Dare to Compare

Questions to ask when comparing Career Welding Colleges vs. Public Colleges

1.     How many hours, weeks and/or months is the welding program?

• each Welding School course outline will provide this information. 
• important to note whether training runs daily or weekly; this will impact the overall duration of the program.
• compare the total number of hours per training program.

2.     How many hours of the welding program are hands-on-training vs. classroom time?

• welding is a hands-on trade.
• welding skills improve with consistent hands-on training/practice.
• courses that include a lot of classroom time (not shop time) generally slow down your mastery of practical skills.
• compare the number of hours spent in practical hands-on training. 

3.     Do companies contact the college looking to hire their welding students?

• private welding career colleges base their curricula on local industrial demand.
• to establish this, we speak regularly to employers to keep our programs current.
• this relationship is win-win for the students, welding collages, & employers.
• employers call regularly with job postings.

4.     How often do students start (semester or continuous intake) and are the start dates guaranteed?

• most private welding career colleges operate on a continuous intake format and will guarantee start dates.
• please contact the applicable college for more information on your desired program to confirm next available start. 

5.     Has the college ever dropped/cancelled programs due to lack of student enrolment?

• private welding career colleges that operate on a continuous access basis do not cancel programs because they are ongoing throughout the year.

6.     Does the college offer a free trial to see if you like welding before committing and spending money?

• private welding career colleges have open door policies.
• it is recommended that you visit a welding facility before committing to any program.
• it is also important to ask to speak with current students to ensure that they are satisfied with their training.

7.     Is the college a CWB and/or TSSA Testing Centre and how many tests are included in the program?

• programs vary from college to college – it is important to compare programs carefully to ensure that you are receiving what you think you are.
• some programs do not include testing and/or the number of tests may be different from college to college.

8.     What is the frequency of the CWB and/or TSSA testing (throughout program or at end of program)?

• private career colleges schedule regular test dates according to student progress and timetables.

9.     What is the instructor vs. student ratio?

• varies from college to college
• continuous access ensures that you work at your own pace with individual attention from the instructor. 
• colleges will have a maximum number of students per class
• inquire and compare!

10.  What are the instructor's qualifications and work experience?

• make sure instructors are approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
• ask about previous work experience.
• a good instructor will be able to train effectively as well as provide insights regarding workplace and employer expectations.

11.  Does each student utilize their own welding booth, tools and machine (no sharing of equipment)?

• sharing equipment will reduce the amount of time you spend welding.
• make sure you have your own workspace!

12.  What welding processes (i.e., Stick, MIG, Flux Core, and TIG) are taught for plate and for pipe?

• when evaluating programs, make sure you are comparing similar courses from each college surveyed (compare apples with apples)

13.  What other training is included in the program?

• look at job postings to see what employers are looking for.
• do they want blueprint reading?
• compare programs to make sure you get the additional training you want/need.

14.  What additional cost/fees are over and above the tuition?

• when comparing total course fees make sure to ask if there are any charges over and above training.  (i.e., will you have to pay for parking?)
• private welding career colleges do not charge extra fees for parking, insurance or administration.

15. What other services are offered?

• private welding career colleges assist in resume development and interview preparation.

16.  What is the college’s graduation and employment rate for students?

• it is important to compare this statistic.
• private welding career colleges report statistics for graduates finding WELDING jobs only ... not in food service or as a general labourer.
• make sure the employment statistics you are given are relevant.

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