Applications open for free welding program aimed at women and non-binary persons

WHITEHORSE, YT—Applications are now open for a pre-apprentice welding program aimed at women and those who identify as non-binary. The Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Program will be offered by Yukon University in partnership with the CWB Welding Foundation and Yukon Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT).

The program provides learning opportunities that foster education, personal growth, confidence, and experiential learning for students interested in exploring welding and other welding-related skilled trades careers. Successful applicants will have their tuition covered by the program, as well as various wraparound supports, including childcare, rent, food, and emergency subsidies, covered by YWITT.

There are 12 places open to anyone who identifies as a woman and/or non-binary, including those from racialized or marginalized groups, such as Indigenous, Black, newcomers, LGBTQ2S+, women with disabilities, or with a prolonged detachment from the labour force.

The program starts May 1 and runs until August 31. To qualify for the program, applicants must possess Grade 10 Math and English or equivalent.

"YWITT is excited to collaborate with YukonU and CWB Welding Foundation on this program by offering much-needed wraparound supports for students. By removing some of the financial barriers students face when considering a career in the trades, we hope we can support a new generation of welders across the Yukon," said Liz Peredun, executive director, YWITT.

“YukonU is proud to partner with YWITT and the Foundation to offer this Welding pre-apprentice program to women and non-binary students. Welding, and welding fabrication provides a gateway to skilled trades and other related professions, and offers a well-paying, stable career choice with many options,” said Jeff Wolosewich, department head, Trades, Technology and Mining, Yukon University.

The program includes practical theory, hands-on welding training, and skills development in a safe and supportive environment, with a flexible schedule to balance responsibilities. Short training periods will involve the participants in several welding processes, with the ability to obtain multiple CWB welding qualifications in various positions with multiple processes making graduates ready for apprenticeship, post-secondary, and employment.

Applicants must attend an information session before applying. Information sessions are being held at Ayamdigut campus on March 9 at 12:00 p.m. and March 16 at 5:00 p.m. They are also hosting one online via Zoom on March 17 at 12:00 p.m. Email tradesadmin@yukonu.ca for more information and the Zoom link.

YukonU is one of 14 hosts across Canada for CWB Welding Foundation’s The Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Program initiative.

More information can be found at yukonu.ca/programs/welding-for-women-and-non-binary/.