Through the Skills for Change’s new WeldUp workforce development program, internationally trained welders can receive Canadian certification without having to retrain.
Skills for Change (SfC) is a Canadian non-profit that helps Newcomers and underserved individuals access employment training, mentorship, and opportunities so they can succeed in the workplace and their communities.
Its new WeldUp program is a specialized workforce development program designed to help internationally trained welders upgrade their technical skills, gain industry-recognized training and certification, and find employment in Ontario’s manufacturing and skilled trades sectors where demand for qualified personnel continues to grow.
Funded through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP) and delivered through a partnership with Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and employers across the welding sector, WeldUp provides no cost advanced technical training to eligible participants.
Connecting talent with opportunity
The program focuses on in-demand welding processes, including Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and SMAW (Stick Welding), through two distinct streams — the 20-hour Direct Certificate Pathway for more experienced welders needing competency assessments and training to meet Canadian standards and the 60-hour Skills Upgrading Pathway for semi-experienced welders to enhance their skills and knowledge. Both pathways offer wraparound support to help participants understand Canadian workplace culture, safety requirements, and employer expectations. Upon completing the program, participants are workplace ready.
By partnering with SfC, employers have access to a pool of pre-screened and motivated welders with international welding experience and Canadian certification. SfC handles pre-screening and follow-ups, along with ongoing support and collaboration, to ensure employers receive only the best-fit candidates.
If you are an internationally trained welder looking to upgrade your professional qualifications or an employer seeking job-ready welders, please visit skillsforchange.org/weldup to learn more.
