Milton, ON: The CWB Welding Foundation, Bruce Power, Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB), Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board (BGCDSB) and UA Canada are announcing an innovative partnership to help local youth access apprenticeships and careers. This collaboration will enhance welding education for secondary school students, forge pathways to good jobs in the welding trade, and develop the skilled welders required to fulfill Bruce Power’s future workforce needs.
In this year alone, the project will benefit more than 650 students from the seven participating schools: Owen Sound District Secondary School (Owen Sound), Walkerton District Community School (Walkerton), Kincardine District Senior School (Kincardine), John Diefenbaker Senior School (Hanover), Sacred Heart High School (Walkerton), Saugeen District Senior School (Port Elgin) and St. Mary’s High School (Owen Sound).
Work is underway to upgrade and modernize welding instruction facilities at the participating schools. Schools will also be provided with welding materials and consumables for project work, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) for a safe learning experience while following necessary COVID-19 measures. The upgrades are on track to be completed in December 2020.
Four of the seven schools will be receiving industry-grade multi process welding machines. This will give welding students the opportunity to get hands-on experience and potentially enter an apprenticeship with a specialized welding industry qualification upon graduation from secondary school.
In addition, some students will have the opportunity to augment their skills by accessing UA Canada and Local 527’s expert trainers in a virtual orientation day and a customized 30-hour training program to be held in the future. This significant contribution from UA Canada will help to further educate students and provide the necessary guidance and opportunities for success in the welding field. Students with a promising aptitude for welding will be identified and potentially offered apprenticeships, as well as pathways to employment.
The collaboration represents a total investment of more than $270,000 (cash and in-kind contributions).
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The Canadian welding and fabrication industry is experiencing a shortage of welding professionals, due to an aging Canadian population, a lack of young people being attracted to the skilled trades and the reduced focus on skilled trades training in secondary and post-secondary institutions. Recent labour market surveys indicate strong growth for the welding and joining industry over the next decade and beyond. Nuclear power, shipbuilding, oil and gas, manufacturing and other sectors are acting now by partnering with the CWB Welding Foundation, education and other not-for-profit organizations to address the skills shortage and skills mismatch and build the welding workforce of the future.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to go beyond the classroom and have an authentic experience in a rich learning environment,” said Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board Superintendent of Education Alex Van Wieringen. “Working with the CWB Welding Foundation will provide them with meaningful connections that can support their future career opportunities within the industry.”
About the CWB Welding Foundation: The CWB Welding Foundation is a national registered charity,
established in 2013, that relies on the support of industry and community organizations to address the
welding skilled trade shortage and mismatch in Canada. Through education-based programs and
initiatives, we reduce barriers that affect key groups: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary
students and educators; Indigenous people; women; and the underrepresented. We envision a future
where all individuals are encouraged and given the support they need to reach their true potential in a
career in welding. Learn more: www.cwbweldingfoundation.org