Fanshawe partners with CWB Welding Foundation to host Women of Steel program

Fanshawe’s Huron/Bruce regional site is partnering with the CWB Welding Foundation to offer Women of Steel, an introductory welding course aimed at attracting more women to the traditionally male-dominated trade, from July 19 to 23, 2021, at the Bruce Technology Skills and Training Centre in Tiverton, ON.

The 30-hour course was developed by the CWB Welding Foundation with funding from the Government of Canada’s Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program, which targets groups that face barriers entering the trades.

Women of Steel aims to support women in welding through strategic engagement programs, including virtual and hands-on learning, that connects introductory welders to mentors. The campaign provides learning opportunities that foster education, growth, confidence and experiences for women from across Canada interested in exploring potential welding career options while learning about the trade.

John Mombourquette, associate dean of Fanshawe’s School of Access Studies and Regional Delivery, says the partnership plays an important role in helping to unlock the potential of students in the Huron-Bruce region.

“This project provides women with the opportunity to explore careers in welding by building awareness and providing a framework to move into pathways and employment in the trades,” he says. “It provides the opportunity for women to consider and make an informed decision about pursuing well-paying and rewarding careers.”

The Foundation piloted Women of Steel 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.

“We’re excited to once again offer the Women of Steel: Introduction to Welding Program through our partners at Fanshawe College,” says Susan Crowley, executive director of the CWB Welding Foundation. “Feedback that we’ve received from participants in previous programs tells us that women value not only the hands-on training, but also the connections they make with other women and mentors. The Foundation is proud to help women access the opportunities in the skilled trades.”

The College is now accepting applications for the September 2021 intake of the Welding Techniques program. Anyone interested in getting involved in the next skilled trades class can contact academic service consultant, Catherine MacKinnon at cmackinnon@fanshawec.ca.

What: Women of Steel: Introduction to Welding Program
When: July 19 to 23, 2021
Where: Bruce Technology Skills and Training Centre, 117 Farrell Drive, Tiverton ON.

About CWB Welding Foundation

The CWB Welding Foundation is a national registered charity established in 2013 that relies on the support of industry and community organizations to address the welding skilled trade shortage and mismatch in Canada. Through education-based programs and initiatives, we reduce barriers that affect key groups: elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students and educators; Indigenous people; women; and other underrepresented groups. We envision a future where all individuals are encouraged and given the support they need to reach their true potential. Learn more at www.cwbweldingfoundation.org.

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