Filling the pressure welder supply gap

2022-07-01 22:13:18 By : Mr. Wansheng He

The CWB Welding Foundation, CWB Group, and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers/Boilermaker's National Training Trust Fund (IBB/NTTF) partnered to develop a comprehensive, eight-week pressure welding training program called Filling the Gap – Advanced Pressure Welder Training. With $6.6 million in funding from Employment and Social Development Canada, the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) is expected to support 450 participants in five years.

The project has mobilized the significant strengths of all partners—the technical leadership, industry insight, and national presence of the IBB/NTTF; the knowledge and experience of the CWB Group and CWB Education in welding best practices and e-learning program platforms; the collaborative and partner-driven purpose of the CWB Welding Foundation; and networks of partners who advocate for underrepresented groups in the skilled trades—to address several challenges that limit apprenticeship outcomes, specifically in the welding trade.

Our training was developed to support the career progression of apprentices and address the shortage of pressure welders in Canada. Students were given access to industry professionals with unparalleled knowledge and technical training to improve job readiness and upskilling of welders.

Program participants learn in-demand pressure welding processes and techniques, achieve a series of practical competencies, and receive multiple pressure welding qualifications that enable them to be job-ready to meet current and future industry needs. Some of those qualifications are:

In the first year of this project, five training sessions were hosted at various locations across Canada. Through this comprehensive, eight-week training, students worked with highly skilled instructors to gain valuable and relevant welding skills that would increase their employment opportunities.

In the first year, 98 per cent of the participants (47 students) successfully completed the training, and within days of completing the program, over 60 per cent of those individuals were gainfully employed.

Doug Munch, master instructor, taught the initial pilot training program at the IBB Lodge in Edmonton. He shared his experience with us, stating that "the pressure welding pilot course was extremely successful, as it provided highly skilled tradespeople to our industry. It was a privilege to be a part of this project. We are very proud of the welders’ and apprentices' accomplishments from the course."

One of the best ways to prepare and enhance the success of the necessary supply of pressure welders across Canada is to provide specialized technical training and improve the current apprenticeship model to create a more job-ready pathway through innovative programming. This is what the Filling the Gap initiative aims to provide the industry: a joint national curriculum to support the career progression of apprentices and train skilled journeypersons to upgrade their existing skills by equipping them with the knowledge and competencies needed to thrive in the Canadian trades landscape.

"There is a moment with each student when theory, concept, and hours of repetition in their welding booth all come together. I call it the ‘aha!’ moment. The lights come on; it all makes sense. It is that look of acknowledgement and the smile they give me that makes it all worthwhile. This is the point where I know we were successful," shared Jared Bradley, weld centre co-ordinator and examiner.

With endless resources at their disposal, including highly knowledgeable instructors, it's not just the instructors who were impressed with our program. Participants thoroughly enjoyed the training and learned valuable pressure welding skills to kick-start their careers. Most were able to obtain multiple certifications, which will boost their employability in the industry

"Getting the experience to come in and get more training on different welding techniques while getting my tickets will show that I have this new knowledge when I go out in the field,” said Benjamin Wood, one of the program graduates. “It will benefit me in the future having my tickets now; guys will see that and want to hire me and help me get my name out there. I felt good because I didn't have a ton of welding experience before, so it took a little longer to get CWB tickets than some other guys. But it's like being part of a union, and there's no competition except with yourself to continually do better. The instructors kept us busy trying new things, so we always felt challenged, which was great."

Other students also shared that they particularly enjoyed that the program was eight weeks long and encouraged focus and dedication to get the job done. Obtaining multiple tickets in the eight-week duration has been a significant draw for students because it allows for more opportunities in the future. After completing the pilot program, another student said, "I have recommended many of my friends take the course; it's pretty helpful. It was a lot of work, but it paid off. I wouldn't be able to do it without this program.”

Near the completion of the program, one student shared, "I would 100 per cent recommend this program to anyone, and it doesn't matter if you're brand new or if you're seasoned, you can always learn something."

If you are interested in registering for future training sessions in 2022, please visit pressureweldertraining.com for more detailed information.

Mary Ranjbar is program manager, government relations and public safety at CWB Group, 8260 Parkhill Drive, Milton, Ont. L9T 5V7, 800-844-6790, fillingthegap@cwbgroup.org, www.cwbgroup.org.

Keep up to date with the latest news, events, and technology for all things metal from our pair of monthly magazines written specifically for Canadian manufacturers!

Program Manager, Government Relations and Public Safety

See More by Mary Ranjbar

Subscribe to Canadian Fabricating & Welding

Find Canadian Fabricating & Welding on Facebook

Find Canadian Fabricating & Welding on Twitter

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Metalworking.

Easily access valuable industry resources now with full access to the digital edition of Canadian Fabricating & Welding.

MELTRIC Switch-Rated plugs and receptacles ensure arc flash safety when disconnecting standard welding plugs and receptacles. These UL/CSA rated receptacles/connectors feature a built-in switching function that verifies contacts are safely deenergized before welding machine plugs can be withdrawn.

© 2022 FMA Communications Canada, Inc. All rights reserved.

1154 Warden Avenue Suite #416, Toronto, Ontario M1R 0A1

Not yet registered? Sign up