Image: supplied by Enbridge
National shortage

Nearly a dozen students in Hope on the verge of earning welding certification

Jan 26, 2024 | 11:30 AM

HOPE — In a step towards fostering skilled trade careers, ten Fraser Cascades high school students from School District 78 are gearing up for their final welding certification test Friday (Jan. 26).

The aspiring welders have completed a six-month welding program facilitated through a unique collaboration between the school district and Thompson River University’s (TRU) mobile training unit (MTU).

The MTU, a 12-bay expandable trailer, is instrumental in delivering welding foundation programs and industry contract training in communities. TRU has been contributing to Hope’s welding training landscape every two years since 2015, aiming to equip students with essential skills.

On the alternate years when TRU is not present in Hope, both Hope Secondary School and Agassiz Secondary School continue to offer metal and welding programs. Not only do the programs empower students with valuable welding skills, but they also serve as a window to potential careers.

The success and popularity of the programs prompted Boston Bar Secondary School to hire a shop teacher during career exposure camp weeks. However, limited budgets have posed challenges for procuring materials and equipment.

Enbridge, which operates a natural gas pipeline system and compressor station near Hope, has stepped in with support, donating two portable welding units with a combined value of $8,000. The portable units are now an integral part of the school welding programs, contributing to various projects, from practical fabrication to artistic endeavors.

“In our line of work, welding stands out as a critical task to ensure our pipelines can safely and reliably deliver energy to every home, school and business we serve,” said Enbridge Compressor Station Operator Marcio Neitzke. “It’s rewarding to pass the torch and see our welding units continue to contribute to the training of the high school students in our community.”

A recent industry report found Canada faces a shortage of over 25,000 welders in the next 5 years.

The welding unit donated to Hope Secondary has played an important role in training the ten soon-to-be-certified welders. Upon successfully passing their test Friday, they will grow the ranks of over 45 certified welders produced locally under TRU’s program in the district.