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Welder Produced FEBRUARY 2006
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$ D. K- V/ T1 N# o9 x% }; @/ `Welders use a variety of welding processes to join and sever metals. Wire process operators use wire feed welding processes and work primarily in production environments. , ]! [7 u2 V9 l( |! n
+ X$ l9 J4 x/ {% R, [$ ~NOC Number(s): 7265.1, 7265.2
7 o6 G+ Q2 d* T% gMinimum Education: Apprenticeship Trade - Grade 9
5 U! u" Z; {7 hEmployment Outlook: Employment turnover in addition to above average occupational growth in Alberta
( \! @. X V2 K( A$ T" IInterests: O M I ; O M i . R/ E) x: E! w- q/ {& w
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Duties | Working Conditions | Personal Characteristics | Education | Employment | Salary | Other Information | Related Occupations | Related School Subjects | Related Field of Study
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Duties section revised JANUARY 2007
% u1 c I2 U% r [ {. tThere are two branches of the welding trade in Alberta: welder and wire process operator.+ V+ g& @9 c) w9 e/ S* Y
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Welders join and sever metals in beams, girders, vessels, piping and other metal components, make metal parts used in construction and manufacturing plants, and weld parts, tools, machines and equipment. Depending on the type of metal, its size and shape, and requirements for finished product strength, welders may use any of the following welding processes and fillers:
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# W4 w2 \, d5 ~6 Kelectric arc welding - heat is created as an electric current flows through an arc between the tip of the welding electrode and the metal & N/ \7 e8 z M, k
gas welding (oxy-acetylene welding) - the flame from the combustion of burning gases melts the metal & Q; m, P3 ~$ t: V. d
arc and gas welding - filler materials are melted and added to fill the joint and make it stronger , p. f8 O* F% {9 f# N3 q
resistance welding - the metal piece itself is melted as current flows through it and no filler is added.: W7 ?2 L- X; C
Duties vary from one position to another but, in general, welders:
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. f! r* Q t1 f3 e; Ddevelop patterns for projects or follow directions given in layouts, blueprints and work orders 3 a8 [6 e5 R# \/ P% R
clean, check for defects and shape component parts, sometimes using a cutting torch 5 F( K5 o9 e8 e2 \7 e
weld parts together.
8 L. a* `$ L+ I# |Wire process operators fabricate products ranging from metal chairs to heavy equipment. They use gas metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding, submerged arc welding and other semiautomatic wire feed welding processes to join components and sub-assemblies. * @" g0 h( W* E L7 p, n
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In general, wire process operators:# \7 E y9 G2 c# G
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follow directions in layouts, blueprints and work orders
7 a- m# y8 b6 q* m% c: f: Rposition, align, fit and weld parts together
, k* U* Q- _2 ^- Z8 [# F9 I+ v1 |clean welds and check for defects
/ [! p& {3 V! Y8 O6 r$ Uensure completed work conforms to specifications.
( f, \& i0 v: R7 f9 x, Y: C: AWelders and wire process operators also may use cutting torches to separate metals or build up worn parts by welding layers of high-strength hard-metal alloys onto them.( m/ D* G P% [& R" ^. j
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6 e. l, t8 E0 E& z* _$ }9 y* UWorking Conditions % ~/ V i. e& W7 X+ x8 C7 Q* E: X
A 40 hour work week is typical in this occupation but overtime is sometimes required to meet project deadlines. There is some risk of injury involved in working with torches and hot metals, and the resulting sparks and fumes.$ f( w6 b1 N B" l% K3 O" f
3 [( C' U9 F/ M6 |, CWelders may work outdoors on construction sites or indoors in production and repair shops. In some cases, they have to travel to job sites (for example, oilfields). They may be required to lift and move objects that weigh over 20 kg.5 z* ]6 a' m: g! y3 `
. M& q# F" ?7 n) `Wire process operators usually work in production plant and metal fabrication shop environments. They spend most of their working hours on their feet and routinely handle loads weighing up to 10 kg. ( }4 S& u, V) r# N
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Personal Characteristics section revised JANUARY 2007 * R; p. P7 V; k' J
Welders and wire process operators need the following characteristics:
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C: g6 P) H: R8 f1 {4 M1 rmanual dexterity / @$ T* @$ b0 l1 w2 h1 @. d
good vision (glasses are acceptable)
" L- h [6 n' N% N, A4 F1 Sgood eye-hand coordination 9 T& p( V7 k$ r* G/ j8 L G" H
the ability to concentrate on detailed work
, [+ _# U. F4 W7 i& O/ qpatience.5 q& z+ Q& a; w, r
They should enjoy building things and working with little direction or supervision.
