Posted on December 19, 2015 by Institute of Technical Trades
The Canadian labor market shows that 15% of the current workforce is approaching retirement age. It’s partly because baby-boomers are aging and retiring out of the market. Some trends are already evident – like the fact that skilled labor is in short supply in many industries across Canada. Indeed, it’s becoming a serious challenge for some industries in particular. The Institute of Technical Trades is responding to these trends with welding classes in Richmond Hill. It’s an effort to meet the labor demands of the near future, and to specifically fill the growing need for highly skilled welders.
I.T.T. training programs are designed for various students - from novice welders embarking on a brand new welding career, to the established welder who needs upgrading. Programming is comprehensive – there is training in the various welding processes; instruction in basic blueprint reading; and study that incorporates blueprint theory. Simply put, training is intended to graduate welders who will be ready to work in positions where their skills are in demand. Amongst the many industries, welders may be working in manufacturing, construction, boat (and ship) building, or pipeline assembly.
Whichever industry, graduating welders are ready to work immediately - they are all well trained, highly skilled, and professional. The curriculum at I.T.T. is industry-based, and incorporates both theory work and practical skills training. In total, there are 15 welding processes and practices that are part of the regimen. Training is proactive and hands-on; instruction is methodical and disciplined; and the teaching staff is the very best in the business. When training has been completed, graduating welders are ready to address the demands of industry with their advanced level of education.
The Institute of Technical Trades is all about quality training and education, with a personal commitment to learning. In addition to the education component, testing (and licensing) is an essential part of the program. Here, certification is made available through the two main licensing organizations: the Canadian Welding Bureau, and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. For students, the programming is wide ranging - everything from “entry-level” welding classes, to more advanced instruction and skills development. As for testing, the school is an official Certified Test Centre.
Classes and programming are flexible, and designed to suit the needs of individual students. This allows for many training options: brand new students; continuing education students; even highly advanced students. The fundamental objective at the school is to provide training that incorporates the latest technologies with advanced levels of instruction. I.T.T. is a well-established facility, operating for longer than four decades, and recognized as a leader in Canada. Graduating welding students are well regarded by the various business communities, and respected for their skill levels.
Students who are enrolled in welding classes in Richmond Hill are part of an educating environment with a committed philosophy:
- a focus on student needs, with training to satisfy those needs
- support for a student’s personal career aims and aspirations
- inspiration to be a “ground-breaker” in an industry of choice
- staff guidance and support for students at all training levels
- ensuring that students’ career dreams can become a reality
Welding Classes in Richmond Hill
A variety of programs to choose.Welding Technology Program
This is ideal for welding students looking for a high level of advanced training. This will appeal to students with career objectives that are long term, and who have a focus on better-paying jobs and job advancement.
Welding Techniques
This Certificate Program is the right option for welders who wish to upgrade their skills and advance with some of today’s newer technologies. Post-program testing is available for those welders who are prepared.
Welder Fitter Program
This Diploma Program is right for students with a career plan to specialize in structural welding and/or pipe welding. As with the other programs, various tests are available to those enrolled (CWB and TSSA).
Welding Master Program
This program is designed for the experienced welder who wants to upgrade existing skills and proficiencies. The program has a length of 160 hours. Testing (through TSSA/CWB) is available as part of the program.
Option AThis is a 7-week program, with 160 training hours. Instruction includes oxy-acetylene,
MIG welding, and the basics of blueprint reading.
Option BThis is a 16-week Certificate Program, with 380 training hours. Testing is part of the
program, as is student career guidance/coaching.
The Institute of Technical Trades - Certified Testing Center
The CWB is the certification body for structural welders in Canada. At the Certified Testing Centre, a wide array of testing is made available for enrolled welding students. All testing requires advanced booking, and testing days are scheduled in advance every two weeks around the calendar year.
For those welders who wish to renew their active license, they are required to bring the expired license for validation and renewal. In most cases, testing results (from the TSSA and the CWB) are valid for a two-year licensing period. Testing is made available on weekdays (from Monday to Friday).
For all qualified applicants, testing always requires advanced booking, regardless of level. As well, all applicants must meet the pre-requisites and the testing guidelines. More details and specific information is available directly from the Certified Testing Centre at I.T.T.
Job prospects for future welders are wide open across Canada. And it’s clear that the demand for welders is exceeding the supply, year after year. Industry is employing welders who have a good education base and a high level of training. These workers are permanently employed, with many in salaried positions, and many others in well paying regular jobs. Overall, employed welders are well paid, working in stable jobs, and with good prospects for future advancement.
For welders who are up-and-coming, high demand and low supply is a good sign in terms of employment potential. And for those in training at the Institute of Technical Trades, the high quality education and skills development are unparalleled in the industry. I.T.T. understands the job market and employer demand, and the training regimen is designed to satisfy those expectations.
