Welding Techniques - Metal Fabrication (Apprenticeship)

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 1173
Engineering & Technology

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

This is a companion document to the current Conestoga College Student Guide

Program Handbook Guidelines

​The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program-specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly, and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.

This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the website and in the Student Guide. The information in the Student Guide and on the college website​ applies to all students, regardless of program.

The Student Guide provides details regarding Student ServicesSafety and SecurityStudent Rights and Responsibilities and more. 

Welcome

​Welcome to the School of Engineering & Technology.

Conestoga College offers a full range of engineering and technology programs to suit your interests and career aspirations. Within these, there are one-year certificates (both foundational and post-diploma), two and three-year diplomas, and four-year bachelor's degree programs. Pathways exist within these programs to empower students to reach their full potential.

All of our programs incorporate active learning that may include project-based learning, cooperative education, case studies, and capstone projects. Active learning allows students to apply theory to practice during their studies and results in a graduate who is better prepared for the real work world. Employers like our approach to learning and student development, which is why the School of Engineering & Technology has a history of excellent graduate and co-op placement rates.

Sincerely,​

Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
Executive Dean

Program Staff Contact Information

Program Administration and Faculty

Executive Dean – Engineering–Technology–Trades
Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
A2205-4 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3212
tthoma@conestogac.on.ca

Executive Assistant to Executive Dean:
Rebecca Dougherty​
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4573
rdougherty@conestogac.on.ca

Program Chair
Calin Stoicoiu, P. Eng.
A2205-5 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2272
cstoicoiu@conestogac.on.ca

Administrative Assistant to Program Chair:
Fatima Armas
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3342
farmas@conestogac.on.ca  

Program Coordinator & Faculty
Greg McLarty
A3225 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4524
gmclarty@conestogac.on.ca

Support Services

Records Officer
Welcome Centre - Officer of the Registrar
519-748-5220 ext. 3656
studentrecords@conestogac.on.ca

Apprentice Liaison Team:
Accessibility/Academic Support
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2154
apprenticeliaison@conestogac.on.ca

Technical Support
IT Service Desk | Doon 1E12
519-748-5220 ext. 3444
itsdesk@conestogac.on.ca

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
Apprenticeship | 4275 King St. E., Suite 200, Kitchener ON N2P2E9
1-866-877-0099   kitchener.apprenticeship@ontario.ca 

Service Canada
Employment Insurance
800-206-7218  www.servicecanada.gc.ca

Skilled Trades Ontario
Member Services 
855-299-0028

For additional financial and other supports for apprentices and employers, students should visit
Conestoga College's website   www.conestogac.on.ca         

Other Faculty

In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will work with you during this academic program. These include faculty from other Schools for the breadth and or/general education courses, as well as faculty with particular expertise in specific focus areas.

Contact information for each faculty will typically be provided on the first day of related courses.

​​Communication - School Standard

Conestoga College and eConestoga student email accounts are used to communicate with students.  Students are expected to regularly check their student email accounts.  Faculty and staff will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.​

ONE Card - Student Identification Card

Conestoga's ONE Card is the College's official identification card for students. Before you can be fully registered and access your timetable, you must upload a student photo.  Your ONE Card student photo completes your student record, confirms that you are a Conestoga College student, and gives you access to student services. When your ONE Card student photo has been uploaded and approved, your card will be mailed to you. ​​Learn more about using your ONE Card here. If you have any questions, please email the ONE Card Office.​

College Hours

The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.

Program Overview

Program Description

The Metal Fabricator (Apprenticeship) program provides the apprentice with theoretical knowledge of all aspects of metal fabrication together with the practical training necessary to complement the apprentice's on-the-job training with an employer.

The Welder (Apprenticeship) program is delivered at Conestoga's Cambridge campus and provides the theoretical knowledge of all aspects of the regulated and non-regulated welding trade together with the practical training necessary to complement the apprentice's on-the-job training with an employer using highly flexible delivery modes.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program outcomes are developed with the expectations and requirements of external regulatory/accrediting bodies and consultation with Program Advisory Committees (PACs) and related industry experts.  These outcomes are coordinated and articulated in a manner designed to result in the achievement of sets of specified learning attributes. Program outcomes are located on the program webpages:

Program Curriculum Sequence

Apprentices are placed on a waitlist for school based on their 'Program Start Date' with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). When it is the apprentice's turn to go to school, the MLITSD is responsible for mailing the "Offer of Classroom Training" to each apprentice approximately 90 days prior to the start date of class. Conestoga College does not control when an apprentice is sent an "Offer of Classroom Training". In addition, the apprentice must be a member in good standing with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) throughout their apprenticeship in order to remain eligible to receive an "Offer of Classroom Training".

