Question 1

What is the cost to participate in Skills2Advance Welding?

Accepted Answer

There no cost. The program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Question 2

What is the difference between Mind Over Metal and Women of Steel?

Accepted Answer

Both programs offer the same training but Women of Steel was created as an opportunity for women to learn welding alongside other women.  Mind Over Metal is open to everyone, of all genders, 16 years of age and over.

Question 3

Where do I have to live to participate in the program?

Accepted Answer

Skills2Advance Welding is open to everyone in Ontario but primarily for residents of Brantford, Brant, Norfolk, Haldimand, Six Nations, New Credit, Oxford, Hamilton, Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo. Transportation assistance is offered to residents of our focus areas if needed.

Question 4

How long is the program?

Accepted Answer

The program consists of an orientation day, 30 hours of hands-on welding training and 30 hours of additional job training. In some cases, the training can be completed in 2 weeks.

Question 5

When and where does the program operate?

Accepted Answer

The program starts in June and will be offered regularly over the next year. Training sessions will have varying schedules delivered by four area colleges: Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) in Brantford, Conestoga College in Cambridge/Brantford, Fanshawe College in Simcoe and Mohawk College in Hamilton. Training includes daytime or evening classes. Training dates and times can be found on this website under Training Dates.

Question 6

Is the training in person or online?

Accepted Answer

Training is primarily hands-on and in person. Welding simulators and online learning will also be used. Learn more by Clicking Here

Question 7

How do I qualify for this program?

Accepted Answer

Here are the criteria to qualify:  o    16+ years old o    Legally entitled to work in Canada o    Able to attend training locations on specified dates o    Able to crouch, kneel, stoop, bend o    Have manual dexterity ability o    Comfortable with basic computer use  Note: High school completion is not a requirement to register for the Skills2Advance Welding programs

Question 8

Do I have to be vaccinated to be in the program?

Accepted Answer

Vaccination policies are constantly evolving. Please contact Skills2Advance staff for the most up-to-date requirements.

Question 9

Can you help pay for my expenses, such as transportation and work boots?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can help with the cost of bus tickets or gas for participants who live in Brantford, Brant, Norfolk, Haldimand, Six Nations, New Credit, Hamilton, Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo and Oxford. Participants can also receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as work boots, helmet, gloves and safety glasses. Additional financial assistance can be provided for expenses such as groceries, technology, work clothes, health care (dental or vision) and more.

Question 10

Will I get a welding ticket if I complete the program?

Accepted Answer

This program is an entry-level introduction to welding. Participants will learn stick welding and techniques such as weld bead, fillet welds and flat welding. Participants who complete the program have an opportunity to test for a Fillet Weld Qualification per CSA W47.1. A level 1 pre-apprenticeship welding program or welding techniques program is generally 6-7 months in length at a local college. Skills2Advance Welding participants will receive information on how they can further their welding education and career.

Question 11

Are there a lot of jobs for welders?

Accepted Answer

There’s a big demand right now for welders in Ontario and that demand is going to continue for many years to come. For several reasons. Welding is heavily used in important industries such as manufacturing and construction. Those industries will always need skilled trades. The demand for welders and other tradespeople will grow because many workers will be retiring in the next decade. The average age for welders in Ontario is 59. There needs to be new welders to replace them.

Question 12

How much will I get paid if I get a welding job after this program?

Accepted Answer

Starting wage for new welders with no prior experience is currently about $18 an hour, but the earning potential is much higher. As new welders and apprentices gain more experience and complete their certifications, the average wage rises to $25 an hour. Very experienced or specialized welders earn up to $41 an hour.

Question 13

Do you help find jobs?

Accepted Answer

We work closely with community-based, free employment services that have connections with companies who hire welders. Once participants have completed the training, we will support them in making those employment connections, as well as connecting to more training or an apprenticeship if that is of interest to them.

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