Madison Brown likes to work with her hands. It’s why she took an interest in launching a career in the welding trade. Not only does she like to work with her hands, Madison also knew she is a kinesthetic learner, which means that she retains the most information by doing rather than passively listening to a lecture. Combining these two aspects led Madison to Mohawk College, where immersive learning is a staple of all of the school’s programming.
“The reason why I chose Mohawk was because a lot of my friends studied there and told me the trades programs were really hands-on,” says Madison, a graduate of the Mechanical Techniques (Welding and Fabrication) Certificate program. “That’s how I learn best, not behind a desk all the time but hands on.”
Designed to quickly prepare students for further study or an apprenticeship, the Welding and Fabrication program is short in length. During the course of just one academic year (eight months), it introduces students to theory and practical hands-on experience that allows them to explore the welding trade sector, while simultaneously teaching them about the most important equipment and tools for the job.
“My goal while I was a student at Mohawk was to learn as much as I could in my program and what welding style I enjoyed the most, so when I graduated I would be able to find a job that would suit me,” says Madison.
In Mohawk’s fully-equipped labs, Madison got that opportunity as experienced faculty members, who bring their own industry experience into the classroom, align theory with practical application of best practices. These activities required Madison to work in teams with her peers, problem solve and execute her newly-acquired knowledge. Lab experience also served as preparation for a co-op placement that she completed at Walters Group, a family-owned steel construction company that designs, fabricates, and constructs commercial and industrial projects throughout North America.
“During my placement, I was able to get a feel for the job and what kind of welding opportunities I was interested in,” Madison says. “Because of this opportunity, I was able to get a job in a heavy fabrication shop.”
For those aspiring to work in welding, Madison advises not being afraid to ask for help. She says doing so will allow learners to take advice about welding techniques, give that advice a try and see what works best for them.
In her career as a welder, Madison gets to apply her own techniques to the hands-on work she completes daily. She says each day she does something new, which creates endless opportunities to continue the learning Madison began at Mohawk.
“I like that I’m able to see what I’ve worked on,” she says. “Once it’s shipped out of the shop and assembled in the field, you get to see the final product — whether it’s a building or a bridge. You feel proud to say, ‘I’ve helped to work on that.’”
