Trying a trade and launching a career through the Building Strong Foundations - WELD Program

Employers in the welding and joining industry continue to face a host of workforce challenges, including recruiting motivated workers and replacing experienced welders who have retired. 

While hiring experienced tradespeople will always be important, developing a sustainable workforce also requires investing in individuals at the beginning of their careers. Like in any trade, every skilled welder starts somewhere, and creating opportunities for new entrants is an essential part of strengthening the local industry’s long-term talent pipeline.

Technical training provides an important foundation for a career in the trades, but workplace experience is equally valuable. Working alongside experienced tradespeople in a real shop allows participants to develop practical skills, understand workplace culture, strengthen communication, and gain confidence in a professional environment. These experiences can help individuals bridge the gap between their training and launching a meaningful career in welding and materials joining. 

Providing training and employment opportunities for these pre-apprentice individuals is the focus of the Building Strong Foundations (BSF) – WELD Program, delivered by CWB Group in partnership with Achēv, with funding support provided by the federal and Ontario governments. Throughout 2026, this program will provide 45 youth (ages 18-29) in the Peel and Halton regions of Ontario with foundational gas metal arc welding (GMAW) training, exposure to advanced manufacturing and collision repair, and workplace readiness skills. 

Once participants have completed their welding training, they also have an opportunity to test for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard W47.1 qualification. This qualification is required for any welder or welding operators performing structural fusion welding on steel structures in Canada. 

A key component of the BSF – WELD Program is the opportunity for participants to be hired for an eight-week paid work placement. Even as an entry-level position, this work placement exposes participants to real shop environments, helping them build confidence, understand expectations, and apply the skills they learned in the program. 

For employers, hosting a participant for a short-term placement is an opportunity to contribute to the future of the industry, while evaluating emerging talent in their own workplace. Although participants are entering at the pre-apprentice level, they have demonstrated an interest in pursuing a career in welding and have invested time in developing foundational technical and workplace skills. 

Trent Konrad, Vice President of Business Development at the CWB Group sees the value of these types of programs and the people that participate in them. “Individuals that invest their time and effort into participating in trades-based education programs show a commitment to learning and investment in themselves.” 

The eight-week placement allows employers to observe a participant’s attitude, willingness to learn, and potential fit within their organization in a structured environment, while wage subsidy support helps offset placement costs. They will also work closely with an Achēv Employer Liaison throughout the placement to ensure a smooth and successful experience for everyone. 

Konrad encourages employers in Peel, Halton, and the Greater Toronto Area to consider hiring an individual who has completed the program. “Take advantage of programs like this where participants are demonstrating a commitment to learning a new trade.” 

The Building Strong Foundations – WELD Program demonstrates what can be accomplished when industry organizations, community partners, government, and employers work together toward a common goal. 

Government funding helps remove barriers to participation. Training organizations provide foundational technical and workplace skills. Community partners support participants as they transition into employment. Employers contribute the real-world experience that helps transform classroom learning into career readiness.

No single organization can solve workforce challenges alone, but collaborative initiatives like this create meaningful pathways into the skilled trades while helping strengthen the local workforce over time.

Employers interested in hosting a subsidized eight-week work placement can learn more by visiting Achēv’s website.