How to Hire a Welder in Canada?

4. Job Interview

Once we have reviewed the welder candidates’ submitted resumes, we invite them to participate in a vis-à-vis interview with our professional recruiters, where they are asked to further showcase their potential by answering certain questions pertinent to the role of welding.

We ask the candidates various general and technical questions during the interviews, as follows:

General Questions

• What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in welding?
• Can you provide an overview of your experience with various welding techniques, such as MIG, TIG, and stick welding?
• How do you prioritize safety measures when working on a welding project?
• Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot a welding-related challenge and how you resolved it.
• In your opinion, what qualities make a welder exceptional in their craft?
• How do you ensure the consistency and quality of your welds throughout a project?
• Can you share an example of a welding project that required close collaboration with a team? How did you contribute?
• What steps do you take to stay updated with the latest advancements and trends in the welding industry?
• How do you handle unexpected changes or adjustments during a welding project?
• What aspects of welding do you find most fulfilling and motivating in your career?

Technical Questions

• Explain the key differences between MIG and TIG welding processes, including their applications and advantages.
• How do you determine the appropriate welding technique and settings when working with different metals?
• Discuss the role of preheating in welding and when it’s necessary to apply this technique.
• How do you prevent and address issues related to weld porosity and inadequate fusion?
• Explain the purpose of a root pass in welding, its significance, and the challenges associated with it.
• Describe the steps you take to prevent distortion and warping in a large metal structure during welding.
• When selecting filler materials for a project, what factors do you consider, and how do you make your choice?
• Explain the concept of “duty cycle” in welding equipment and its importance in maintaining consistent performance.
• Discuss the advantages and limitations of using shielding gases in welding, particularly in MIG and TIG processes.
• When welding dissimilar metals, what considerations do you take into account to ensure a strong and reliable joint?

5. Checking References 

During the interview with the welder candidates, we request their references’ contacts so that we can reach out to them and ask about the welders’ proficiency, work ethic, and overall job performance.

To verify the welder candidates’ performance, we typically take the following steps to check the references:

• Reference authorization: Upon shortlisting a candidate, we seek their consent to contact the provided references.
• Welding expertise discussion: We engage in in-depth conversations focused on the candidate’s welding expertise during reference checks. We delve into their proficiency across various welding techniques and their ability to produce high-quality welds.
• Safety and protocol adherence: We ask the references about the candidate’s adherence to safety protocols during welding tasks. We explore their commitment to maintaining a secure work environment.
• Project-specific contributions: We encourage references to share specific welding projects in which the candidate was involved. This helps us assess their role, contributions, and impact on the project outcomes.
• Collaboration and communication: We also inquire about the candidate’s collaboration within welding teams, their communication skills when working on welding projects, and their adaptability to different work scenarios.
• Problem-solving aptitude: We discuss instances where the candidate demonstrated effective problem-solving skills within welding contexts. This provides insights into their ability to grapple with welding challenges.
• Quality of welds: We also discuss the candidate’s overall work quality, precision in welds, and attention to detail, indicating their level of craftsmanship.
• Performance under pressure: We inquire about the candidate’s performance under tight deadlines and demanding welding conditions, gauging their efficiency and resilience.
• Welding equipment familiarity: References provide insights into the candidate’s familiarity with welding equipment and tools and their ability to operate and maintain them effectively.
• Recommendation and fit: Based on the reference’s feedback, we gauge whether the candidate is recommended for the welding position and how well their skills align with the specific requirements of your welding projects.
• Results reporting: We finally provide you with the report on the results of our comprehensive reference evaluations.

6. Assessing the Welder Candidates

To meticulously gauge the candidates’ welding expertise in real-world contexts, we have devised a comprehensive evaluation process whereby we examine various aspects of the welding role.

Here are some key areas based on which we evaluate the prospective welders:

• Welding techniques proficiency: We observe candidates’ proficiency in various welding techniques, including MIG, TIG, stick welding, and others, to ensure they can effectively perform different types of welds.
• Material compatibility: We evaluate prospective welders on their ability to work with various metals and materials commonly used in welding projects, such as steel, aluminum, and alloys.
• Precision and accuracy: We assess the welder candidates’ precision in creating clean and accurate welds, as well as their attention to detail in aligning joints and maintaining consistent bead profiles.
• Mathematical skills: Welding often involves precise measurements and calculations. We evaluate the welders’ mathematical aptitude to ensure they can accurately determine angles, dimensions, and material quantities.
• Safety practices: Safety is paramount in welding. We observe the welder applicants’ adherence to safety protocols, including the use of protective gear, proper ventilation, and safe handling of welding equipment.
• Blueprint interpretation: Candidates’ ability to accurately interpret technical drawings and blueprints is crucial. We evaluate their understanding of welding symbols, dimensions, and project requirements.
• Weld quality: We examine the quality of their welds, considering penetration, fusion, and overall structural integrity to ensure their work meets industry standards.
• Problem-solving skills: Practical situations often involve unforeseen challenges. We assess the welder candidates’ ability to troubleshoot and find solutions to welding issues during projects.
• Efficiency and time management: Time efficiency is essential in welding projects. We observe how candidates manage their time, balance speed with quality, and meet project deadlines.
• Adaptability: Welding tasks can vary widely. We gauge the welders’ adaptability to different project requirements, whether fabricating large structures or creating intricate components.
• Collaboration: Welding is often part of a larger project. We evaluate the welder candidates’ teamwork skills and ability to communicate with project managers, engineers, and other team members.

