Collège Boréal in Timmins is one of 14 hosts across Canada to host a new training program for women seeking to enter the welding trade.
In partnership with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB), Women of Steel: Forging Forward is a pre-employment program that includes a theoretical component, practical training, and a workplace internship.
“During this intensive program, participants have the chance to be trained in a variety of positions and processes with the possibility of obtaining multiple welding certifications from the CWB,” Mélanie Dufresne, director of the Timmins campus, said in a March 10 news release.
“This will prepare them for apprenticeship, post-secondary education, and meaningful employment in high demand fields.”
Starting in June, the program will take participants through 12 weeks of training, followed by a four-week work placement. Participants can earn between six and eight CWB certifications, along with health and safety training, CPR, and first aid.
The program is completely free of charge to those who qualify.
The college said those who identify as a woman and/or non-binary, including those from racialized or marginalized groups such as Indigenous, Black, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, women with disabilities, or with a prolonged detachment from the labour force are encouraged to apply.
Funding for the initiative is being provided through the CWB Welding Foundation, a national charity that works to address the welding skilled trades shortage in Canada.
