Sparking the Interest of Next-generation Welders

Grade 7 and 8 students from Halton Hills Christian School’s Exploratories Program recently received hands-on experience in welding at the CWB Group’s headquarters in Milton, Ont.

“It’s always great to work collaboratively with schools and introduce welding to students, no matter what age,” said Dan Tadic, executive director of the Canadian Welding Association (CWA). “I’m looking forward to seeing their enthusiasm and the final projects. Who knows, this may spark their interest to becoming the next generation of welding professionals in Canada.”

The school’s Exploratories Program connects students to the community, preparing them with life and career skills, while teaching innovative and technological abilities that stretch beyond a classroom’s textbooks.

Four students participated in the program, which ran for six Thursday afternoons.

“The students learned basic concepts of various welding processes [and] proper safety procedures, and then they were tasked to create a final project that was graded,” said Tadic. “This was a great opportunity for the students to understand the trade and allow their creative imaginations to run free.”

Willy Katerberg, Exploratories coordinator, said it’s important for students to expand their horizons and learn beyond the classroom experience because it will have a profound impact on their future decisions in terms of choosing a career path.

“Much authentic and relevant learning takes place outside of a school building,” said Katerberg. “Our Exploratories Program for our grade 7 and 8 students is one way HHCS is moving outside of the boundaries of our school and connecting our students to the community.”

www.cwbgroup.org