How do I enter the Welder trade?

START WHILE IN SCHOOL

Turn interest into supervised practice

Ask your guidance counsellor about:

• Manufacturing or technological education
• Co-operative education placements
• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
• Specialist High Skills Major
• Dual-credit and college partnerships

ADVANCED SPECIALIZATION

How underwater welding becomes possible

Underwater welders are occupational divers first: welding certification alone does not qualify someone to work underwater. In Canada, commercial-diver competency is based on the CSA Z275.4 framework, and the Diver Certification Board of Canada certifies divers and accredits training establishments.

1. Build strong topside welding and fabrication skills.
2. Meet commercial-diving prerequisites, including swimming ability and a medical examination by a qualified diving and hyperbaric physician.
3. Complete an accredited occupational-diver program appropriate to the intended work, often involving surface-supplied diving.
4. Train and qualify in underwater cutting, wet or dry welding, dive planning and emergency procedures.
5. Work as part of a supervised dive team under the rules that apply to the jurisdiction and project.

This career carries serious hazards, including pressure and decompression exposure, entanglement, low visibility, contaminated water, electricity and changing water conditions. It must never be presented as ordinary recreational scuba diving.