A $240 000 mobile welding facility will become available to high schools starting in September 2021.
The project is a result of a partnership between The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development as well as the CWB Welding Foundation, Ocean Steel & Construction Ltd. and Source Atlantic Ltd.
The investment will help meet the needs of a labour market that has seen a shortage of welding professionals largely due to an ageing Canadian population.
“This partnership is a great example of how the government can work with industry to meet the needs of our changing labour market.” Said Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy.
It’s expected to create more opportunities for students to experience the trade industry and learn about apprenticeship pathways.
The facility can accommodate up to 16 students at a time and will include eight welding booths, a grinding and cutting station as well as a weld testing area.
It will start at Leo Hayes Highschool in Fredericton and move between both urban and rural schools that lack the facilities.
