Welding Fitter – Mechanical Technician

Post-Secondary Programs
Credential Earned: College Certificate (1 Year)
Campus: Kirkland Lake
Program Length: 3 Semesters

Program Codes
W251 (KL) – Kirkland Lake

From mining to manufacturing, Northern’s Mechanical Technician – Welding Fitter diploma will set you up with a top-notch skillset and a rewarding career to match.

Thanks to a hands-on apprentice-style curriculum, you’ll spend three semesters learning how to diagnose, install and maintain a wide range of industrial machinery. And along the way, you’ll learn to fabricate and weld a variety of parts and shapes – including cones, chutes and hoppers.

Beyond your critical training in the shop, you’ll also hone your freehand and computer-assisted drafting skills. You’ll nail the trade related math problems that result in precision measurements.

And you’ll master the techniques, codes and protocols that keep you safe on the job – all while delivering the consistent high quality results that are guaranteed to set you apart.

Welding Program Pathways [PDF, 521 KB]

Contact Information

For questions about being admitted into the program, please contact Northern College Admissions at admissions@northern.on.ca or by phone at 705-235-3211 ext. 7222.

For questions about the content of the program, contact the Program Coordinator.

Joshua Fuller
Program Coordinator
Tel: 705-567-9291 ext. 3750
Email: Welding@northern.on.ca

Student Success & The Northern Experience

welding shop at northern college kirkland lake

“The professors at Northern are some of the best I have met. Tyy and Tim are there to help you with whatever questions you have and give you the best education possible. They are there to turn you into the best welder possible. The course content taught will directly relate to the work you will preform in the industry, from the welding theory and weld skills classes to blueprint reading. I liked it especially cause the professors take their time to help with any questions and give you the best explanation possible.”

Dom P.
Welding Fitter Graduate

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Course Information

Course descriptions can be found below.

Please note, course information is based on our current offering and is subject to change. Current students can find more information on courses in their student account.

If you have questions or require program information for previous academic years, please contact the Program Coordinator.

Semester 1

Communication Fundamentals will provide students with an opportunity to reinforce their use of Standard English, develop their abilities to communicate effectively in the workplace and improve their capabilities with computer technology, particularly in using Word, Excel and ProDemand to produce accurate and professional documents. As well, students will be required to use information technology like Blackboard and their own computing devices to research information online to learn about their trade pathway, find technical information using an industry system like ProDemand, and to complete course assignments.

28 Hours

This course introduces the student to health and safety in their home, in society and within an occupational setting. Students learn about the social and personal benefits of safe work practices and the methods to best prevent accidents or injuries. Students will review the role, right and responsibilities of an individual in today’s health and safety conscious world. Students also learn how to read and interpret the Occupational Act and Regulations.

42 Hours

The Mathematics & Precision Measurement I course for the Mechanical Technician – Welding Fitter program consists of trade related mathematical problems and their solutions. The course begins with a review of essential mathematical concepts required in a variety of trade-related practices and applications and moves into a introduction to precision measurement tools. Early concepts include a brief review of BEDMAS, averages, and estimation and then study units deal with fraction, decimal, and percent uses relevant to work carried out in the workplace.

In this introductory course, students will develop the ability to draw, sketch, read, and interpret engineering drawings and schematics similar to those found in the machine or welding fabrication industry. The course introduces students to structural steel shapes as well as basic layout and fitting techniques. Topics include: basic drafting skills, shape description (orthographic and pictorial), sections, structural steel shapes, sketching, layout, fitting, joint design and welding symbols.

Students will describe the function and controls of welding power sources in accordance with safety regulations and approved industry standards, and will be introduced to the fundamentals, equipment requirements, and characteristics of the welding processes: SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, MCAW, and GTAW.

Students will learn to work in a shop environment in accordance with safety regulations and industry standards, and will be able to describe all methods of safe handling of material in the shop or in field situations. Students will describe the use and safe handling of small hand tools, power tools and fabrication machinery; describe and correctly use manual and machine oxy-fuel cutting methods; and will set-up and use the following processes: SMAW, FCAW, and GMAW. They will apply this to various weld joint configurations.

This general education course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian Indigenous Nations’ history, sovereignty, land titles, cultural history and current critical issues. Topics addressed include the content of Indigenous rights, economic and social development, community and political processes, and business law and policies, justice & social services. Canadian Indigenous History and Relations is a general education course that has been incorporated into all programs at Northern College.

