As someone who has always been interested in the skilled trade of welding and describes himself as a "hands-on type of person," Karl Hess decided to take a leap and enroll in OSTTC's Introduction to Metal Fabricator (Level 1) program. He wanted to try it out to see where it would take him, and looking back, it was one of the best decisions he made!

OSTTC's 15-week Metal Fabricator program encompasses knowledge about structural shapes, plate and hollow structural sections, fitting, welding, and drilling. The welding experience is primarily flux core and gas metal arc welding, with a flat position qualification under the CSA W47.2 upon completion. Ideal candidates will have the opportunity to interview with various organizations and unions for full-time employment as a Metal Fabricator (Apprentice Level 1).

Among other skills, Karl's favourite thing that he learned while in the Metal Fabricator program was SMAW welding and learning and understanding layout and blueprint reading. Karl says, "It's helped me quite a bit with the work I've been doing." Karl also notes that, "the Introduction to Metal Fabricator program introduced me to a variety of career paths that I never knew about. The teachers really helped show and explain the differences and gave helpful advice on which career path best suited me."

Following the completion of the Metal Fab program, Karl joined the Iron Workers Local 736 Union and was hired immediately. He is currently working on a structural job in Toronto with Supermetal. Since being hired, Karl tells us he's been tasked to "operate lifts and weld onto columns of the building we're working on. I've welded clips and angles onto the walls to support decking. I've had to read blueprints to know where to weld the angles and clips on the walls."

The advice that Karl would give to someone interested in enrolling in an OSTTC skilled trades program is, "Really listen and soak in as much as you can in every aspect of the training program, whether it is skills for a different career path or skills you've already learned but are learning from a different perspective. Every bit of knowledge given to me by the instructors in the program is valuable and will only benefit you in the end."

Karl completed his interview by saying, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity to change my life for the better for me and my family. Thank you to Jeff Tripp, Richard Green, and James Hill for all the help and guidance." OSTTC is proud of Karl and his accomplishments throughout the program and beyond!