7. Training the Welder Candidates

Upon assessing the welder candidates, we offer tailored, hands-on training to those who may need additional orientation to your business’s certain requirements. Our trainers at Hookjobs train prospective welders, focusing on the following techniques:

• Your specific welding technique: We train the welders to comprehensively understand your unique welding requirements, such as structural welding, pipe welding, aluminum welding, working with high-strength alloys, or multi-position welding. This training equips the welders with the necessary skills to seamlessly adapt to your various project requirements.
• Welding safety protocols: Safety is paramount in welding. Our training includes comprehensive guidance on safety measures, protective gear, and safe welding practices.
• Project-specific techniques: We tailor training to match the unique demands of your projects, be it underwater welding, aerospace applications, or architectural metalwork.
• Quality control: We focus on instilling an understanding of quality control measures, including inspecting welds for flaws and ensuring they meet industry standards.
• Efficiency enhancement: Our trainers share techniques to enhance welding efficiency without compromising quality, contributing to streamlined project timelines.
• Staying abreast of the latest trends: We also keep the prospective welders updated with industry trends, including technology, automation, sustainability, safety, materials, and regulations. This training ensures they’re ready to contribute effectively to your projects.

8. Drawing up a Contract 

The final stage in our hiring process includes signing a contract with the accepted welder candidates. By signing a contract, we ensure that both parties acknowledge the legal aspects of the employment process.

Here are some steps we consider when drawing up a contract with the prospective welders:

• Welding job description: We outline the specific welding tasks and projects that the welder will be responsible for, ensuring precision in describing their role within your welding operations.
• Welding standards and codes: We also specify adherence to welding standards and codes relevant to Canadian welding practices, ensuring that the welder’s work meets industry and regulatory requirements.
• Certifications and qualifications: We detail the required certifications, qualifications, and licenses necessary for the specific welding position, ensuring that the welder meets the professional standards set by Canadian authorities.
• Work hours and schedule: We also define the expected work hours, shifts, and any potential overtime requirements.
• Compensation and benefits: We outline the compensation package, including wage or salary, payment frequency, and any additional benefits in compliance with Canadian employment regulations.
• Duration of employment: The contract specifies whether the employment is permanent, temporary, or based on project duration, aligning with Canadian employment norms.
• Safety regulations: We include clauses related to safety protocols and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations applicable to the welding work.
• Termination terms: We also detail conditions under which employment may be terminated, including notice periods and reasons for termination as per Canadian labour laws.
• Workplace diversity and inclusion: If applicable, we may include statements about promoting workplace diversity and inclusion in line with Canadian employment practices.

Labour Laws and Regulations for Hiring a Welder in Canada

When hiring a welder in Canada, adhering to various labour laws and regulations is crucial to ensure a smooth and compliant recruitment process.

Here are some key points you must consider:

• Verification of welding certifications: Before proceeding, verify that the prospective welder holds the required certifications, such as those issued by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) or relevant provincial authorities. Ensure these certifications align with the specific welding position’s demands.
• Adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards: Prioritize worker safety by strictly adhering to OHS regulations applicable to welding environments. Provide comprehensive training, proper protective gear, and a hazard-free workspace to ensure a secure working environment.
• Welding codes and standards: Welding work is subject to meticulous standards and codes, including those set by the CWB and the American Welding Society (AWS). Adhere rigorously to these codes to guarantee weld quality, worker safety, and structural integrity.
• Evaluation of international welder hiring: If considering hiring international welders, precisely navigate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Obtain requisite work permits and comply with the specific guidelines outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
• Human rights legislation: Stringently align your hiring practices with Canadian human rights legislation. Prevent discrimination based on race, gender, age, and more to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace.
• Collective bargaining agreements: If operating within sectors governed by collective bargaining agreements, meticulously adhere to terms negotiated between employers and unions to honour established work conditions.
• Welder employment contracts: Mitigate misunderstandings by crafting detailed employment contracts. Include specifics like compensation, welding responsibilities, termination conditions, and any pertinent details to foster clarity.
• Privacy legislation: In alignment with Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), uphold the lawful collection, use, and safeguarding of personal information throughout the hiring process.
• Accessibility standards (Ontario): In Ontario, observe the mandates of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Ensure your recruitment practices cater to candidates with disabilities to promote inclusivity.
• Legal recruitment agencies: Engage legal professionals or recruitment specialists well-versed in Canadian welding labour laws. Their expertise will guide you in creating a fair, compliant, and efficient hiring process tailored to the welding sector’s intricacies.

What is the Average Wage for Hiring a Welder in Canada? 

The average wage for hiring a welder in Canada can vary depending on location, experience, skill level, industry, and the specific welding techniques required. A welder in Canada earns an average salary of $49,448 annually (equal to $25.36 per hour). Novice welders earn $41,373 annually, whereas more experienced ones can make up to $65,536 per year.

The average wage for hiring a welder varies in different provinces of Canada, as illustrated in the following table:

Different Types of Welders we Hire in Canada

In Canada, there is a diverse range of welding positions that companies hire for, each requiring specific skills and expertise.

Here are some different types of welders that we commonly hire: