Careers in Welding

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Kwantlen Poytechnic University's Welding programs are in demand by industry. Graduates will be prepared to enter the workforce in forestry, mining, petro-chemical, transportation, and marine industries, as well as in manufacturing and fabrication shops.

After attaining some experience in the welding field a number of our graduates have started and maintained successful businesses or have moved into management. Kwantlen instructors foster this career choice and guide students in their ventures.

Job Description

This program provides students with the skills and knowledge to become competent welders upon successful completion of all the modules in each level. Students will develop the necessary habits concerning safety and the proper use of time and materials necessary as competent welders in today's market.

Working Conditions

Working conditions can vary widely from job to job – climbing, standing for long periods, heights, confined spaces, kneeling in and around fabrications, noisy and/or smokey conditions and arc radiation are some of the things a welder may deal with on the job.

Use of safety equipment that is designed to deal with these problems, as well as safety procedures used on the job are covered in the courses. Anyone considering a job in welding should be in good physical condition and have good hand/eye coordination.

Employment Opportunities

Welding graduates from Kwantlen can expect to start their careers in fabrication shops, repair shops, shipyards, sawmills, pulp mills and more, working on new installations and/or maintenance welding.

There are no limits to where a person can go with their welding skills. The key personal ingredients are:

Solid work ethic
Welding skills development
Understanding theory
Experience and initiative

Student Employment

Kwantlen students are eligible for employment both on and off campus. Please see the Student Employment Centre for job postings and instructions for using Workopolis.com.

Finding Employment

Web sites such as Workinfonet are useful resources for finding employment in the trades industry.

A wage subsidy program is available through Human Resources & Skills Development Canada for students seeking employment who

Have collected Employment Insurance within the last three years, or have been on maturity/parental leave within the past five years
Are currently unemployed
Are seeking full time employment.

Additional information is available at www.santewagesubsidy.com