Women of Steel
The Women of Steel Introduction to Welding Program is designed to support, inspire, and encourage women with hands-on training to spark an interest in the welding trade... and it's FREE!
What is Women of Steel?
The Women of Steel program is delivered in partnership with the CWB Welding Foundation.
Based on the CWB curriculum, the free program combines virtual and hands-on training delivered by instructors from Six Nations Polytechnic, Conestoga College, Mohawk College and Fanshawe College – Simcoe campus, using their welding shops
At the conclusion of the program, participants are tested by CWB Certification. Those who pass earn a welding certification. This provides an entry-level qualification for a job in the welding trade.
Women Of Steel was created as an opportunity for women to learn welding alongside other women.
The Women of Steel Program has been designed using CWB curriculum and incorporates both virtual and hands-on learning that connect new welders to mentors.
Past Women of Steel Program participant:
“It was a fantastic experience, and I was glad that I shared that learning with other women.”
Why Consider This Program?
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See yourself breaking stereotypes and gain the skills and confidence to enter a rewarding, in-demand and well-paid career.
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For women looking for a new career or considering switching fields, welding is an especially promising industry. When it comes to “non-traditional” occupations for women, welding can be one of the most vital, in-demand, and rewarding of the skilled trades.
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Demand for welders is increasing: Welding, like many of the skilled trades, is facing a shortage that will continue as older workers are retiring.
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Welding can be an active job that offers flexible hours and travel opportunities. Additional certifications can give welders an edge, allowing them to hone their skill sets and focus on specific industries or specializations.
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Average salaries are relatively High: Welding and other skilled trades often have higher average salaries than female-dominated careers.
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You can restart your career: If you want a mid-life career change, welding is an ideal option.
Past Women of Steel Program participant:
“I knew from striking my first arc this was for me.”
Meet Jill Timushka, a journeyperson certified B Pressure Welder
Main Benefits
• Receive support and inspiration while taking the program alongside other women
• Daily hands-on welding training with the flat and horizontal positions
• Opportunity to complete a fillet weld challenge to earn a Welding ticket under CSA W47.1
• Daily health and safety training
• Free of cost and includes a training allowance
• Personal Protective Equipment including welding jacket, helmet and welding gloves, and work boots will be provided at no cost
• Lunches provided during first week of training
support with transportation, work supplies, food costs, mental health, and other needs
• Skills upgrading
• Job search assistance after program completion
• Apprenticeship connections
• Graduate with multiple certifications
• Support from dedicated staff and instructors
• Graduation ceremony
Past Women of Steel Program participant:
"I’m excited to be preparing myself for a job that is in high demand!”
Program Details
Part 1:
30 Hours
• Introduction to welding
• Health & safety
• Practical welding training
• Welding simulators
• Hands-on live welding
• Daily welding projects
• Reading welding documents
• Preparing for & taking certification exam
Part 2:
30 Hours
• CPR & First Aid
• Forklift & Reach Truck training
• Fall Arrest
• Workplace communication
• Teamwork
• Psychological first aid
• Career guidance
• Workshops on employment standards, healthy living, mental health, COVID-19
Certifications
• Certificate Of Completion
• Fillet Weld Qualification per CSA W47.1
• Forklift & Reach Truck License
• Fall Arrest
• Emergency First Aid with CPR
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Soft Skills Training Certificate
• Digital Literacy Certificate
• Psychological First Aid
Who’s Eligible
• 16+ years old
• Legally entitled to work in Canada
• Able to attend training locations on specified dates*
• High school completion is not a requirement to register for the Skills2Advance Welding programs
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Able to crouch, kneel, stoop, bend
• Manual dexterity ability
• Comfortable with basic computer functionality
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Self-identify as female (only for Women of Steel)
* Transportation assistance will be offered to participants who live in Brantford, Brant, Norfolk, Haldimand, Six Nations, New Credit, Hamilton, Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo and Oxford.
Training Dates
Mohawk College - City School By Mohawk (Hamilton)
Women of Steel - Join the Contact List!
Orientation Day: Friday, August 5, 2022, 9 am – 12 pm
Week 1: Monday, August 8, 2022 – Friday, August 12, 2022, 9 am – 4 pm
Week 2: Monday, August 15 – Friday, August 19, 2022, 9 am – 4/5 pm
Additional training sessions at Mohawk College start in October/November.
Contact us for more details.
Conestoga College (Cambridge)
Women of Steel - Join the Contact List!
Orientation Day: Friday, August 12, 2022, 9 am – 12 pm
Week 1: Monday, August 15, 2022 – Friday, August 19, 2022, 9 am – 4 pm
Week 2: Monday, August 22, 2022 – Friday, August 26, 2022, 9 am – 4/5 pm
Additional training sessions at Conestoga College start in October and February.
Contact us for more details.
Six Nations Polytechnic (Brantford)
Women of Steel - Join the Contact List!
Orientation Day: Friday, September 16, 2022, 9 am – 12 pm
Week 1: Monday, September 19, 2022 – Friday, September 23, 2022, 9 am – 4 pm
Week 2: Monday, September 26, 2022 – Friday, September 30, 2022, 8/9 am – 4/5 pm
Additional training sessions at Six Nations Polytechnic start in February.
Contact us for more details.
Fanshawe College (Simcoe)
Additional training sessions at Fanshawe College start in December/January and February.
Contact us for more details.
*Times and dates are subject to change.