Welding is a growing trade with many opportunities across both construction and manufacturing industries. In Canada welding is a certified trade with a three year registered apprenticeship.

With Canada’s oil based economy, welders are in high demand in the western provinces. Some of the highest paid welders in the world work in pipeline construction. Working in pipeline construction as a welder requires you to have your Journeyman certification as well as a B pressure certificate. There are many opportunities when you enter the trade, to partner up with a seasoned welder as a helper to gain experience and hours towards your apprenticeship. Following this career path (pipeline welder) you can expect to make $200,000+ per year. You must have your own tools for this profession, and also your own vehicle to carry them (they can be heavy and road access can be rough). A pipeline welder usually works at remote sites and can spend 30+ days away from home. In this case, temporary accommodations are provided by your employer.

The construction of buildings now relies greatly on qualified welders. As the future progresses, this will be needed more and more because of fast development growth and the economy. Almost every part of the construction process now requires welding on commercial and even some residential projects, from structure to plumbing. A journeyman welder working for a union plumbing contract can expect to make approximately $100,000 per year plus benefits and pension. Generally, working in building construction, you do not have to work out of town to stay busy.

Other opportunities in welding can be in manufacturing. Many things, you may notice, are made of metal; all of those items require a welder at some point on the production line.

A welder must have a steady hand and an attention to detail; some welder’s work is under much scrutiny especially when dealing with high pressure gas or liquids. A pipeline welder’s works is regularly X-rayed to ensure its quality. Hazards of the trade include toxic gases that can be very harmful over prolonged exposure. If you have steady hands, don’t mind hard work and feel welding may be a good fit, join the many welders in Canada for your electrifying future!

Resource:

https://www.cwa-acs.org/