Two school boards in Grey Bruce are receiving upgrades to classrooms teaching a skilled trade in multiple schools through an industry partnership.
According to a joint release from the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, cash and in-kind contributions totaling $270,000 will help local youth access apprenticeships and careers in welding.
In addition to the two school boards, the partnership involves the CWB Welding Foundation, Bruce Power and UA Canada.
The school boards say the project will benefit more than 650 students from seven participating schools in Grey Bruce. The schools are Owen Sound District Secondary School, St. Mary’s High School, Walkerton District Community School, Kincardine District Senior School, John Diefenbaker Senior School, Sacred Heart High School and Saugeen District Senior School.
Work is underway at participating schools to upgrade and modernize welding instruction facilities. Schools will also receive welding materials for project work and personal protective equipment.
The school board release says the upgrades are on track to be completed in December.
Four of the seven schools will be receiving industry-grade multi process welding machines. This will give welding students the opportunity to get hands-on experience and potentially enter an apprenticeship with a specialized welding industry qualification upon graduation from secondary school.
Some students will also be given an opportunity to augment their skills by accessing UA Canada and Local 527’s expert trainers in a virtual orientation day.
“This collaboration will enhance welding education for secondary school students, forge pathways to good jobs in the welding trade, and develop the skilled welders required to fulfill Bruce Power’s future workforce needs,” a release from the school boards explains.
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.
