Women across Canada love our Women of Steel™ programs
Hundreds of women across Canada have completed Women of Steel programs feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and experience to pursue exciting well-paying careers in welding, skilled trades and welding-related professions. Our programs help women encourage, support and inspire each other by sharing their journeys every step along the way.
The Women of Steel™ programs are offered in both English and French. Our programming is flexible, featuring a mix of virtual and in-person learning opportunities, and includes hands-on experiences led by experienced instructors and industry professionals. Through a collaborative partnership delivery model with industry, post-secondary institutions and organized labour and the opportunity to take weld certification tests, participants can explore and move towards employment.
Other benefits include a mentorship program and networking opportunities which allows participants to connect with the industry, earn valuable CWB qualifications and provide the chance to network with others.
The Women of Steel™: Forging Forward project would not be possible without our 14 partners and host institutions across Canada. Learn more about their program details by clicking the button below.
This initiative is for anyone who is a woman, or identifies as a woman or is non-binary. We courage anyone to join in the initiative, including those who identify with racialized or marginalized groups such as Indigenous Peoples, Black, LGBTQ2S, women with disabilities, newcomers or those with a prolonged detachment from the labour force.
The demand for more women in welding, welding-related and skilled trades careers continues to grow, and opportunities exist across many industry sectors. With industry growth projections and a retiring workforce, there is a gap in the labour force that leaves Canada with a current and projected shortage of highly skilled workers. Women can help close this gap, and our programs provide participants with an opportunity to carve their career pathways – benefitting themselves, their families, and the Canadian labour market.
Throughout Canada, the CWB Welding Foundation is working diligently to increase the awareness and interest in welding and related technologies and trades to a diverse audience across Canada, with accessible introductory and workforce development programs offered to all demographics.
The Women of Steel™ initiative is designed to break down barriers experienced in the workplace and encourage more women to explore and consider careers in welding, welding-related and skilled trades.
Program offerings include:
- Introduction to Welding workshops
- Pre-employment programs
- Women in Inspection courses
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Workplace Inclusivity
We welcome and embrace all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. Through shared learning and respect, we create a space where everyone can learn as their authentic selves in a safe and welcoming environment.
Pre-employment
The Women of Steel™ Introduction to Welding Program and the Skills Training Program provide welding training to women and those who identify as women.
Women of Inspection
Become a Certified Level One Inspector in this fully funded program aimed to create positive change and increase diversity in the welding industry.
Workplace Inclusivity
Fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace drives positive change and ensures the advancement of women and other under-represented groups in the workplace.
Testimonials
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Disclaimer
The Women of Steel™: Forging Forward project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Women Employment Readiness Pilot Program.