Apprentices are issued with an "Apprenticeship Training Standard" from the STO in which to track their competencies obtained on the job. Please note that faculty and staff at Conestoga College are not permitted to sign off any skills in the Training Standard.

Current Program Design

Students can find their program design by following the steps below:
  1. Log in to Student Portal
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab
  3. Select 'View Progress Report' button
Courses are listed by level/semester. Please be aware that General Education/Interdisciplinary electives are listed at the bottom of the student's progress report and indicate the specific level/semester in which they are to be completed.  ​

General Education Electives

Students are required to complete General Education elective courses as part of their program requirements. General Education elective course requirements are listed at the bottom of the progress report, which is found on the Student Portal under My Courses. The progress report indicates the level/semester in which the course must be taken. Students are responsible for adding General Education electives into their schedule for the designated semester. Eligible courses are posted each semester by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies on the College's elective website. For more information and to view the current elective course offerings, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/diploma. Questions regarding General Education electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies: genedfaq@conestogac.on.ca

Academic Information

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website.

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses. 

​Course Changes (Adding/Dropping)

Students can find their program design by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to Student Portal.
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab.
  3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings.
It is strongly recommended that students consult the Student Success Advisor/Program Coordinator prior to dropping a course.   Adding/dropping courses may affect a student's status and financial aid entitlement and may also be limited by other factors.  

  • If a course withdrawal is processed prior to the deadline date, a dropped course will be recorded as a "W" (withdrawal) on the transcript.
  • If a course withdrawal is processed after the deadline, an "F" (fail) will be recorded on the transcript.
Students may add/drop courses through the Student Portal when timetables are available.  If a student is unable to make a course change(s) in the Student Portal, they can submit a Course Change Request Form which can be found in the Student Portal, under the "Services" tab, "My Forms" button.  

Continuing Education and OntarioLearn courses are not included in student full-time fees. Students wishing to take these part-time courses are required to pay the full fee for the individual course(s). Students may add these or other courses under the 'Browse Continuing Education' tab in their Student Portal.

Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR

Conestoga recognizes you may have formal post-secondary education that may allow you to enter a program at an advanced level or provide for individual course exemptions. To ensure your credits are eligible for transfer, please contact our Credit Transfer Office at: credittransfer@conestogac.on.ca. 

The Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure are available on the college website.

For more information, visit the Credit Transfer webpage and the PLAR webpage.

If you are currently a Conestoga student and want to continue studying at Conestoga, there are a number of different pathway opportunities available to you.

Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways, to help you meet your goals.

Conestoga College has articulation agreements with many domestic and international institutions. These agreements allow students to transfer into a specific program with advanced standing. Students must meet the academic requirements stated in the agreement.

For more information regarding pathways at Conestoga, contact the Credit Transfer Officer at 519-748-5220 ext. 2166.

​​Program Transfer

Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meets with the program coordinator or academic advisor. Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing and submitting a Program Application Form to the Registrar's Office. If considering transferring to a program outside the school in which they are currently enrolled, students ​may want to discuss options with a Career Advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where course numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met. Additional information for career or academic advising is available from faculty, program coordinators, or career advisors in the Welcome Centre.​​​

Program Transfer (Apprenticeship)

Please note that program transfers are not applicable to apprenticeship training.

​Academic Assistance

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues.  The program coordinator/academic advisor and faculty can advise students on specific program and course information such as adding/dropping courses, special timetabling, etc.  If a student is struggling with the academic content in any course, they are encouraged to speak with a member of the apprenticeship liaison team (ALT), relevant faculty, or the program coordinator.  An ALT member is available to all students and will provide one-on-one learning support or referrals to other services.  Students can also access the Learning Commons website for detailed information on the academic services they provide, including learning skills, peer services, math and writing assistance.

Conestoga College is committed to providing a safe and accessible environment for students with disabilities.  Accommodating disabilities at the college is a shared responsibility between students, faculty, and administration.  Students are responsible for providing relevant and up-to-date documentation of their disability to Accessibility Services when they register.  This documentation will allow the student to be considered for accommodations and access to available services. 

Awards - College Application Procedure

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships, and academic grants available to Conestoga students.  These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders.  To be considered for all awards, complete the General Application through the Student Portal.  Notifications and instructions to complete the application will be sent to all full-time Conestoga students' email accounts in the Fall semester (Deadline:  First Friday in October) and Winter semester (Deadline:  First Friday in February).  Visit the Student Financial Services - Awards Office for more information.  

