Nov 28, 2023
Bruce Power’s support has enabled us to create a significant impact, providing essential equipment and opportunities for students to explore and excel in welding and joining fields.
At the CWB Foundation, we express our gratitude to Bruce Power for their remarkable contributions to Sparking Success, our initiative aimed at shaping the future of welding and related careers for students from the Bruce Grey Catholic and Bluewater District School Boards.
What is Sparking Success?
The Sparking Success initiative with the CWB Foundation is a holistic workforce development program that brings together industry and community partners in various communities to establish a long-term pipeline of qualified and engaged skilled professionals. Comprising of a suite of CWB Foundation programs and taking into consideration the unique socio-economic needs of a region, the multi-year initiative is designed for high impact well into the future. In the case of the Bruce Power partnership, the results speak for themselves. Of the 15 grade 12 students from Sacred Heart High School, who participated in the advanced training component of the Sparking Success program:
- 40% apprenticing in a welding-related trade;
- 15% employed in a welding-related field;
- 23% enrolled in post-secondary education in a trade or engineering-related program; and
- 22% leveraging their new skills to further enhance opportunities in a welding related field.
Corporate Investment Dedicated to Developing Highly Skilled Trades Workers
Funding from Bruce Power’s extraordinary generosity has revitalized the weld shop at Sacred Heart High School, fostering an environment where students can thrive and aspire to a future in welding and technology. This exemplifies the power of corporate generosity in molding the next generation of skilled professionals.
New Welders, New Horizons
With Bruce Power’s support, hobbyist welders were replaced with five cutting-edge industrial grade welders. This not only elevated the quality of the welding program but also set a new standard, inspiring students to strive for excellence and push boundaries in their welding projects and pursuit of futures in the trade.
Expanding Educational Horizons
Students embraced a comprehensive approach to welding, moving beyond basics. They now design intricate projects in AutoCAD, create cost analyses spreadsheets, and ensure compliance with local laws. Bruce Power’s support has prepared students for real-world challenges, opening doors to various industries.
Achieving Welding Success
Under the guidance of certified instructors students received world class training at UA Local 527 and then put their skills to the test, achieving a 100% pass rate, a remarkable result for high school students being tested for the first time.
A CWB Group Certification Services Representative, who witnessed and inspected the tests, had this to say about the students’ performance:
“I was impressed with the visual quality witnessed during the test and today again while evaluating the bend samples, truly Bruce power quality.”
A Sparking Success Story: Meet Heidi
Heidi’s journey from Sacred Heart High School to a second-year weld apprentice with UA Local 527 is a testament to life-changing opportunities provided by Bruce Power’s support. Heidi’s success reflects the impact of the Specialist High Skills Major program, motivating her to pursue her dreams in the world of trades.
Heidi shared, “Being part of the program at Sacred Heart motivated me to follow my dreams. Now a member of UA 527, I’m a second-year weld apprentice, ready to weld pipes in any position.”
Bruce Power’s contributions have not only altered students’ learning experiences but also empowered them and contributed to making sure they have the proper tools to succeed as they prepare to enter the workforce. We extend our thanks for their commitment to this remarkable cause.
To learn more about our Sparking Success initiative and how your organization can work with the CWB Foundation to take a holistic approach to workforce development, contact Joe Saundercook, Manager of Fund and Partnership Development at joe.saundercook@cwbweldingfoundation.org.