The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) in Port Elgin says new welders are entering the skilled trades pipeline thanks to a four-week welding program it hosted this summer at its Tiverton Advance Technology Campus.
The NII says the local welding program forges new career paths here at home, and that the hands-on training gives students the skills, confidence and credentials to succeed in the trades.
NII President and CEO Jessica Linthorne says, “For us as the Nuclear Innovation Institute, we’re really proud to be hosting a program like this locally at the campus. It’s really providing students in out region access to skilled trades training close to home, So that does reduce some barriers to entering the trades.”
She explains, “This program in particular, was in partnership with Saugeen Sparks and the Provincial Building Trades Group and it is focused on youth and the opportunity to bring youth into in-demand programs to really support the nuclear sector moving forward.”
Students from across Bruce, Grey and Huron counties gained hands-on experience from expert instructors, resulting in industry-recognized credentials. By the program’s end, each participant had the opportunity to earn a minimum of two Canadian Welding Bureau fillet welding certifications in flat and horizontal positions.
All 18 students in this summer’s cohort successfully earned their certifications, collectively receiving a total of 51 welding
certificates.
Before the end of the welding program, two students accepted apprenticeships with the Boilermakers Local 128, and the NII says four others are on employment pathways with another union.
Students included Delilah, who was fairly new to welding and says in a statement, “I went in with very little welding skill,” adding, “I didn’t think I would pass, but I did. I got two CWB tickets and am really proud of myself.”
Another graduate, Natu, first discovered welding at the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre’s night school programs in Saugeen Shores before coming to the Campus this summer to build on his skills. Natu, who is a newcomer to Canada, was born in Eritrea and his journey to Canada took him through six countries before settling locally.
He says in a statement, “I love it here,” adding, “All the opportunities I’ve had have been way beyond what I expected. The fact that I could train right here makes it all feel real. I’m ready to keep working and build something for myself.”
Rob Stanley, Executive Director, Saugeen Sparks Training Centre says, “This program is a testament to what can be achieved when industry, education and labour collaborate to invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
The Nuclear Innovation Institute describes itself as a member-based not-for-profit organization with a vision of a Canadian landscape that celebrates an innovative nuclear industry as an integral part of the clean energy future.