Substantial grant will create pathways to apprenticeship and Red Seal certification for pressure welders across Canada

The CWB Welding Foundation, CWB Group, and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, along with other partnering organizations, have been awarded a multi-million-dollar five-year federal contract to support the Filling the Gap: Pressure Welder Skill Advancement Program

April 4, 2021
For Immediate Release 

Milton, ON- The CWB Welding Foundation, CWB Group, and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) are addressing the need for highly skilled pressure system welders in the industry thanks to a generous multi-million-dollar grant from the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The UTIP's objective is to improve the quality of training in the trades and encourage a highly skilled workforce, and through an investment in the Filling the Gap program, the CWB Group and the IBB teams are confident that they together will be successful in accomplishing this goal.

“As we continue to fight this virus, our support for workers remains strong. Skilled tradespeople across the country have been critical to essential sectors during this pandemic, and they will continue to be so as Canada moves toward economic recovery. This investment will help Canadians, including Canadians from key groups facing barriers, get the training they need to launch exciting and well-paying careers in the trades.”
– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

"There is a shortage of welders with a need for pressure qualifications to fulfill the current skills gap and mismatch across the country," said Doug Luciani, President and CEO, CWB Group. "With UTIP's generous funding, the CWB Group along with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers will enhance the quality of training for our skilled workers. We are so excited and grateful to be representing the industry in such a significant way and look forward to building Red Seal pathways for apprenticeships to aid in Canada's economic success.”

The CWB Group and the IBB are committed to using the funds for this national initiative to support the career progression of apprentices and addressing the shortage of pressure welders. In addition to apprentices, the program also aims to train skilled tradespersons by equipping them with the knowledge and competencies highly sought after in Canadian industries. The program is being offered out of multiple sites across the country, making it as readily available as possible for those interested in participating.

"Receiving this funding through UTIP will offer tremendous benefit to program participants and to the industries that rely on the specialized training and skill set of Boilermaker pressure welders. Graduates of the program will be provided excellent employment opportunities with reputable contractors. This is where a program such as UTIP truly sets itself apart, as funding is being focused in areas where we know well-paid employment opportunities exist. Being able to meet Canada's demand for skilled pressure welders is crucial, and with the CWB Group, CWB Welding Foundation, our other key partners working together on this program, we will offer a program that provides training and expertise in pressure welding through a personalized learning model for both new apprentices and journeypersons looking to upgrade their existing skills, " said Arnie Stadnick, International Vice President for Canada International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.

The implementation of this initiative is transformative for our industry. With the CWB Group, CWB Welding Foundation, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and other key players working together, the training and expertise available to participants is outstanding. With a personalized learning model and oversight from industry experts, apprentices and journeypersons are given a significant advantage in their educational journey.

The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) supports the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthen union-based apprenticeship training, innovation, and enhanced partnerships. UTIP supports apprenticeship training, innovation, and partnerships in the Red Seals Trades across Canada. 

About the CWB Group:

The CWB Group is an industry-supported private sector organization providing welding certification, management systems registration and training services to approximately 10,000 companies in over 45 countries. Supported through CWB Certification, CWB Education, CWB Registration, CWB Consulting, and the CWB Association membership, the CWB Group provides a comprehensive and integrated service to the welding and joining industry. Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, with staff and offices across the country, the CWB Group is accredited by and operates under the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) as a Certification Body for the administration of Canadian Standards Association (CSA) welding-related standards.

About the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers:

The members of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers have been building the industrial landscape of Canada since the 1890s. With the assistance of the Boilermakers National Training Trust Fund and the Local Training Trust Funds, the organization has grown and adapted to an ever-changing industry to become a strong and vibrant union. Our trade is a major builder in the shipyards, petrochemical plants, pulp mills, steel plants, steel fabrication shops, mines, power plants, and cement plants. Boilermakers are involved in the fabrication, installation, maintenance, repair, and inspection of the pressure vessels and associated equipment that keeps Canada's economic engine moving forward.

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.