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Welder

Hold everything together.

Here's a career that will make sparks fly, literally. And, while you'll be responsible for holding part A and part B together, your employers will consider you to be the person who holds the whole operation together! You'll be put in tough situations, but as a Welder, the challenge is yours to piece together.

How do I get to be a Welder?

Becoming a Welder depends on several factors, including education, technical training, physical fitness and more. If you want to follow this career path, here are some conditions you may have to meet:

Education
To become an Welder, you'll need at least a high school diploma to enter apprenticeship programs in most regions.

Technical Training/Certification/Licensing
  • Apprenticeship training (4 years) leading to a Certificate of Qualification. The term for this certificate may vary by region. You may also qualify for an interprovincial licence (Red Seal) that will allow you to ply your trade in other provinces or jurisdictions
  • Other Occupational Health and Safety (OH+S) training may be required (first aid, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems, etc.)
  • You may be required to take manufacturer/vendor training courses as well
Physical/Medical
While there are no specific requirements, good physical condition is essential.

Language
There is no specific language requirement to work as a Welder.

Other Attributes
  • Excellent mechanical abilities.
  • Willingness to constantly change methods and techniques for fabrication, installation and repair as a result of improvements to welding equipment.
  • Customer service skills, communication skills (written and verbal) and computer skills are also a must.