42 Hours

Semester 2

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

The purpose of this course is to give students an opportunity to develop and enhance basic communication skills as required in the workplace. Students will also be required to use a computer to complete assignments and other course work, work independently and collaboratively, follow instructions and complete assigned tasks on time.

28 Hours

The Mathematics course consists of trade related mathematical problems and their solutions. Realistic mathematical problems in welding and fabrication are used to strengthen both mathematical and technical skills. The student will be required to keep pace throughout the course and tests must be written on the specified dates. Adequate notification of all tests will be given.

Students learn the use of computer aided drafting with hands on practical with the latest version of AutoCAD.

This course will cover the terms code, standard and specification. The student will learn the advantages of standardization; identify the agencies that set codes and standards; identify and understand codes governing welding in Canada for structural steel, boilers and pressure vessels, piping systems, pipelines and transmission systems, and storage tanks. The student will be able to understand and follow welding procedure and performance qualifications.

In accordance with safety regulations and industry standards, this course provides a working knowledge of brazing of deoxidized copper with oxy-fuel equipment, characteristics of metals and their alloys, classifications and effects of welding, and the functions and application of destructive and non-destructive testing methods for welds.

Students will advance their knowledge in the use of the SMAW, FCAW and GMAW processes by applying it to welding in all four positions: flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead, and will complete bend tests, and tests for all CWB test coupons. Students will learn all aspects of the use and set up of the GTAW process and use these on the following materials: mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Students will perform the safe set up, operation and correction of common cutting faults for the PAC and CAC-A processes.

Semester 3

The Mathematics course for the Mechanical Technician – Welding Fitter consists of trade related mathematical problems and their solutions. Realistic mathematical problems in welding and fabrication are used to strengthen both mathematical and technical skills.

Students will demonstrate the basics of programming for robots with CNC custom macros, and will understand and apply G&M codes used in some automated systems. Students will understand and apply methods used in programming automated cutting equipment and welding equipment.

Students will apply their knowledge to the welding of open joints such as high pressure pipe, and will work on using the walk-the-cup technique for tig welding on pipe. They will use the method of destructive testing to test the quality of the weld, and will learn how to minimize distortion by welding around the neutral axis of a weld joint; and will learn to program and run programmable cutting equipment. Students will contribute to the completion of a welding manufacturing project.

Students will understand and use common non-destructive inspection techniques and equipment: visual, dye penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic and radiographic examination. The students will demonstrate a basic proficiency in the use of visual, dye penetrant and magnetic particle inspection. Students will develop knowledge of jigs and fixtures to control distortion and to ensure multiple parts dimensions remain consistent.

Students learn the advanced use of computer aided drafting with hands on practical with the latest version of AutoCAD.

Graduate & Career Information

Career Opportunities

Mechanical Technician – Welding Fitters install, repair and maintain a variety of machinery and are vital to various plant operations. The Mechanical Technician – Welding Fitter may find employment in the mining, manufacturing, steel, construction and hydro industries, as well as various others.

Admissions Information & Requirements

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Grade 12 English (C, U)
  • Grade 11 Math (C, M, U)

Or equivalent

 

Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.

For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.

Additional Information

Welding Information [PDF, 457 KB]

Tuition, Fees & Payments

Tuition and fees are updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year by May 1.

Current amount may be based on last years amounts and are subject to change. Ancillary fees vary by campus and program.

If the tuition and fee information for international students does not appear on this page, visit northerncollege.ca/international/tuition to see amounts for general programs.

Please refer to your Student Account for the most up-to-date information.

Student Year Campus Program Code Tuition Ancillary Fees Total Fees
StudentDomesticYear1CampusKirkland Lake - KLProgram CodeW251Tuition$5,441.10 Ancillary Fees$863.50 Total$6,304.60
StudentInternationalYear1CampusKirkland Lake - KLProgram CodeW251Tuition$25,100.00 Ancillary Fees$1,386.58 Total$26,486.58
Tuition & Payment Information

Find Your True North.

At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.

From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.

Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.

Each of Northern’s campuses boasts exercise facilities, a gym, cafeteria, study areas and a library – places that you can go to help keep you focused as you work your way through your studies. The communities we call home are incredible places, filled with amazing people and things to do.

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Kirkland Lake Campus

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