The CWB Welding Foundation, CWB Group and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) have received a $6.6-million grant from the federal government to improve welding training.
The multi-million-dollar grant from the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) came through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). UTIP’s objective is to improve the quality of training in the trades and encourage a highly skilled workforce.
“As we continue to fight this virus, our support for workers remains strong. Skilled tradespeople across the country have been critical to essential sectors during this pandemic, and they will continue to be so as Canada moves toward economic recovery. This investment will help Canadians, including Canadians from key groups facing barriers, get the training they need to launch exciting and well-paying careers in the trades,” says Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough.
The CWB Group and the IBB say they will use the funding to support the career progression of apprentices and address the shortage of pressure welders. The program also trains skilled tradespersons by equipping them with the knowledge and competencies required by Canadian industries.
“There is a shortage of welders with a need for pressure qualifications to fulfill the current skills gap and mismatch across the country,” says Doug Luciani, president and CEO of CWB Group. “With UTIP’s generous funding, the CWB Group along with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers will enhance the quality of training for our skilled workers. We are so excited and grateful to be representing the industry in such a significant way and look forward to building Red Seal pathways for apprenticeships to aid in Canada’s economic success.”
The program is being offered in multiple sites across the country, making it as easy as possible for those interested to participate.
“Receiving this funding through UTIP will offer tremendous benefit to program participants and to the industries that rely on the specialized training and skill set of Boilermaker pressure welders. Graduates of the program will be provided excellent employment opportunities with reputable contractors. This is where a program such as UTIP truly sets itself apart, as funding is being focused in areas where we know well-paid employment opportunities exist. Being able to meet Canada’s demand for skilled pressure welders is crucial, and with the CWB Group, CWB Welding Foundation, our other key partners working together on this program, we will offer a program that provides training and expertise in pressure welding through a personalized learning model for both new apprentices and journeypersons looking to upgrade their existing skills, ” says Arnie Stadnick, international vice president for Canada International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.
