July 11, 2023 (Carleton Place, ON) – On June 9, 22 Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) students attempted The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Flat Fillet Groove Structural Welding test, hosted at Carleton Place High School (CPHS). The CWB test is an industry-recognized standard in structural welding that requires a high degree of skill and knowledge to be successful.
The test has historically been offered to students at CPHS exclusively, but after hosting a welding skills competition in March, CPHS manufacturing teacher Norm Decou saw the value and opportunity in supporting any interested UCDSB student to attain this industry-standard certification.
Student Success Learning Partner SHSM coordinator Lauren Levac helped support the initiative, with students from across the UCDSB invited to attend a pre-test advance training session on June 2 at CPHS, hosted by Shawn Halliday from Core Gas Technologies. This pre-test session provided students with advanced training and insight into the CWB's certification, with all invited to return to CPHS on June 9 to take the CWB test.
“I would normally be very impressed if three or four students were successful on the CWB test,” explained Decou, who has coordinated several CWB testing sessions for secondary school students. “The fact that the UCDSB has 10 students who have successfully passed this test is exceptional, and a credit to our students, teachers, and community partners.”
The CWB test plate results were available during the last week of school, and the certification provides students with a significant first step towards a welding career.
“Of the students who did not meet certification guidelines, many demonstrated a very high level of skill, having only one or two defects that prevented them from being certified,” Decou added.
UCDSB students will have additional opportunities during the 2023-24 school year to complete CWB certifications, as well as other industry standard exemplars in the skilled trades.