First Made-in-Canada International Welding Qualifications Granted

By R. Bonneau

Canada’s first International Institute of Welding (IIW) qualifications have been granted and diplomas issued to two Welding Engineers, a Technologist and a Specialist through the administration of IIW curriculum programs. These diplomas have been issued under the IIW-approved transition arrangements for Canada that are based on a person’s experience and educational background. First recipients are: Barry Patchett, P.Eng., from University of Alberta, and Robert Stewart, P.Eng., from Canspec Group, who each obtained an International Welding Engineer diploma; Ron Larocque, C.E.T., from POW Technologies, who obtained an International Welding Technologist diploma; and, Steve Leclerc from Jebco Industries, obtained an International Welding Specialist diploma.

There are currently four levels of qualifications available: the international welding engineer, international welding technologist, international welding specialist, and international welding practitioner. Future qualifications include international welder, welding inspector and welding instructors.

Typical job functions for internationally recognized welding personnel are as follows:

• International Welding Engineers are responsible for all facets of welding operations and constructions, including design.
   
• International Welding Technologists are responsible for all facets of welding operations and constructions, except design.
   
• International Welding Specialists are active in job functions such as inspection, supervision, foremanship, instruction and technical sales, and are responsible for production welding activities.
   
• International Welding Practitioners are active in job functions such as foremanship and supervision in the manufacturing industry, and are responsible for activities related directly to welders.

At his diploma presentation (see picture), Ron Larocque, a Welding Engineering Technology graduate from Northern College, stated, “In these times when the world seems to be getting smaller and smaller, it is important to be recognized for your accomplishments throughout the world, to be able to say, ‘I am as good as any of my counterparts in other countries.’ It makes me feel proud that the diploma opens the door to many other opportunities for personal and business expansion and growth that would not be available otherwise”.

Interest in the international qualification program is growing, and applications are continuously submitted to the CWB.

For qualification requirements and an application, contact the Canadian Welding Bureau at (905) 542-1312 or 1-800-844-6790, or visit its website, at www.cwbgroup.org.

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