Awards - Program Specific

Every year, the School of Trades and Apprenticeship hosts an awards ceremony in May where approximately $220,000 worth of monetary and product prizes are awarded to deserving students.  Students are to speak with faculty for more information on possible awards.

Attendance and Program Expectations

Working Together to Plan Your Success

Your success matters!  Regular, punctual attendance, and active participation in scheduled classes, field and clinical placements, labs and any on-campus and off-campus activities scheduled by your program will help you to understand and master the learning complexities of your program.

If extenuating, unplanned circumstances require you to miss a class or an assessment, please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with individual faculty members prior to the class/assessment and access any missed information.

Attendance for Evaluations

Evaluations are critical components of each course and your overall success in your program. It is your responsibility to attend all evaluations (e.g. test, exam, presentation, etc...). If there is a concerning pattern of absence from evaluations across your program, you may be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Advisor to discuss strategies for success.

While circumstances such as religious holidays and academic accommodations may necessitate rescheduling of evaluations and will be accommodated, please note that there will be no special arrangements made for rescheduling evaluations due to personal conflicts such as work, commuting, or vacation plans.  

Faculty Responsibilities

  • To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester through the Instructional Plan.
  • To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
  • To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
  • To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc...) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
  • Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

  • To review the instructional plan and familiarize with the dates of evaluation.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, inform your faculty member in writing that the religious holiday defined by the College Employer Council will occur during the semester and may require considerations for evaluations to be rescheduled.
  • If you must be absent from any scheduled evaluation, report your absence on the Student Portal using the procedure below. You must do this prior to the start of the evaluation or risk receiving a mark of zero.

How to Report Absences on the Student Portal

  1. Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
  2. Indicate whether or not there is an assessment scheduled on that day by clicking 'Yes or No', as well as the reason for the absence (illness or other).
  3. Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
  4. Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
  5. You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

  • The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
  • The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
  • If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
  • As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up. 

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.       

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.

Attendance - Program Standard

In the case of unforeseen circumstances that result in late arrival or early departure, whenever possible, students are expected to communicate this in advance with their faculty.  Otherwise, students who arrive late for a scheduled class may be counted as absent immediately after the start of the class.  Students who leave early, prior to the dismissal time, may also be counted as absent.

The School of Engineering and Technology uses a 'flag' system to track unauthorized absences. The first missed class will result in a verbal warning. The second missed class will result in a 'blue flag' being issued. The third missed class will result in a 'red flag' being issued. At this point, a meeting will take place between the apprentice and program coordinator in consultation with the Minstry and the apprentice runs the risk of being ineligible for supplemental assessment opportunities due to poor attendance as well as possible discontinuance in the program.  A 'day' is determined by the number of equivalent class hours missed, normally set at six hours.  An accumulation of class hours missed over a number of weeks will equate to a day missed.

Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations)

Projects

Each project has a clearly defined set of dates for its deliverables. If, for a legitimate reason, any student believes that their project cannot be completed on time, they must formally request an extension to the due date from the project coordinating professor at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled end of the project.  Approval of the request for extension will be considered by the faculty team but is not automatic.

Assignments and Labs

Work is normally due one week from the date assigned. Any exceptions will be clearly stated. Students are responsible for keeping a copy of all submitted and marked assignments.

Marking

All project work is evaluated using a set of predefined rubrics. Depending on the specific outcomes for the week, student performance will be evaluated and recorded. Each student will receive a copy of this marked rubric identifying specific areas of strength and/or weakness. These rubrics should be kept as of a record of performance.

What is Academic Integrity?

Having academic integrity means acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities. 

By having and applying an Academic  Offences Policy and Procedure, Conestoga ensures graduates complete their studies fairly and honestly through hard work and dedication, and thus are well-prepared for their future careers.

Copyright at Conestoga 

Conestoga facilitates access to print, media, and electronic resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, and research in compliance with the following:

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is submitting or presenting work of another person(s)/organization in whole or substantial part as one's own without proper citation and referencing.

Academic Progress Through the Program

Academic Progression

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Promotion Decision Procedure.

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as eligible to continue, graduate, and discontinued.

Progress from one level to the next in a program is dependent upon the successful completion of courses and/or meeting program promotion standards.

​​​Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements-Program Standard

If for any reason a student is concerned about their academic progress, they should arrange to meet with a full-time faculty member or the program coordinator.

Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 70 percent in each and every course. Failure or withdrawal from any course will result in the apprentice not being eligible for the next level.

