Program Description

Welder Concentrated OYAP is a program specifically designed to help students make a smooth successful transition from high school directly into their post-secondary Welder / Welder Fitter apprenticeship. The student will learn the following welding processes: Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), Shielded Arc Welding (Stick) and plasma cutting.

Similar apprenticeship preparation certificate programs are also offered at local community colleges, and private technical training centres. They can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 at these other sites.

Download Link: Welder OYAP Brochure

Program Planning

2009 - 2010 School Year

Proposed 2010-2011 School Year

Students will have the opportunity to be placed in a 2 Credit OYAP Co-op placement in semester two. Students may return to their home school for semester two. This placement will have the possibility of becoming an apprenticeship. Students earning OYAP Coop Credits are allowed to earn a wage.

Pathway Charts

• HDSB Pathway Chart
  
• HCDSB Pathway Chart

Welder, Welder Fitter Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

The Welder / Welder Fitter Concentrated OYAP Program follows the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Curriculum Guidelines for the trade of Welder / Welder Fitter.

Career Opportunities

Welders:

Welders operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This unit group also includes machine operators who operate previously set up production welding, brazing and soldering equipment. They are employed by companies that manufacture structural steel and platework, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships and other metal products, and by welding contractors and welding shops, or they may be self-employed.

The most important Essential Skills for this occupation are: Data Analysis, Document Use, Measurement and Calculation, Money Math, Numerical Estimation

Welders and Related Machine Operators:

Welders operate welding equipment to weld ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This unit group also includes machine operators who operate previously set up production welding, brazing and soldering equipment. They are employed by companies that manufacture structural steel and platework, boilers, heavy machinery, aircraft and ships and other metal products, and by welding contractors and welding shops, or they may be self-employed.

The most important Essential Skills for this occupation are: Measurement and Calculation, Problem Solving

Other occupations: Welder Fitter, Metal Fabricators (fitters), Pipe Fitter, Machinist, Ironworker, Blacksmith, Sheet Metal Worker, Underwater Welders, Tool & Die Maker, Shipbuilder, Aerospace/Aircraft/Missile/Fusion Welder, Robotics Technician

Salaries

Welders can make up to $30 per hour. Foremen can make up to $50 per hour. Pipeline welders or underwater welders can make up to $100,000 per year.

Interesting Facts

• Welding is a common thread that links many career pathways.
• Welding has been called the best kept secret in career planning It is a skill that will always be in demand
• The shortage of qualified operators, technicians, and engineers in the field of welding is a potential threat to industry (Take up the Torch).
• Welder is a 5280 hour red seal apprenticeship (National certification) and Fitter Welder is a 6000 hour apprenticeship.
• Welding careers can include underwater welding
• It is now possible to get a welding degree in some colleges

Certificates and Exemptions

Students that are successful in this program earning all four of their in-school credits and a minimum of two Coop Credits will earn a Concentrated OYAP pre-Apprenticeship Certificate. This indicates that the students have successfully completed Welder / Welder Fitter Concentrated OYAP program.

All students may challenge the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities exemption exam. However it is recommended that only students, who have earned a minimum of 70% on all units with an overall average of 80%, consider writing this exam. Students with the above will earn a Concentrated OYAP pre-Apprenticeship Certificate with Honours.

Students who are successful in challenging the ministry exemption exam will be granted a Concentrated OYAP Exemption Certificate. Passing this exam means students may be exempt from the first level of Apprenticeship Training.

Please note the college may charge a fee for administering this test.

Hours spent in Co-op can count towards your apprenticeship.

Process:

The OYAP process consists of 4 main stages 1. The information gathering and awareness stage 2. The program contact stage (log onto www.onsorts.ca and choose up to 2 courses that you may be interested in.) 3. The interview preparation stage 4. The interview

To learn more about the process or to start the process you can download the following documents. These documents designed to help you through the process of being accepted into a Concentrated OYAP Program.

Downloads:

• OYAP Application Package All forms required to apply for OYAP

You may also pick up a complete package from the School to Career Guidance contact at your present school to book a visit or interview.

For the name of the School to Career Contact at your school go to our Contact Us page.

To apply or find out more about an OYAP school to career program, click here