Improving Welding Apprenticeships

“Welding apprenticeships are critical aspects of Canada’s manufacturing industry. It is through apprenticeships that young welding talent is developed, and that experience can colour a young person’s view of what their future in the industry looks like.” (Canadian Metal Working)

As with all the skilled trades, welding apprenticeships provide the student with an important hands-on learning experience that is to prepare them for the working world. They learn the various techniques of their craft and apply them to the needs of their real-life customers. In theory, after an apprenticeship, he learner will have developed all the necessary skills to be able to tackle their field of interest.

However, the Canadian Welding Bureau Group (CWB) has remarked that while not intentional, some apprenticeships have downfalls. As Canadian Metal Working reports in a recent article: “The biggest problem that apprentices experience is the limits of the shop in which they work. Their employer may make only one particular product, use one type of equipment, use a limited number of consumables, or employ only one particular welding process.”

This can hinder professional development of the apprentices, as they are not exposed to the whole depth of practice. They may not develop certain skill sets, or may miss out on finding the niche where they fit best.

The CWB has decided to implement a five-year study of a different apprenticeship model, in order to be able to identify and relegate limitations associated with current practices.

“In our [new] model, the apprentice would rotate among a number of employers for their training period so that they get exposure to more products, a variety of welding equipment, welding consumables, and processes and have the opportunity to work with a number of skilled journeymen,” said Dan Tadic, executive director of the CWB. “This gives them an opportunity to see how different people work. The five-year study is to see if training in a different way will increase productivity and quality and improve inline profitability of employers,” he then concludes.

This new study is being conducted primarily in the Hamilton, Ontario area. The goal of the CWB is to have Hamilton develop into the first of several hubs across the country where apprentices are able to cycle through employers in order to perfect their sills.

With the changes being implemented in the industry, it seems to be an exciting time for welding apprentices and welders alike!

If you are passed the apprenticeship phase of your training, and looking for a career in the industry, be sure to check out our job board!

Looking for a welder to join your team? Contact us and we will help you out.