About this program

  • Credential Awarded: Certificate of Apprenticeship
  • Campus: Welland
  • Trade Code: 456A
  • Delivery Length: 2-2.5 Years
  • Starts: Fall

Overview

Do you have the ability to analyze and solve problems and an interest in working with metal to create the framework for structures used in the construction industry?

As a Welder, you have the skill set required to fabricate or sculpt metal using various methods and techniques.

Highlights
  • Complete 720 hours of college instruction and approximately four years of on-the-job training as a paid trainee.

  • State-of-the-art facilities and curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on training and is grounded in three decades of apprenticeship in-school training.

  • Individual student attention as a result of supportive professors and small class sizes.

  • Graduates can pursue employment in a variety of industries including construction, ship building, mining, pipelines and repairs.

Career Opportunities
  • Aviation welding technician
  • Brazing machine setter/operator
  • Electric arc welder
  • Gas shielded arc welder
  • Pressure vessel welder
  • Production worker
  • Spot welder
  • Soldering machine operator

The Benefits of Apprenticeship

  • The Province of Ontario is facing a large shortage of skilled labour.
  • A certified journeyperson earns a good wage.
  • Approximately 18 per cent of skilled workers are self-employed.
  • There is, and will continue to be, a demand for highly skilled tradespeople.
  • Majority of tuition for the in-school training is paid for by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

What's an Apprenticeship?

  • As an apprentice, you learn a skilled trade on the job. You work with and learn from experienced workers, and get paid while you do it.
  • You also learn in a classroom from instructors who know the trade. These classroom hours would take place at Niagara College.
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Courses

Due to recent demand, Niagara College offers Level One of this program through the Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship. To view the courses in Level One, visit the Metal Fabricator Fitter Apprenticeship Courses page. After completing Level One at Niagara College, you can pursue Level Two and Three through opportunities at other institutions.

Email [email protected] and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions that you might have.

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Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or Grade 12 equivalency AND
  • Employment in the trade
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How to Apply

  1. Find out if you qualify

    To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must:

    • be at least 16 years of age
    • have legal permission to work in Canada (for example, have a valid social insurance number)
    • meet the educational requirements of your chosen trade
    • have a sponsor in Ontario
  2. Find an employer or sponsor

    A sponsor is someone who provides you with apprenticeship training. A sponsor can be a single employer, individual (for example, a contractor) or a group of employers (for example, unions or non-union consortiums).

    How to find a sponsor
    • Guidance counsellor: If you’re in high school, ask your guidance counsellor for advice and referrals for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and other programs (Specialist High Skills Major, dual credit program.)
    • Online: Visit the job bank to post your resume and availability for apprenticeship in your chosen trade.
    • Employment Ontario: EO offers employment services and training opportunities, like matching apprentices to sponsors. Find an EO location.
    • Unions or trade associations: Many trades have unions or associations with resources to find and match apprentices to sponsors.
    • Local companies: Research local companies in the skilled trades. Try your local online resources, newspapers, or other directories.
    • Your network: Ask around to see if anyone you know is in the skilled trades, and if they are hiring or know someone who is hiring.
  3. Apply for an apprenticeship
    If you're 18 years or older

    You can apply online. You must complete the application in one session. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.

    If you're 16 or 17 years old

    You must download a paper application. Instructions: Save the application to your computer; fill out the application; print the application and sign it; get your parent or guardian and your sponsor to sign it; mail (or submit it in-person) the completed and signed application to your local Employment Ontario apprenticeship training office.


    Skilled Trades Ontario will review your application and let your sponsor know whether or not your application was approved.

    Note: You can change your sponsor later.

  4. Sign a training agreement

    If your application is approved, the ministry will:

    1. Create a training agreement for you and your sponsor to sign.
    2. Approve the signed agreement.
    3. Register your apprenticeship training.

Important: Once you have received your “Offer of Classroom Training Letter” from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development – Apprenticeship Office, you must complete the registration process by contacting Niagara College at [email protected].


The information on this page was sourced from https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship.

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