Welders operate manual/semi-automatic welding equipment to weld ferrous/non-ferrous metals following blueprints and welding process specifications. They may specialize in certain types of welding such as ship building, aerospace precision welding, and pipeline construction welding. They repair worn parts of metal by welding on extra layers.

People in this occupation usually require secondary school education. Many recent entrants have a trade/vocational certificate.

To gain trade certification, welders usually must complete a three-year apprenticeship program or have a combination of over three years' experience and some college or industry courses in welding.

Trade certification for welders is compulsory in Alberta. It is available, but voluntary, in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. Qualified welders may also obtain interprovincial (Red Seal) trade certification which provides job mobility throughout the country.

Welding, brazing and soldering machine operators usually require several months' on-the-job training and may require experience as machine operator helpers.

Get more info on how to become a welder in Canada.