Local welding program forges new career paths—right here at home

Hands-on training gives students the skills, confidence and credentials to succeed in the trades

This fall, new welders are entering the skilled trades pipeline thanks to a four-week welding program hosted this summer at the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s (NII) Advance Technology Campus—helping local students turn curiosity into career potential without having to leave the region.

Through a collaboration between the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre and the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario – Tomorrow’s Trades, students from across Bruce, Grey and Huron counties gained hands-on experience from expert instructors, resulting in industry-recognized credentials.

Welding students and their instructors this summer at the NII Advance Technology Campus.

By the program’s end, each participant had the opportunity to earn a minimum of two Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) fillet welding certifications in flat and horizontal positions.

Program graduate Delilah looks forward to a bright career in welding.

All 18 students in this summer’s cohort passed their test certifications with flying colours, collectively receiving a total of 51 welding certificates. Prior to the end of the welding program, two students accepted apprenticeships with the Boilermakers Local 128, and four others are on employment pathways with another union.

For Delilah, a participant fairly new to welding, the program was transformative. “I went in with very little welding skill,” she said. “I didn’t think I would pass, but I did. I got two CWB tickets and am really proud of myself.”

Program graduate Natu reflects on the opportunities open to him with these new welding certifications.

Another graduate, Natu, first discovered welding at the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre’s night school programs in Saugeen Shores before coming to the Campus this summer to build on his skills.

Natu, a newcomer to Canada, was born in Eritrea and his journey to Canada took him through six countries before settling in the Clean Energy Frontier region.

“I love it here,” he shared. “All the opportunities I’ve had have been way beyond what I expected. The fact that I could train right here makes it all feel real. I’m ready to keep working and build something for myself.”

“We’re proud to host programs like this at the Campus because they create new opportunities for youth and help strengthen the local workforce,” says Stellina Williams, Vice President and CAO at NII. “By offering welding training close to home, we make it easier for students to gain real skills and industry certifications—and it’s inspiring to see how quickly participants built both their abilities and their confidence.”

“This program is a testament to what can be achieved when industry, education and labour collaborate to invest in the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” said Rob Stanley, Executive Director, Saugeen Sparks Training Centre. “We’re proud of our Centre’s instructors and the students’ successes and grateful to our partners for helping us build a stronger, more resilient workforce across the region.”

The NII Advance Technology Campus continues to serve as a launchpad for skilled trades careers in Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties—offering regional talent access to high-quality training, industry partnerships, and opportunities to build the workforce of the future.