Common Academic Decisions

At the end of each level, the program team reviews apprentices' grades. Below are the most common academic decisions issued by the program team:

Eligible to Continue

Students that pass all reportable subjects (courses) are eligible to continue in the program.

Decisions (Pending)

Supplemental Assessment: Students who have failed one course may request a supplemental assessment (a "make-up") if they meet specific criteria. It is the apprentice's responsibility to check the grade postings. It is not the responsibility of the instructor to seek out the apprentice and offer a supplemental. Supplemental assessments may be approved by faculty, or the program team, if the apprentice meets the following academic criteria and the eligibility criteria outlined within the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure

  1. The final failing grade must be no less than 10% below the minimum passing grade of 70 percent.
  2. Attended 80 percent or more of the classes in the course in question.
  3. No more than one other supplemental assessment over the duration of the level.
  4. Must have passed at least one formal evaluation in the course.  
  5. No academic offence during the course.
The supplemental process must be completed within two weeks from the end of the level. To register for a supplemental, the student must meet with the applicable faculty and complete an Authorization for Supplemental form as well as submit the appropriate fee ($40.00) to the Registrar's Office.  The student must provide proof of fee payment at the time of the supplemental exam.

Failure in the supplemental will result in no change to the original course grade. Successful completion of the supplemental evaluation will result in the maximum passing grade of 70 percent being awarded. The final grade as a result of the supplemental will be automatic and is ineligible for appeal.  The full details are outlined within the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure.

Retaking Failed Courses

If a student has failed one or more courses within a single level of their apprenticeship program, there may be an opportunity for that student to re-take just the failed courses and not the entire level.  If a student would like to be considered for an individual course make-up, they must speak with their Program Coordinator.  The Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Program Chair and Ministry, will determine whether the student can retake the failed course(s) or must retake the entire level.  In both cases, the standard classroom fee for apprentices will apply.

​Discontinuance and Withdrawals

The Ministry mandates that all apprentices must maintain 100 percent attendance in their in-school training. Students who are marked absent for three occurrences may be discontinued from the level. Students may also be discontinued from a level based on misconduct.

For further information on discontinuance, withdrawals, and probation, visit the Admissions section of the college website.

Withdrawal

Students considering withdrawing from a program should meet with their Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor prior to withdrawing. To formally withdraw from a program, the student must complete the Withdrawal form located in the Student Portal under the "Services" tab. Click the "My Forms" to locate, complete, and submit the form to the Registrar's Office. Deadlines for withdrawing from a program with/without an academic penalty or with/without a refund are posted on the website under Academic Dates.

Graduation

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study.  For students enrolled in co-op programs, this includes completion of all mandatory co-op work terms. Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each academic year. Students, who take longer than the advertised program length, are responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a program design change. Students who complete their program after the scheduled completion date are required to fill out an Application to Graduate form and submit it with payment to the Registrar's Office. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to the college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements to graduate.

Equipment and Facility Information

After-Hours Access

Conestoga hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Conestoga recognizes that in some programs of study, students may require after-hours access to classrooms and labs. After-hours access is maintained in accordance with the academic needs of individual programs. The after-hours access is a privilege, not a right.

If after-hours access is required, faculty must contact security in advance, with the student(s) name, ID number, and program information, along with signed paperwork approving access. The student must follow these guidelines: 

  • Be in the designated room with another approved person
  • Follow all room safety rules
  • Inform security immediately of any out-of-the normal situations
  • Have student identification card available
  • Notify security upon departure
  • Not move furniture

Students are required to follow communicated access and safety requirements, protocols, and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property. Policies and procedures can be found on the website for the Security Services Department.

 

​​Machine Operation and Safety

Machine operation and safety requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course, as necessary.  Students will sign off after they have received safety training relevant to the machinery in use.  Students must not use any equipment for which they have not received training or which they do not feel comfortable using.

A student who does not follow appropriate safety measures and puts themself and/or others at risk may be asked to leave the shop by the faculty, technologist, or staff.  It will be the student's responsibility to make up for the content missed while away from the shop.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All students are required to follow the PPE requirements specified for each lab, shop and or other campus space.  Students must also comply with additional PPE requirements and safety measures that may be communicated by faculty, building signage, and or college staff. Other rules may be set by supervisory faculty/staff in shops and labs.

For classes with a shop component, the following are the minimum PPE requirements:

1.  CSA-approved (Omega Symbol recommended) steel toe work boots or shoes. Boot or shoe must be a minimum of 6” (150mm) high.​​

2.  CSA-approved clear-lensed safety glasses.

Other physical protection requirements in the shop include:

1.   Long pants must be worn (shorts or capris are not permitted).

2.   Long sleeve, non-synthetic, shirt.

3.   No loose coats or clothing items.

4.   Long hair must be tied back.

5​.   No rings, bracelets, or loose jewelry.

