September 23, 2026
The CWB Foundation provided $4.1 million to welding and joining education and industry initiatives during its 2025–2026 fiscal year, supporting programs designed to strengthen pathways into Canada’s skilled trades workforce.
The results are highlighted in the Foundation’s newly published 2025–2026 Annual Report, Leveraging Partnerships to Build Stronger Pathways. Working with partners across education, industry, labour, government and communities, the organization is helping Canadians discover welding careers, access modern training environments, develop industry-relevant skills and connect education with employment opportunities.
According to CWB Foundation Executive Director Susan Crowley, addressing skilled trades workforce needs requires more than attracting people to the industry.
“Strong skilled trades pathways depend on more than recruitment,” Crowley said, emphasizing the importance of quality welding education, safe and modern training environments, industry-aligned skills and connections to employment.
The Foundation supports this approach through career awareness initiatives, student bursaries, educator training, pre-employment programs, upgraded personal protective equipment and investments in welding classrooms and equipment.
Strategic partnerships also expand the reach of the Foundation’s funding. According to the annual report, every $1 invested by the CWB Foundation generated $4.56 in total impact with support from education, government and industry partners.
During the 2025–2026 fiscal year, 510 youth participated in Mind Over Metal™ and Arx and Sparx welding camps, introducing young Canadians to welding and potential skilled trades careers.
More than 9,800 people explored welding through simulator experiences at career fairs and industry events.
The Foundation also worked to strengthen the educators responsible for introducing and training the next generation. A total of 220 educators and career counsellors participated in training designed to improve technical welding knowledge and industry-relevant instruction.
Pre-employment programming reached 325 participants, while 177 CSA W47.1 welder qualifications were issued through pre-employment and upskilling initiatives.
Investment also extended directly into Canadian secondary schools.
The CWB Foundation distributed 384 personal protective equipment kits to 42 secondary schools, providing 4,119 students with access to upgraded safety equipment.
Demand for modern welding equipment remains significant. The Foundation reported that 57 schools requested $1.64 million in equipment and technology advancement support to improve welding and technical education spaces.
Those requests highlight the continuing need for modern equipment and training environments that reflect current industry practices.
The Foundation’s programs also demonstrate how education can create direct pathways into employment and apprenticeship opportunities.
In Durham, Ontario, 13 high school students participating in a partnership program received apprenticeship offers after completing the program. Collectively, the students also earned 28 CWB welder qualifications.
Creating stronger connections between career awareness, technical education, recognized qualifications and employers is a central component of the Foundation’s workforce development strategy.
Welding and joining skills extend well beyond a single occupation. They provide foundational skills for multiple Red Seal trades and support industries including construction, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, transportation and advanced technologies.
As these sectors continue to require qualified workers, expanding access to modern welding education can help create a more sustainable pipeline from initial career awareness through training, qualification, apprenticeship and employment.
Through continued collaboration with education, industry, government and community partners, the CWB Foundation plans to continue strengthening those pathways and helping more Canadians pursue careers in welding and the skilled trades.
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