“Women of Steel: Forging New Opportunities\

‘The CWB Welding Foundation’s “Women of Steel: Forging New Opportunities” introductory welding program is taking place at Fanshawe College August 12-16, 2019.

This 30 Hour pre-employment technical skills development program, developed by the Canadian Welding Bureau, will be delivered across Canada this year in collaboration with six post-secondary institutions. The program is generously funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program.

“Our ‘Women of Steel: Forging New Opportunities-Introduction to Welding Program (IWP)’ aims to encourage women to explore careers in welding, building awareness and clarifying perceptions for improved understanding of potential opportunities and rewards of this career path. It will provide introductory real work experiences, provide a pathway to employment in various industries where the welding trade is experiencing skills shortages, assist participants in making informed career choices, and help them to develop the skills needed to find and keep rewarding, well-paying jobs in the trade and labour market across Canada,” said Susan Crowley, executive director, CWB Welding Foundation.

The CWB Welding Foundation’s 30-hour Introduction to Welding Program has been created using the CWB Group’s proprietary “Acorn” learning curriculum. In this, its inaugural year, the IWP will be offered in communities, inclusive of women across all target demographics. The program has been strategically designed to foster personal and career development for participants while supporting Canadian industry faced with both current and projected shortages of highly skilled employees across welding and associated trades. Registrations to date indicate interest is at an all time high, with programs filled and wait-listed.

Women comprise only 4.5% of the skilled trades labour pool, so it is imperative that the welding industry dedicates the required efforts to recruit more female skilled trades workers and eradicate misconceptions about the trades being a male-dominated environment.

Fanshawe College Huron-Bruce is excited to be one of the chosen colleges to provide this opportunity to women in rural communities in Tiverton, ON. This program allows Fanshawe College to provide pathways to success in an exceptional learning environment which meets the needs of local employers. Introducing women in our community to welding is a step towards providing women with opportunity in meeting our local labour market needs in Bruce, Huron and Grey counties. Bruce Power has been integral in supporting this project.

Fanshawe College provides full-time programming opportunities in Huron and Bruce Counties which include Welding Techniques, Electrical Techniques, Carpentry Renovation Techniques and Mechanical Engineering Technician (Industrial Maintenance).