Sep 20, 2023
Addressing Industry Challenges with Purpose and Impact
In a dynamic landscape characterized by evolving technology and workforce demands, the CWB Foundation has consistently championed four key areas since its creation to address current and future challenges across the welding and materials joining industry:
Increasing Access to Skilled Labour: With a focus on closing the skills gap, the CWB Foundation collaborates closely with local groups and organizations to tailor programs that directly respond to the unique socioeconomic needs of diverse regions. The CWB Foundation ensures its initiatives yield meaningful outcomes by aligning training with community and industry demands.
Shifting the Narrative Around Skilled Trades: The CWB Foundation recognizes the power of changing perceptions. Through innovative campaigns and partnerships, it strives to reshape the narrative surrounding skilled trades, promoting welding as a rewarding and lucrative career option for individuals of all ages.
Prioritizing Safe Learning and Working Environments: Safety is paramount in the welding industry. The CWB Foundation works tirelessly to provide educators and students in secondary schools across Canada with resources that enrich the curriculum and ensure safe learning environments through the CWB WeldSAFE PPE kit and audit program. Collaborative program delivery, including safety reviews, underscores the commitment to fostering a secure learning environment.
Facilitating Opportunities for Underrepresented Groups: Diversity fuels innovation. The CWB Foundation is deeply committed to creating inclusive pathways to success. By delivering accessible programming to underrepresented groups, such as women, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers, the CWB Foundation broadens horizons and opens doors to fulfilling welding careers.
Read How We’ve Helped The Welding and Materials Joining Industry Over The Past Decade
A Decade of Impact: Transforming Lives, Empowering Futures
Over the past ten years, the CWB Foundation has achieved remarkable milestones that have redefined the welding and material joining industry’s landscape. Key accomplishments include:
- Awareness-Based Camps for Youth: Innovative youth camps like Mind Over Metal and Arx & Sparx have ignited interest in welding among the next generation, nurturing a passion for hands-on skills and technical knowledge.
- Tailored Programs and Pre-Employment Training for Women: The Women of Steel program empowers women to pursue welding careers through pre-employment training, ongoing support and mentorship programs that promote gender diversity in the industry.
- Upskilling Opportunities: Initiatives like Women of Inspection and the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) provide specialized training, enabling individuals to upskill and broaden their expertise.
- Educator Training and Curriculum Support: Programs like Igniting Bright Futures equip educators with resources that enhance curriculum and promote effective learning experiences.
- Collaborative Program Delivery: Leveraging the capabilities of the CWB Group and engaging industry partners and sponsors, collaborative efforts have ensured comprehensive training, support and funding for educators, students and those curious about welding.
- Capital Equipment and Consumables Grants: Investment in industry-appropriate equipment and consumables has directly facilitated hands-on learning, equipping students with practical experience and knowledge.
- Student Scholarships and Bursaries: By providing awards to students and schools, the CWB Foundation has incentivized excellence in welding education and helped relieve the financial burden, nurturing a culture of achievement and skill development.
As the CWB Foundation reflects on its decade of impact, it looks ahead with a renewed commitment to its mission. The CWB Foundation continues to discover new ways of tackling evolving challenges in labour, workforce, and skills gaps by engaging the community, education, government, sponsors, and industry partners. Through its relentless focus on safe learning environments, collaborative partnerships, and support for underrepresented groups, the foundation will continue to inspire individuals to explore careers in welding and the materials joining industry.
For more information about the CWB Foundation and its 10-Year Impact Report, please visit https://www.cwbweldingfoundation.org/10yearimpact/.