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Educational Requirements section revised JUNE 2007 3 e& n6 J* \* s! P) _! L, o; K! K
To work in Alberta, a welder or a wire process operator must be ONE of the following: * v0 h- Y3 |8 `7 {* O3 G# \1 D5 N! g2 M
8 r2 D) N* G8 r! K" ma registered apprentice 9 v4 W+ y6 g- [! V0 c8 ~
a certified journeyperson
. o: A! a: @" }; |, L0 Isomeone who holds a recognized trade certificate.
Z+ I [9 I8 E/ CTo register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentice welders and wire process operators must:
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5 ^- I: \% C4 ~4 V# U' b! Whave at least Alberta Grade 9 education or equivalent, or pass an entrance exam
% X8 D4 w [* qfind a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train an apprentice. Employers may prefer to hire high school graduates and select apprentices from among their current employees. 7 s% W5 C% n, Y* i* {) g
The term of apprenticeship for:
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welders is three years (three 12 month periods) that include a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training each year.
1 C: ^1 H0 B' F" swire process operators is two years (two 12 month periods) including a minimum of 1,500 hours of on-the-job training and eight weeks of technical training in the first year and 1800 hours of on-the-job training in the second year.
$ j( u+ D% A. UHigh school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)., [) _: W% i1 T
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Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for credit or certification. & R- D- N8 _# X/ x* I7 i
$ H# c5 ]+ o- u! DWelder apprentices may take an interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
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Technical training for welders is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at:
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/ F3 }' `. ?9 d4 h6 n2 h3 JKeyano College in Fort McMurray
- r* q. Z7 w, I U1 [) w2 D/ V) hLakeland College in Vermilion
% o e0 F/ O; ?# E. ILethbridge College . s" R. w6 O* I5 l9 P5 ~. w! x* u
Medicine Hat College
6 r; ?, x/ ?4 }* sthe Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, Fairview and Grande Prairie
. V- u4 v/ J2 C: P, ?Northern Lakes College in Slave Lake
Z9 J7 o. W. M; }Olds College 7 A1 Q& x `, U; b# M
Portage College in Lac La Biche
2 E( R; {! t) d8 ?Red Deer College ! e( U D- a9 a: i! I# ~0 c% j7 a
the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary.
& ]/ ^1 a$ }! V- z- sNAIT also offers technical training by distance delivery. + G7 K* ^6 a7 i! n) X! s9 `. c
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Technical training for wire process operators is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training and is currently offered at Red Deer College. % q, b F+ F/ q
: x' \, x! L8 n: LOutside the apprenticeship program, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary offers a two year Welding Engineering Technology diploma by distance and non-distance. The entrance requirement is a high school diploma with English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 and Pure Math 30. This program is accredited by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.
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Pre-employment programs for prospective apprentices and continuing education programs for journeypersons may be offered on an as needed basis by the institution(s) listed above or other schools. * z- ^. V7 q' c/ f# f* T% R
8 e: G: d' d' V: c z9 F3 D# P! IFor current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.- d9 _, ]$ q1 @
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Employment and Advancement section revised APRIL 2007 . v" n& ], E, W, D
Welders are employed by companies involved in: ' c' @: Q' ~( n( `7 X w' X
6 p% O. Z# u" u4 t) x3 xvessel or structural steel assembly " I& j2 r& ]1 K" w1 I5 ]" T
pipeline construction
, X' b0 A4 Y C! t' S6 U9 y, fcommercial construction
+ F/ E7 _, T- l$ b* H* pindustrial construction ; a6 n! [" x+ |$ y0 B
steel fabrication ) {# |: @5 F. V% f- ?( @* y
heavy equipment repair.
