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Programs

Welding and Fabrication Technician

WFTNSchool of Skilled Trades

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A welder in protective gear works with metal, creating bright sparks in a dimly lit workshop.

Key Details

Program Start Dates

January 2025

September 2025

January 2026

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Diploma

Program Duration

4 Semesters / 2 Years

Program Contacts

Robert Rioux

Program Coordinator / Professor

Send email
705-566-8101 ext.7727
International Admissions
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Program Overview

A student in protective gear holds welding equipment, standing near gas cylinders in an industrial setting.

From concept to finished product, make metal fabrication projects a reality

Take metal fabrication projects from the engineering drawing stage through the cutting and forming processes to the welding and inspection phase. Working in our welding lab, you’ll gain hands-on experience by using industry-standard equipment to hone your welding skills and take projects from concept to finished product. 

You have the option to start your apprenticeship and will also have unique opportunities to work on community and applied research projects and polish your skills in the real world. Required work preparation sessions help you develop an industry-specific resume and effective interviewing skills. Our program features an optional, paid co-op directly related to your program of study. 
 

Program Highlights

Program highlights

  • Capped enrolment 
  • Your diploma equates to three levels of required theory towards your apprenticeship Certificate of Qualification 
  • Take projects from concept to finished product 
  • Real-world experience using industry-standard equipment in the college’s welding lab 
  • Optional paid co-op to gain industry training 
  • Opportunity for select students to participate in the Skills Ontario Competition 

Admissions

Admission requirements

For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:

  • Any grade 12 English (C) or (U)
  • Any grade 11 mathematics (C), (U), or (M)

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more
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Academic Upgrading

Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!

Program delivery

Program delivery

2024-2025

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2025
  • Semester 2: Spring 2025
  • Semester 3: Fall 2025
  • Semester 4: Winter 2026

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Winter term start

  • Semester 1: Winter 2026
  • Semester 2: Spring 2026
  • Semester 3: Fall 2026
  • Semester 4: Winter 2027

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian.  This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
MTH 1010Trade Math I3
WLD 1001Blueprint Reading & Drafting I 13
WLD 1003Metal Trades Practices 13
WLD 1122Welding Applications I 18
WLD 1131Welding Processes & Technology I3
ENG 1002College Communications3
 Credits23
Semester 2
FAB 1200Fabrication & Assembly Practices I 14
WLD 1000Welding Metallurgy3
WLD 1004Layout & Template Development I3
WLD 1006Drawing/Inter. & Drafting I4
WLD 1226Welding Appl. & Practical Skill I 14
One General Education course. 23
 Credits21
Semester 3
ENG 1780Applied Communication II2
FAB 2300Fabrication & Assembly Practices II 14
WLD 1007Drawing Interpretation4
WLD 1009Welding Processes & Practices3
WLD 1011Intro to Steel Detailing3
WLD 2322Welding Appl. & Practical Skill II 13
One General Education course. 23
 Credits22
Semester 4
FAB 2401Fabrication & Assembly Practice III 14
LTD 2400Layout & Template Develop III2
SSD 2400Plate & Structural Steel Develop.II 14
WLD 2413Welding Appl n & Prac’l Skills III 15
WLD 2416Job Planning & Preparation2
One General Education course. 23
 Credits20
 Total Credits86
1

 Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,346.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,441.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Skilled Trades

Cambrian was originally founded as a trade school, a field where we excel. We collaborate with industry partners to give qualified learners the opportunity to start working upon graduation by teaching in-demand skills. From the longest-running powerline program in the province to our motive power technician programs and much more, Cambrian provides the tools for satisfying careers in skilled trades.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information. 

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Multiple career opportunities exists in welding and fabrication in any industry where metal fabrication and maintenance are performed, for example:

  • Steel fabrication plants
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Pulp and paper mills
  • Mines
  • Refineries
  • Trades Unions
A bearded individual wearing a cap and safety goggles skillfully works on electrical connections, holding red wires with precision.Person with safety glasses using a wrench on machinery in a workshop.A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

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See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

A student in a white shirt smiles while holding a children's book titled "What's My Superpower?" in a room with books and an orange chair.

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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