Enhanced Welder Apprenticeship Training (EWAT) - A CWB-Led National Initiative to Deepen Welding Competencies Across Canada

Come and learn about how the CWB Group is once again leading the way in shaping the future of industry with new processes and tools being developed to support apprenticeship development. Learn how you can benefit your business and help, as a mentor or program advisor.

The existing apprenticeship training model for welders has been in place for centuries. As a result, the welding trade is challenged by not enough skilled welders coming out of apprenticeships. Over the last many years, CWB clients have been telling us that the industry needs an improved apprenticeship model to train welders who have diversity and specialization of skills which are now integral in Canada.  

CWB Association is responding by launching an innovative national pilot program; the Enhanced Welder Apprenticeship Training Initiative (EWAT). The EWAT Initiative has been createdwith a goal to launch in all provinces in Canada over the next year.  We can all appreciate that an employer hires an apprentice with the best intention of training the apprentice to the best of their ability. However, the apprentice’s development and success are a result of many variables including what processes are used, what products are being produced and the quality of mentoring. Often, many employers are very specialized and have a small amount of operations and/or products in their shops, which has the potential of limiting the apprentice’s skill development. 

The design of the EWAT program addresses these challenges.  It is a 3-year apprenticeship model wherein the apprentice will work for three different employers for approximately a one-year term. During these terms, we work with the participating employer to ensure the apprentice is exposed to learning a diversity of products and processes. Mentoring, training, and regular evaluation will bring a level of professionalism and accountability to enhance the value to the employer, their business, and the apprentice.

CWB is also ensuring that key metrics and outcomes are measured throughout the five-year window to ensure we have the information to successfully advocate for changes to government and educational decision-makers and funders. The research component will also include a Labour Market Analysis report to determine the number of welders required by 2025. We will provide an annual progress report and a final report with recommendations.