This fall, Durham College’s (DC) Whitby campus was ready for more than 400 students enrolled in increasingly-popular welding and welding trades programs with a third welding shop. These programs include Trades Fundamentals, Mechanical Technician – Millwright, Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing, and Welding Engineering Technician among others. This additional welding shop has been completed and upgrades made to the other two shops. The expansion and upgrades are part of DC’s commitment to a state-of-the-art learning environment for students.

The new shop has 20 modular work booths to accommodate a standard 20:1 student to professor ratio in each class. This provides every student with their own workspace, fostering a sense of ownership that motivates them to maintain their area as they learn welding skills. In keeping with the welding programs’ approach to teaching, in which students follow along with the professor, the setup of the new shop also includes a centrally-situated demonstration area.

“Our practice of teaching students has always been to work alongside them,” said Gregg Peel, program coordinator and professor with DC’s, School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (START). “Hand-on-hand, one-to-one instruction is something we ask all of our professors to do in the welding shops. Students work on their own with the professor visiting them often during the class to offer help, guidance and encouragement as they progress.” 

The shop expansion and upgrades also include the installation of a new state-of-the-art gas alarm system for safety.

DC’s welding and welding trades programs provide students with exceptional welding, fitting and blueprint reading skills sought by employers in the structural, pressure vessel and manufacturing industries. Students learn from professors with vast welding experience and receive expert knowledge and practical skills that foster their trade.