New welding facilities support hands-on learning at Woodstock High School, NB

“The mission of the CWB Welding Foundation is to forge partnerships between industry, education and government to enable Canadians to build great careers in the welding industry—and this partnership helps us do just that,” said Susan Crowley, Executive Director of the CWB Welding Foundation. “The newly equipped Woodstock High School welding lab means that more students will be exposed to welding as a gateway to remarkable opportunities.”

Woodstock High School now has a new fully outfitted welding facility with 10 welding booths and 10 state-of-the-art multi-process welding machines. Currently, there are 14 students working in the space. With course selections underway for next year, the hope is to have 20 to 40 students per semester of instruction.

This partnership represents an investment of $50,000 to complete the facilities as part of an existing capital project.

In addition to current, modern equipment that prepares them for high-demand careers, students who use the facilities will benefit from connections with local industry through BWS Manufacturing and Craig Manufacturing for potential experiential learning opportunities.

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 the industry and for the critical sectors including construction, transportation and shipbuilding over the next decade and beyond.

QUOTES:

“Students deserve the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experiences and skills that they can use throughout the rest of their academic and professional careers. I’m very pleased to support this partnership that provides students with the tools and environments they need to gain valuable training and knowledge. By partnering with communities and industry experts, we can position our students for long-term success and help build a world-class education system.” Dominic Cardy, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of New Brunswick

“Understanding that the classroom is not for everyone we are excited with the hands-on opportunity the new Welding facility will afford Woodstock High School students. We are appreciative and thankful for the donations provided by our business partners in providing us with such a high-quality teaching environment and with top notch equipment. I think the long-term impact will be positive on the local welding industry with future employees coming directly from the Woodstock High Program and through NBCC.” Derrick O’Leary, Principal, Woodstock High School, Anglophone West School District

“Partnerships between industry, government and the CWB were instrumental in upgrading skilled trades programs and facilities thus allowing us to offer quality programs in our high schools. Industry partners can provide guidance for curriculum development, real-life and authentic learning experiences through the Coop Education program and, through in-kind and/or monetary contributions, provide resources that enhance our skilled trades programs and make students aware of the local opportunities that exist.” Bryan Facey, (Retired) Subject Coordinator – Technology (K-12) and Skilled Trades, Anglophone West School District

“As an employer, BWS Manufacturing is very glad to support this project. We are growing and all the opportunities for future welders is exciting to see. Students need the opportunity to try various trades to help them understand where their passion lies, and this project allows them to explore their possibilities and be a part of the future. We look forward to supporting this program going forward, providing opportunities for students to learn. It truly takes a community to provide opportunities like this and BWS is very excited to see this program get off the ground.” Todd Saunders, Vice President, BWS Manufacturing Ltd.

“As part of our responsibility to be good corporate citizens, Craig Manufacturing is proud to partner with the CWB Welding Foundation, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, ASD-W, and BWS Manufacturing on this project. We know this facility will expose local kids to welding and hopefully fuel their passion for careers in the skilled trades. We firmly believe knowledge in the skilled trades will open doors to great careers right here in New Brunswick. The future of our industry is dependent on having the next generation of workers equipped with skills to take on the world. Craig is committed to making a lasting impact in the communities our team calls home and this project is our latest example of this commitment.” Ben Craig, President, Craig Manufacturing