CWA Foundation Working to Inspire At-risk Youth

The CWA Foundation, Milton, Ont., and Liberty for Youth, Hamilton, Ont., are teaming up to provide at-risk youth with hands-on experience related to the Canadian welding industry. In March several youth from the Hamilton area toured the CWB headquarters and the Canadian Welding Association (CWA) Advanced Welding Technology Centre (AWTC) to learn how welding “joins” the world.

“We’re very pleased to be collaborating with such a great organization like Liberty for Youth and helping atrisk youth understand the vast career possibilities in the Canadian welding industry,” said Deborah Mates, director of the CWA Foundation. “I truly hope this sparks their interest and provides them with the inspiration that there is an alternative to a better life. Today’s youth are the next generation—we need to ensure we provide them with the tools necessary to succeed.”

The young people, ages 14 to 19, tested their welding skills on a stateof- the-art virtual welding simulator that mimics numerous hands-on welding processes and techniques, all set in a realistic work environment. They also learned about various career options in the Canadian welding industry.

“This is going to be an eye-opening experience for the youth, and we’re looking forward to seeing how they immerse themselves into this learning experience,” said Frederick Dryden, founder and executive director of Liberty for Youth. “We’re pleased the CWA Foundation is providing us with this opportunity to present a viable career option to our youth and get them thinking about a brighter future for themselves.”

www.cwa-acs.org

www.libertyforyouth.org