This occupational analysis identifies tasks performed by qualified welders across Canada. A welder is a tradesperson who uses a wide variety of occupational knowledge, skills and abilities in combination with cutting, gouging and welding processes to tack and weld assemblies and fabrications within a quality control system.
The welder must be able to work on new construction or perform repairs. All work must be recorded accurately. This is due to the fact that the work of the welder is frequently in areas of construction where faults or defects could be hazardous to life and costly. This critical aspect of the welder's work can be, in part, attributed to the variety of equipment types and designs available from a wide range of manufacturers.
The welder's work is usually, but not exclusively, found in industrial and commercial sectors such as assembly plants, factories, shipbuilding, refineries and building construction. Welders may work on the same site for prolonged periods and may routinely perform a variety of tasks including vehicle and implement repairs or construction, oilfield fabrication and repairs and heavy equipment servicing and maintenance. They may also specialize in areas such as underwater welding and welding of non-metal materials.
Welders often perform their jobs in conditions that present physical discomfort and danger such as hazardous fumes, working at heights, in hot, cold, humid weather conditions and in cramped, dark areas. To perform their work the welders rely on their knowledge of metallurgy and the effectiveness of the equipment being used; their knowledge of codes, regulations, and laws; their experience in a wide variety of work situations and requirements; their ability to operate hand and power tools; and, their ability to determine the most appropriate means of proceeding with the work. Welders must also rely on some important attributes: their mechanical and mathematical aptitudes, above-average physical condition, eye-hand coordination and dexterity and their ability to plan and think sequentially as well as three-dimensionally.
Welders are routinely required to work closely with other tradespeople, including steel fabricators, steamfitters-pipefitters, boilermakers, carpenters, ironworkers, industrial mechanics (millwrights), electricians, machinists, sheet metal workers and mechanics. It is therefore important that the welder have some knowledge of, and familiarity with, the scope of work of these trades. In some cases, the work of the welder may overlap with that of these trades.
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Motorcycle Mechanic
Motorcycle mechanics work on motorcycles and other vehicles such as motor scooters and all-terrain vehicles. They assemble, diagnose, maintain and repair engines, transmissions, drive systems, steering assemblies, braking systems, chassis and suspension, electrical systems, and fuel and exhaust systems. They may specialize in repairing, rebuilding, customizing or servicing these systems... More >
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Euclid Math Contest
The Euclid Math Contest is an opportunity for students to have fun and to develop their mathematical problem solving ability. Details are available in the full information brochure. More >
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Automotive Painter
Automotive painters work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicles to their original condition following damage and subsequent auto body repair. Generally, automotive painting begins when body work has been completed. Some of the duties that an automotive painter completes include: removing exterior trim and hardware; removing... More >
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Volunteer Centres in Saskatchewan
Volunteer Saskatoon 100-506 25th St East Saskatoon SK S7K 4A7 Tel: 306-975-3477 Fax: 306 244 0583 volunteersaskatoon@unitedwaysaskatoon.ca More >
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Veterinary Colleges in Canada
The Atlantic Veterinary College University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Avenue Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3 Université de Montréal 3200, rue Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6 The Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 The Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon,... More >
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10 tips for Daily Learning
1. Look up a new word in the dictionary every day. Try to use it in conversation at least three times that same day. 2. Read for pleasure every day. 3. Math puzzles and tongue twisters are fun - and they help build numeracy and literacy skills as well. 4.... More >
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Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >
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What Social Workers Do
Social Workers are usually employed in hospitals, community health centers, mental health clinics, schools, advocacy organizations, government departments, social service agencies, child welfare settings, family service agencies, correctional facilities, social housing organizations, family courts, employee assistance programs and private counselling, school boards, and consultation agencies. More >