 Nitrile gloves are permitted but are not provided.  Faculty and staff will monitor the student's compliance with college and class-specific safety requirements and may restrict access to the shops if safety policy and requirements are not followed.

Cell phones, smart phones and other electronic communication devices may not be used in classrooms and labs without prior permission from the faculty or staff member.

Program Technology Requirements

Program technology requirements are posted on the program web page. Students in hybrid delivery courses will require a device, webcam functionality, and reliable Internet access. 

Student Engagement

Conestoga 101

The Student Engagement Department is here to help you transition to the Conestoga College experience, connect with your community, and build your skills. 

Start your college experience by completing Conestoga 101 (CON0101) on eConestoga, a mandatory course for all new full-time students that will take you approximately one hour to complete. CON0101 provides an overview of the supports, services, and opportunities available to you throughout your time at Conestoga. Make sure you complete it early on in the term, as it contains valuable information that will help you transition to Conestoga.

​​Student Feedback

​Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Ontario College Student Experience Survey

All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.

Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT process has two components: the Early Course Check-in and the Full-SAT. The Early Course Check-in is 8-12 questions, occurs during week 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom. The Full-SAT is 43 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently. 

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

Program Advisory Committees (PACs) provide the necessary link between Conestoga and the community it serves. PACs operate in an advisory capacity to Conestoga administration with the objective to keep Conestoga responsive to current and future workforce needs, trends or opportunities in industry and the marketplace.

All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), will be associated with a PAC, with the exception of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.

At the beginning of each year, the coordinator(s) of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator(s) will select which student(s) will represent the program at PAC. Student attendees are important members of the PAC and are expected to be present at all meetings and are responsible for preparing and submitting a report based on guidelines provided by the program coordinator.

Students who participate in PACs will receive credit on their Co-Curricular Record (CCR) . Your CCR is an official document, complementary to your academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that you have achieved through approved Co-curricular experiences at Conestoga.

College-wide Policies and Procedures

​​Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on a yearly basis. This will direct students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. All Conestoga College wide academic policies and procedures are listed on the college website under "About Conestoga", "Policies and Procedures". 

Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures, including the following:         
  • Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy & Procedure
  • Academic Offences Policy & Procedure ​
  • Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy & Procedure
  • Convocation Procedure
  • Co-operative Education Policy
  • Discontinuance Procedure
  • Evaluation of Student Learning Policy & Procedure
  • Grading Procedure
  • Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure/International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure
  • Readmission Procedure
  • Religious Holiday Policy & Procedure
  • Student Expectations for Online Engagement
  • Student Feedback Policy
  • Student Fees Policy & Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy & Procedure

Students must follow all of the policies and procedures for Conestoga College and it is expected that faculty will accept, fulfil and enforce these standards.​​ 

Web-based Tools

​Program courses may use web-based services with data centres outside of Canada. Students may be expected to complete assessments where information is transmitted outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.

Course examinations may be administered through a remote proctoring service to assure academic integrity. Ensure that you meet the system requirements that will allow the recording of your computer screen, webcam, and microphone.

Accommodation Disclaimer

​Conestoga College provides an equitable environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in College life. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conestoga recognizes its responsibility and legal obligation to provide education, information and services in an accessible manner.

Conestoga's Accessible Learning services provide support for students with permanent and temporary disabilities who feel they are encountering barriers to learning. They work with students to understand the impact of a disability in the college environment and will help develop a success plan that considers student goals and required academic accommodations. Accessible Learning will also communicate necessary accommodations to professors on behalf of the student. 

To consult with an Accessibility Advisor about accommodations please make an appointment by emailing accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3232.

Exceptions for non-accessibility focused issues need to be consulted on with your professor. Final approval for exceptions unrelated to academic accommodations rests with the program chair.

Program Handbook Revision Log

​Date:  July 16, 2023
Last Updated:  Annual revision​

​Date:  July 16, 2022
Last Updated:  Annual revision​

​Date:  July 16, 2021
Last Updated:  Annual revision​

Date:  July 10, 2020
Last Updated:  Annual revision

Date:  July 2, 2019
Last Updated:  Annual revision

Date:  July 5, 2018
Last Updated:  Annual revision, update to Attendance

Date:  July 4, 2017 
Last Updated:  Annual revision

Welding Techniques - Metal Fabrication (Apprenticeship)