By Matthew Le Blanc
Oct 7, 2021
In July, the CWB Welding Foundation and partners at the CWB Group hosted two Women of Steel: Introduction to Welding five-day camps at the Advanced Welding and Training Centre (AWTC) in Milton, Ontario. This program was developed to inspire and encourage young women and to spark an interest in the welding industry through hands-on training, welding projects, and guest speakers.
Activities throughout this program included training in health and safety, basic hand and power tools, theory, and welding with the Metal Core Arc Welding process (MCAW). Each participant received their own welding bag containing personal protective equipment including a welding jacket, welding helmet and gloves at no cost that will help them further a career in this industry. Daily guest speakers participated in the program representing women in the welding industry.
On the last day of the program, participants were able to experience and try a Fillet Weld Qualification under CSA W47.1.
“This week was an empowering learning experience for these students that they will never forget,” said Daniela Torelli, Program Instructor about the first session in July. “Students not only gained experience with tools and a wire fed welding process—they gained friendships, mentorships, and confidence in themselves.
The camp organizers wish to thank the guest speakers for sharing their inspiring journeys and words of wisdom: Nikki Noble, Lambton College Welding Instructor; Jackie Morris, Conestoga College Welding Technologist Instructor; Jamie McMillian, Journeyman Ironworker/Boilermaker & Founder of KickAss Careers; and Nicole LeClair, Mohawk College Welding Instructor.
The CWB Welding Foundation piloted Women of Steel: Introduction to Welding Program in 2019 with six colleges across Ontario, and plans to hold between six and eight sessions in various locations across the country before the end of March 2022. Another session was held in July in partnership with Fanshawe College at their Huron/Bruce regional site.
If you know of a woman who might benefit fr om exploring the career opportunities in the welding trade, more information about future program can be found on the Foundation’s website: www.cwbweldingfoundation.org/wos. Women and others are welcome to engage with #WomenOfSteel ambassadors on social media as well.
The Women of Steel: Introduction to Welding Program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program.