Welding Education & Training Centre of Excellence represents $6.5 million investment in local economy

Canadian Welding Bureau celebrates completion of 18,000 square foot training and testing facility in Nisku, Alberta

NISKU, AB, Sept. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, local dignitaries and members of industry joined the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB), the national regulator of welding professionals and companies across Canada, in opening the doors to its new Western Region Office in Nisku, Alberta.

The 18,000 square foot facility will serve as a Welding Education & Training Centre of Excellence helping to support local industries need for qualified skilled labour by offering enhanced education, training and certification for welders, supervisors, engineers and inspectors, as well as non-destructive testing technicians. 

"The Canadian Welding Bureau exists to ensure that the Canadian welding industry remains a global leader in both safety and quality," says Doug Luciani, President and CEO, CWB Group.  "This new education and training centre represents CWB's continued investment to guarantee only properly trained and qualified welding professionals are involved in Canadian projects."

The Western Region Office represents a $6.5 million investment in the local Edmonton economy and has already created over 100 local jobs during its construction. With five classrooms, welding practical training facilities, NDT practical training facilities and the first CWB welder testing centre, over 10,000 professionals are expected to pass through the facilities doors each year to complete one or more of 90 programs to be offered by CWB.

"By investing in Western Canada we will be able to increase CWB's training and testing capabilities to support skilled trades requirements in the region and provide more efficient services to our clients," says Cam Edgar Vice President, Services, CWB Group.

Welding is an important part of Canada's economic development and a high demand trade, which is critical for the success of many major development projects across the country. Key to successful welding is having properly trained and qualified welders to do the work. With the increasing shortage of qualified welders, training has never been a more critical issue. This new location will continue to support the local economy and help bridge the skills gap for a high demand trade.

"The future success of key Canadian industries depends on a growing pool of qualified welders," said James Rajotte MP for the Alberta riding of Edmonton-Leduc. "This type of investment is an excellent example of industry taking a leadership role to address the issue."

About CWB:

The CWB Group is Canada's only national welding oversight organization. It is mandated, through the Canadian building codes and other national, provincial and regional legislations to ensure the quality of construction of Canada's welded environment – including buildings, bridges, towers and other steel and aluminum items. As a not-for-profit, in operation for over 65 years, the CWB Group provides local certifications, qualification and training services to Canadian codes and standards to the welding and constructions industry across Canada.

With offices in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, CWB's team of over 250 staff provide true national services from BC to Nunavut to Newfoundland and all places in between.  The CWB is also responsible for certifying international companies and their personnel involved in building products or providing welder consumables destined for use within Canada or projects destined for Canada.   Regardless of the location or type of services provides – CWB Group's mandate is to ensure the safety of Canadians and the environment though the proper application and enforcement of Canada's national codes and standards.

SOURCE: The Canadian Welding Bureau

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Tia Thomas, Consultant - Environics Communications, 416-969-2729, [email protected]