If you're looking for a career change and thought about becoming a welder, now may be the time. Not only can you take a welding course for free at some Ontario colleges but you will also get paid to be there. It's all because skilled trades are very much in demand.

A free twoweek welding course is being offered at some Ontario colleges including Mohawk in Hamilton. It's all done through a program called Skills2Advance, where students are given two weeks of welding training. You also get paid for showing up and learning.

The program will provide up to $500 in payments for people who take the program. There is $200 in general support for groceries and new clothes and work boots. Program coordinator of Skills2Advance Shawn McRoberts says, "we do provide gas money and parking and a $300 kit bag which includes the jackets and welding helmets."

The goal of the program is to introduce people to a career in welding who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.

Most of the students taking part in the twoweek program will either enter into the workforce when they are done in hopes of getting an apprenticeship while others will return to school for more education

Students will leave after two weeks with a welding certificate. Starting wage is between $20 and $30 an hour.