$ P: |! P- C5 g: U- o' aSome welders work as portable rig welders who contract out their services. 9 C1 ~" c$ Q4 s8 b* z% @# G
0 I. {; R2 s. r% F) y5 xWire process operators are employed by companies involved in: " M5 f3 h1 |' E* I: ~
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manufacturing vessels - Y- A' k$ ?, [: f' w
structural steel fabrication
5 X6 ~# ~& Y0 P* q- K2 d. cgeneral steel fabrication
8 S% ^' H( L' F$ Y0 ^truck body fabrication 9 j5 Q$ G3 I. X. @ O9 F
heavy equipment repair. $ K h% m7 m5 z5 d$ ^2 |
Experienced welders and wire process operators may move to inspector or supervisor positions, or open their own shops. Alberta certified journeyperson welders who have the supervisory or management skills required by industry may apply for an Achievement in Business Competencies Blue Seal by contacting Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.+ h8 o, `. d+ m8 b6 Z# }; p5 f; r
% n/ d {" X+ F; kWelders and wire process operators are part of a larger National Occupational Classification 7265: Welders and Related Machine Operators. In Alberta, over 75 per cent of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
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/ h4 ^# a4 b1 r3 C- PMetal Fabrication and Machinery Manufacturing - f& s6 p; W$ ^# a- ]
Personal, Repair, Religious and Other Services $ `4 i. @: C& c% ]( B8 V5 |7 Q8 z' I- I
Construction : m* r* R# }& g" ^& |- k L h4 u
Oil and Gas Extraction and Mining Support Activities + o5 t3 W7 u x8 P
Wholesale Trade.
( E* q( K+ M5 J; y9 C/ mThe employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
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time of year (for seasonal jobs) 1 r* I9 J& ^2 }# ~
trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above) $ _6 X/ Z! L* T; y. w" T
location in Alberta
3 a6 j) b' s9 I! hemployment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions) + a W3 R1 v9 K* H( i
occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before) - K7 w3 m& T* X2 T; q
size of the occupation.
/ o* s: H- |+ t. d) hOver 11,750 Albertans are employed in the Welders and Related Machine Operators occupational group which is expected to grow 3.0 to 4.0 per cent each year from 2006 to 2011 in Alberta. It is forecasted that 350 to 470 new positions will be created each year in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. (Note: Since welders form only a part of the larger occupational group on which this forecast is based, only a portion of the new positions created will be for welders.)' }5 @$ I# }9 J2 B1 X
( j$ ~4 d# S6 N5 {Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next five to ten years. C( b7 I3 R" S/ h
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Salary section revised JULY 2007
5 |! G* f# d1 `; p; {! l9 VAccording to the 2005 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Welders and Related Machine Operators occupational group working part-time or full-time earned from $20,400 to $170,300 a year. The average salary was $58,200 a year.
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" x& Y' l7 I5 ?0 ^8 gApprentice welders earn at least 60 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 75 per cent in the second and 90 per cent in the third.
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2 {: N+ Q9 f/ X0 WApprentice wire process operators earn at least 60 per cent of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year and 75 per cent in the second.$ \7 E& Q+ g: D
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For information about typical wage ranges for journeypersons, see the Trades and Occupations section of the tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca website.
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6 @- e( A- }8 ~0 m; C$ uOther Sources of Information section revised MARCH 2006
$ R$ V" m# C! G" P- m' }# UAlberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca
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Alberta Construction Industry "Trade Up!" website: www.careersconstruction.com& R+ k# J$ X% |2 N
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Calgary Construction Association website: www.cca.cc3 O9 e- j8 ]: I ?
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Construction Sector Council website: www.csc-ca.org
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EDinfo website: www.alis.gov.ab.ca/edinfo
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Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)
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k+ n/ B. w% Q* T' x) B) }; eRelated Occupational Profiles y4 c2 f+ E* S" m
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; v% ^5 _2 S" oHeavy Equipment Technician 8 [- B( H7 J# o t) d
Ironworker ( v: K7 k8 D) q/ E+ ^; U+ B
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4 u! C L8 [8 p, hMillwright & s. {2 w7 z) {8 ^
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Related High School Subjects 1 Q9 b% w! S; {& }" ?, w% K
Fabrication Studies; and Physical Education
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Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
- n( F& l# Q) P2 S5 `Trades, Industrial and Related Training . Y, d8 h: |) ?
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Top of Profile
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For more information on career planning, occupations and educational programs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website at www.alis.gov.ab.ca, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 422-4266 in Edmonton (deaf and hard of hearing individuals can call 1-800-232-7215 toll-free for message relay or 422-5283 in Edmonton), or visit an Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry service centre near you.
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7 `% k8 g5 v+ B9 F! aThe information contained in this profile was current as of the dates shown. Salaries, employment outlook and educational programs may change. Please check the information before making any career decisions.
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Government of Alberta, Employment, Immigration and Industry |
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