CWB Group partners with Skills for Change to deliver new micro-credentialing program

Trades workers enhance their skills every day. Whether it's developing better techniques or adopting new technologies, professional growth is an ongoing experience. At times it can be challenging to demonstrate mastery of these new skills to employers, making career advancement more difficult.

That is where micro-credentialing comes in. A highly visible way to demonstrate expertise to employers, micro-credentialing is critical for standing out in a competitive marketplace. Through these tools, individuals can continue their professional learning and growth and develop new skills and competencies relevant to their workplace. Additionally, micro-credentialing is characterized by its short duration, flexibility, market relevance, and ability to be offered by a variety of training providers.

Testing the Role of Micro-credentials

Canada's economy is rapidly evolving, and so is the nature of work. Given the emerging role of new technologies in many industries, the Ontario government has recognized that skills development solutions are required to keep pace with the changing demands of the workforce and to ensure that the province’s labour force has the skills needed to succeed today and tomorrow. The Welding and Employment Skills Training (WEST) program, funded by the RapidSkills initiative, is part of the government of Ontario's commitment to support workers, including laid-off, at-risk, and underutilized workers; develop the skills they need to secure and keep good jobs; and help employers build the workforce they need to grow their businesses.

The primary goal of RapidSkills is to encourage the development and test the potential of short-duration, industry-sensitive training to help more workers gain the kinds of in-demand skills that employers are looking for. This will enable the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to better understand the role micro-credentials could play in the province's skills training ecosystem and learn more about how to adequately address some of the training gaps that currently exist in Ontario.

The CWB Group team was given the opportunity to speak to some of the participants from the program. Britnee Miazek, who is currently enrolled, shared her first impressions with us. "The teachers and their assistants try to adhere the program to your skillset and make it so that no matter what your experience beforehand, the program is tailored to you … I knew I needed more certifications and did not want to let this incredible opportunity slip by, especially considering how COVID-19 affected the end of my Metal Fabrication Technician Program. Ten full weeks of hands-on training in a dream facility plus being taught by the teachers at the CWB Group is beyond incredible."

Transitioning Roles

The WEST program was developed through a partnership between the CWB Group and Skills for Change, an Ontario-based organization. The program will assist 24 laid-off, at-risk, or underutilized automotive or advanced manufacturing workers transitioning into different roles in the industry.

The 13-week program will provide in-class and hands-on training that will focus on specific skills needed in many of the high-demand welding manufacturing industries. The program will also provide mentoring, soft-skills training, interview preparation, and resume-building workshops to ensure that participants have all the necessary resources at their disposal to not only re-enter but also succeed in the workplace. Industry guest speakers and participation in virtual job fairs will also be provided during the training sessions.

"When I leave this program, I'll be a better welder, have improved skills, leave with tickets, and be more employable in the trades," said Jean Faucher, another student currently enrolled. Graduation from the program will lead to an entry-level position within the industry and CWB welder qualification tickets under CSA W47.1 standard for the GMAW and FCAW/MCAW processes.

This initiative is designed with the prosperity of the industry in mind. Welding professionals will benefit by upgrading their skills and accessing a suite of career development services to secure employment in one of the many sectors desperate for skilled professionals.

Note: The project is funded in part by the government of Canada and the government of Ontario.

Husam Mansour is program director of the NWPCA, husam.mansour@cwbgroup.org, 800-844-6790 ext. 267, www.cwbgroup.org.