$1.9 million in total investment to benefit in high-school welding programs across Canada

Twenty-two high-schools across Canada will benefit from over $1.9 million to improve and enhance their welding programs. The funding, made possible by the CWB Welding Foundation’s Capital Equipment and Consumables Fund and co-investment from other partners, will allow high schools to complete critical improvements—such as installing additional welding booths/stations, upgrading ventilation systems, and purchasing steel—before schools re-open.

“The Foundation supports the advancement of welding programs by ensuring safe, high-quality equipment and learning environments are available to students,” said Susan Crowley, Executive Director of the CWB Welding Foundation. “Schools typically complete their welding shop upgrades in the summer while school is out of session, and 2020 is no exception. Some schools have had to change their plans or the timing of the work due to the impacts of COVID-19—from the implementation of physical distancing directives and the cost and availability of materials and labour—but it’s important to be ready to deliver effective welding instruction when schools re-open again.”

The CWB Welding Foundation is funding almost $450,000 of the total amount, with $1,170,500 co-investment from school boards and other partners, and the remaining $291,200 provided by other donors. The total investment is $1,909,504. Additional schools are still being considered for the 2020-2021 year and will be announced at a later date.

Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School in Regina is one of the schools benefitting from the funding. With $30,000 in funding from the CWB Welding Foundation as the catalyst, Richard Donnelly, Consultant with Regina Catholic Schools, secured a commitment of $100,000 from the Regina Catholic School District board and education discounts and installation support from suppliers to update the welding shop. The shop now has 12 large booths, replacing the old cramped ones, a state-of-the-art fume extraction system, and a new welder, along with new instructional tables and swing-arms for the welders.

“Proper electrical and ventilation, plus the new welder, will make Miller Comprehensive High School a flagship for our welding students, and for many years into the future,” said Mr. Donnelly.

The Foundation would like to recognize the support provided this year by private companies and CWB Association chapters. Significant gifts from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Ontario Power Generation, Black & MacDonald, the Electrical Power Systems Construction Association (EPSCA), UA Canada, Bird Construction, and the Calgary chapter of the CWB Association mean that the Foundation’s investment can go even farther.

The 22 schools receiving funding so far are as follows:

  • Lake City Secondary, Williams Lake, British Columbia
  • Smithers Secondary School, Smithers, British Columbia
  • Edward Milne Community School, Sooke, British Columbia
  • Royal Bay Secondary School, Victoria, British Columbia
  • Barriere Secondary School, Barriere, British Columbia
  • Monsignor J.J O’Brien Elementary/Jr High School, Calgary, Alberta
  • Strathmore High School, Strathmore, Alberta
  • Miller Comprehensive Catholic High School, Regina, Saskatchewan
  • Technical Vocational High School, Winnipeg, Manitoba
  • Bishop Smith Catholic High School, Pembroke, Ontario
  • St. Joseph High School, Renfrew, Ontario
  • Sydenham High School, Sydenham, Ontario
  • Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, Oshawa, Ontario
  • St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, Pickering, Ontario
  • Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, Ajax, Ontario
  • Fr. Leo Austin Catholic High School, Whitby, Ontario
  • Brampton Centennial Secondary School, Brampton, Ontario
  • Nova Career Centre, Chateauguay, Quebec
  • Western Quebec Career Centre, Gatineau, Quebec
  • L’ecole Odyssee, Moncton, New Brunswick
  • New Brunswick Welding Trailer, New Brunswick
  • Robert Service School, Dawson City, Yukon

For more information about the Capital Equipment & Consumables Fund or the application process, visit: https://www.cwbweldingfoundation.org/programs/capital-equipment-and-consumables-fund.

 

About the 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 the underrepresented. We envision a future where all individuals are encouraged and given the support they need to reach their true potential in a career in welding. Learn more: www.cwbweldingfoundation.org