Welding and Fabrication Techniques
Ignite a spark with a career in welding.
- Option to complete the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Qualification of Welding Procedures test for different forms of welding (shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, and flux-cored arc)
- All classes are taught in the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility which is fully outfitted with the most up-to-date equipment and tools
- 3 semester delivery model allows for a student to continue working part-time or full-time as the weekly timetable is approximately 16 hours per week
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Spring 2025
No
Fall 2025
Yes
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The one-year Welding and Fabrication Techniques Ontario College Certificate program provides foundational skills for a career in the welding industry. Under the guidance of experienced faculty and through a combination of theory and shop work, you develop the skills required to work with modern industrial welding equipment, acquiring a solid foundation of principles for the field. Gain the ability to set up and safely operate equipment for various processes, read and interpret engineered drawings and welding specifications, take technical measurements using the shop tools, cut and form materials, and inspect work to verify quality. Upon completion of this program, you may seek exemption from the Level 1 and 2 Welder Apprenticeship training.
In Algonquin College`s Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility, you use modern equipment while learning about advanced technology in the welding and fabrication field, including:...(read more)
Overview
Ignite a spark with a career in welding.
The one-year Welding and Fabrication Techniques Ontario College Certificate program provides foundational skills for a career in the welding industry. Under the guidance of experienced faculty and through a combination of theory and shop work, you develop the skills required to work with modern industrial welding equipment, acquiring a solid foundation of principles for the field. Gain the ability to set up and safely operate equipment for various processes, read and interpret engineered drawings and welding specifications, take technical measurements using the shop tools, cut and form materials, and inspect work to verify quality. Upon completion of this program, you may seek exemption from the Level 1 and 2 Welder Apprenticeship training.
In Algonquin College`s Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) facility, you use modern equipment while learning about advanced technology in the welding and fabrication field, including:
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Shielded Metal arc Welding (SMAW)
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Flux-core Arc Welding (FCAW)
- Thermal Cutting
You also have the option of challenging the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) structural qualifications in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) throughout the program. Algonquin College facilitates these tests in conjunction with CWB, fees apply.
You may find work in a variety of different sectors relating to welding, including:
- machine shops
- gas and oil
- structural welding
- fabrication
- manufacturing
- ship repair
- mining
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Thrive in an active, hands-on learning environment.
- Enjoy working independently and as a member of a team.
- Are interested in mechanical processes.
- Have a strong attention to quality and detail.
- Possess physical strength and stamina.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL1813T
Course Name:
Communications I
Course Description:
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-orient... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MAT8584
Course Name:
Mathematics
Course Description:
Welders regularly measure, and calculate distances, areas and volumes. Students develop the skills to efficiently add, subtract, multiply an... + Read More
Hours:
28.0
Code:
WEL1013
Course Name:
Welding Process Theory 1
Course Description:
Welding processes rely heavily on theoretical principles and practices. Students examine the basic principles relating to the use of gases a... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WEL1014
Course Name:
Fabrication and Layout
Course Description:
A working knowledge of the various tools and equipment relating to welding and fabrication provides the foundation for skills needed within ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
WEL1016
Course Name:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding 1
Course Description:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding, is a manual welding process that has removed previous limitations relating t... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
DRA1022
Course Name:
Mechanical Engineered Drawings
Course Description:
The ability to read and interpret engineered drawings is necessary skills for welding and fabrication. Through practice, students gain famil... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WEL1015
Course Name:
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 1
Course Description:
The precision, versatility and high quality of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) makes it a desirable welding process. GTAW is an arc welding ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
WEL1022
Course Name:
Welding Fabrication Theory I
Course Description:
Skilled tradespeople require a sound understanding of the theoretical concepts relating to welding and cutting processes. Students focus on ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WEL2028
Course Name:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding 2
Course Description:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) provides many advantages, including the ability to weld a wide variety of metal types, the relatively low ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
WEL1023
Course Name:
Metallurgy and Distortion
Course Description:
Understanding the fundamental aspects of metallurgy is important for welders in considering the effects of heating and cooling on materials ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
WEL1028
Course Name:
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 2
Course Description:
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is used in many industries requiring precision welds, particularly when working with thin and specialty meta... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
WEL1029
Course Name:
Semi-Automatic Welding
Course Description:
Semi-Automatic Welding processes are widely used in manufacturing throughout the welding industry. Through practical application of Gas Meta... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
WEL2029
Course Name:
Thermal Cutting
Course Description:
In certain applications, thermal cuttiing is a preferred method due to the speed and accuracy. Students build skills to operate cutting equi... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find work in a broad variety of industries including machine shops, fabrication and manufacturing companies, ship repair, mining, building construction and welding inspection.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
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 standards.
- Interpret engineering drawings and blueprints as required by industry.
- Use layout and fabrication processes typical to the industry to determine correct form with accuracy.
- Select appropriate tools and devices to perform mathematical calculations and technical measurements for successful completion of a project.
- Set up and operate equipment to perform Shielded Metal Arc (SMAW), Flux Core (FCAW), Gas metal Arc (GMAW - Mig Welding), Gas Tungsten Arc (GTAW) welding, and thermal cutting on various types of materials.
- Use welding techniques in various positions according to industry standards.
- Assess weld quality to prevent discontinuity and to implement corrective action as necessary.
- Select materials and processes for fabrication projects.
- Use shop tools and equipment for the manufacture and repair of components to required specifications.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
- CSA-approved leather steel toe work boots $200.
- Textbook approximately $100.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or Mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee will be charged.
Program Eligibility
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Not sure if you meet all of the requirements? Academic Upgrading may be able to help with that: https://www.algonquincollege.com/access/.
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.
Application Information
WELDING AND FABRICATION TECHNIQUES
Program Code 1507X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Apply directly to this program through OntarioColleges.ca or our International Application Portal. Welding theory courses are hybrid, students are required to have a laptop to successfully complete the work. Laptops can be borrowed from the college if needed.
This program has a Fall and Spring intake. For more information please refer to the Welding and Fabrication Techniques (Weekend Intake) 1507W01FWO.