Welder

Skilled Trades

Job Description

Welders cut and join pieces of metal. Welders may also work as machine operators who operate previously set-up welding, brazing and soldering equipment. Working as a welder for a forest product company means you will be in a fast-paced environment. Fixing broken equipment may mean you have to step in and manage a situation without much notice. Welding is physically demanding, and it requires manual dexterity and an eye for detail. Welder Level A is someone who has advanced training, skills and abilities to weld all materials, including specialized alloys, by any manual welding process. Welder Level B is a person who can weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals on plates and pipes. Welder Level C is someone who can weld various steel and aluminum parts. Welding work also overlaps with the work of industrial mechanics (millwright), sheet-metal workers, steamfitters, pipefitters, metal fabricators (fitter), iron workers and boilermakers. With extra training, welders can transfer their skills to these related occupations.

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This job is right for you if...

  • You want to live an oversized life in one of Canada’s beautiful forest communities
  • A sense of community is important to you
  • You like variety and learning new things
  • You want to make a difference working in a green job
  • You like making things with tools
  • You are a team player
  • You want to work in work boots, not dress shoes

Communities

Check out these forest communities where Skilled Trades jobs are available.

HIGH LEVEL, ALBERTA
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, ALBERTA
FORT ST-JAMES, BRITISH COLUMBIA

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Education And Training

Getting a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification is usually required. After that, you will need to complete a three-year apprenticeship program. Alternatively, a combination of over three years of work experience as a welder and some college or industry courses in welding is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. As an apprentice, you get training while earning a pay cheque and building a career as a highly skilled worker. An interprovincial Red Seal endorsement is also available to allow your skills to be officially recognized across Canada.

Apprenticeship grants: Apprentices can receive up to $4,000 in grants to pay tuition, travel, tools, or other expenses. If you are considering an apprenticeship, visit the interprovincial Red Seal program for information on how to get started.

Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology
Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology
North West Regional College

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NOTE

The requirements listed are generally required qualifications for this Career Type. The qualifications may vary based on the employer and/or the geographic location of that job.

FORECASTED JOBS

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* 2016 National Household Survey data not available. Comparative data has been used.

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