Welding Licensing in Ontario

Welding is a voluntary (non-compulsory) trade in Ontario. No provincial licence is legally required to perform welding work. However, a Welder apprenticeship is available through Skilled Trades Ontario, requiring 6,000 hours (approximately 3 years) of training including 720 hours of in-school instruction. A Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal endorsement are available upon completion. For structural and pressure vessel work, certification through the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) under CSA W47.1 or W47.2 is typically required. CWB welder qualifications must be renewed every two years. Welding on pressure vessels or piping may also require TSSA oversight.

Ask if they hold a C of Q or CWB certification. For structural work, CWB certification is essential.

(1) No CWB certification for structural or load-bearing welding work (2) Welds without proper fire safety precautions (no fire blanket, extinguisher, or safe perimeter) (3) Cannot specify the welding process or filler material they will use for your project (4) Poor-quality welds visible in their portfolio (excessive spatter, uneven beads, undercut) (5) No liability insurance - welding involves fire risk and potential property damage

(1) What welding certifications do you hold (Skilled Trades Ontario, CWB, Red Seal)? (2) What welding process will you use for my project, and why is it the right choice? (3) Do you carry liability insurance? (4) What finish options do you offer for weather protection (paint, powder coat, galvanizing)? (5) Can I see photos of similar projects you have completed?

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that weldings carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.

The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.

Typical rates for weldings in Ontario range from $75-$150/hour. Type of welding required (MIG, TIG, stick, or specialty processes), metal type (mild steel is cheapest, stainless steel and aluminum are more expensive), complexity and precision of the work, whether the project is fabrication (shop work) or repair (often mobile), material costs (steel prices fluctuate), finishing requirements (grinding, powder coating, galvanizing), and location (mobile/on-site service includes a trip charge). Custom artistic metalwork and architectural pieces command premium rates.