The CWB Welding Foundation’s Women of Steel program has trained hundreds of women across Canada in skilled trades, addressing a significant workforce shortage in the welding industry, according to a newly released report.
The “Women of Steel: Forging Forward Impact Report,” published today, reveals that since the program’s 2022 launch, more than 200 women have gained welding qualifications and related skills, contributing to a growing but still underrepresented segment in the trades. The initiative aims to tackle the gender disparity in welding and other skilled trades, where women currently represent only 4.5 percent of the workforce, Statistics Canada data indicates.
The Women of Steel program, launched as part of the CWB Foundation’s larger efforts, focuses on preparing women for employment in welding through hands-on training and professional development. Participants have also benefited from a pilot inclusivity model designed to foster supportive workplaces for women in the trades.
“Participants received not only technical skills but also soft skills and wrap-around support to help them succeed in male-dominated workplaces,” the CWB Foundation stated in the report. “We worked with employers to improve access to employment and foster long-term retention, especially for women from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous and racialized women.”
Since its inception, the program has seen 212 participants enrolled across 18 cohorts, with 77 percent of graduates either securing employment or pursuing further education in welding. The program administered 450 welding tests, resulting in 620 welding qualifications, which the Foundation notes has improved participants’ employability.
Labour market data highlights the ongoing need for skilled welders in Canada. According to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s 2023 report, an estimated 12,485 welders will be needed between 2023 and 2027 to meet industry demand, yet only 4,088 Red Seal completions are expected over the same period.
As the CWB Foundation continues its efforts to address this shortage, it also emphasizes the broader impact of empowering women in skilled trades. “Our mission is to break down barriers and promote career exploration for everyone, regardless of identity or background,” the Foundation stated.
The CWB Foundation, a national charitable organization, focuses on supporting skilled trades careers and fostering industry partnerships to address North America’s demand for skilled workers.