Manitoba’s construction industry has developed and implemented a certified Structural Steel Fabricators Fitters (SSFF) training course in the last 11 months—the first of its kind! Now, 10 new qualified fitters join the steel industry to better address the needs of fabricators on the shop floor.
Early in 2018, CISC Manitoba/NW Ontario, the Manitoba Ministry of Education & Training and the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC) began the development of a new course that would address the needs of steel fabricator companies. This course was designed to give current fabricator company employees the opportunity to upgrade their skills and become certified fitters—a position that has long been forgotten.
Over the course of eight weeks, students explored a specially designed curriculum that focused on developing and updating their current skillset. The course launched on November 13, 2018, and was delivered in both a classroom format, as well as in a hands-on environment at various CISC member locations. Throughout the course, students showed a strong interest and remained engaged in course topics, as well as discussions.
January 11, 2019 marked the official graduation ceremony of 10 new certified structural steel fabricator fitters! The ceremony lasted an hour and a half and highlighted the achievements of every individual involved in this new and unchartered career path. Students were awarded their certificates in front of their loved ones and enjoyed a celebratory cake shortly after.
A number of special guests were in attendance at this highly anticipated event, including Carol Paul, Executive Director of MCSC; Linda Maxwell, adult education consultant and SSFF course writer; Ryan Renaud, course consultant and instructor; Lauren Gawletz, Manitoba Ministry of Education & Training; Bonnie Pankratz, President of Axis Inspection Group and course delivery agent; and Ken Dyck, A-Post Ltd. and company committee member.
Congratulations to the 2019 graduating class of the first-ever Structural Steel Fabricator Fitters course, as well as to everyone who has participated in the planning, development and implementation of this ground-breaking effort! We look forward to seeing this course developed throughout all the educational institutions in Manitoba, and eventually across Canada!
