questions about this program or your career options? Join us for an on-campus information session. You'll have the opportunity to meet our friendly instructors and staff, ask questions and experience what it's like to be in a George Brown College classroom.
