Nov 2, 2023
MILTON, ON. (October 31, 2023) Last week, Wednesday, October 25, the CWB Welding Foundation celebrated with partners International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), AltaGas, 3M, Lincoln Electric, Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), LiUNA and Weldready the second year of the CWB WeldSAFE™ program and its resounding success, supporting over 12,000 students across 111 Canadian Secondary Schools. The event occurred at Bishop McNally High School, a CWB WeldSAFE recipient, in Calgary, Alberta.
At the heart of the CWB WeldSAFE event stood testimonies of former students, like Chiara, whose journey exemplifies the transformative power of the CWB WeldSAFE program. Chiara, reflects on her invaluable experience and the pivotal role the high school welding course played in shaping her career goals. Her testimony is one among many that underscores the program’s impact on fostering passion and skill development, with health and safety at the forefront.
“This course through high school gave me an opportunity to experience the welding industry. I got to try different things and it helped with my experience going into the field. I knew a lot of the stuff I needed to know for my first year in school from my experience in high school. The program helped me realize I wanted a career in the welding industry. I’m really thankful for the opportunity that was given to me.”
– Chiara Skogen, SAIT Welding Student
This event was an exemplary showcase of industry commitment, collaborative efforts, and the resounding impact achieved through the CWB WeldSAFE program. The event not only underlined the paramount importance of safety in welding but also echoed a broader vision — the investment in the next generation of skilled welders equipped with both technical expertise and a steadfast commitment to safety. The event’s success was further emphasized by the overwhelming support received from key partners and sponsors, symbolizing a shared dedication to fostering a culture of safety and proficiency in the welding community.
Joe Saundercook, Manager of Fund and Partnership Development at the CWB Foundation said “Today’s CWB WeldSAFE event celebrates more than just safety; it signifies our commitment to nurturing a generation of welders equipped not just with skills but with a mindset of safety. As we mark the 10th anniversary of the CWB Foundation, the incredible support from our partners like the Boilermakers, IBB, and other organizations has allowed us to extend our reach and impact, ensuring students across Canada receive the vital tools and knowledge for a secure, thriving future in welding and related industries.”
j’Amey Bevan, Director of Boilermakers’ National Training Trust Fund, shared invaluable insights into the ethos of safety, training, and the profound impact of welding on career development. As a representative of the longstanding International Brotherhood of Boilermakers’ with a rich history spanning over 125 years, j’Amey emphasized the organization’s commitment to safety and ongoing education. Her address highlighted the essential need for programs such as the CWB WeldSAFE, focusing on introducing students to welding within a supportive, safety-driven environment, fostering a secure and promising future within the industry.
“Supporting the CWB WeldSAFE program just makes so much sense. We want students to try welding, have fun, and have a great experience while developing safe habits that will ensure a long and prosperous welding career in their day-to-day service.” – j’Amey Bevan, Director of Boilermakers’ National Training Trust Fund.
Together with its partners, the CWB Foundation continues to elevate educational success at all levels, advance workforce development, foster excellence and champion safe learning and working environments by delivering world-class materials joining and allied technology awareness and education programs. Learn more about the CWB WeldSAFE program and the CWB Foundation at www.cwbweldingfoundation.org.
About CWB Welding Foundation
The CWB Welding Foundation is a registered charity that works with partners to support and sustain the need for skilled welding and technology professionals and contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity. By creating a gateway to the skilled trades and welding-related professions, the Foundation forges partnerships between industry, labour, education and government to enable Canadians to explore, build and advance successful and exciting careers. The Foundation offers education-based hands-on and virtual programs and initiatives and provides financial and technical program supports that reduce barriers affecting vital groups; elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and educators, Indigenous peoples, women and the underrepresented. We encourage awareness and provide programs supporting access to career exploration regardless of identity factors, social and financial status and lived experiences, including gender, age, ethnicity, language, literacy, culture, income and geographical location.
Photo Credit: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Media Contacts:
CWB Welding Foundation
Sarah Williams
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarah.williams@cwbweldingfoundation.org
Cell (249) 885-3508