The Aurora College in Fort Smith, N.W.T. offered a free workshop to train Indigenous women in welding. The WeldHER+ Workshop aimed to help create new job opportunities for women and help them find job opportunities in skilled trades otherwise dominated by men.

The WeldHER+ Workshop, held from April 7 to 17, is part of the Canadian Welding Bureau’s Women of Steel initiative. The free workshop offers valuable skills and experience through 54 hours of basic welding training, safety certification, and exposure to industry standards. Participants learn valuable trade skills while creating a strong sense of community.

The workshop was conducted by Richard Bird, a Red Seal welder and carpenter. Bird typically teaches shop class at Paul William Kaeser High School and was happy with the participants’ enthusiasm and potential to see welding as a career.

Source: Carla Ulrich, CBC