In a monumental step forward for technical education in the region, Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS) and Saugeen Sparks Training Centre (the Training Centre) have received an incredible boost.
The Training Centre is celebrating the completion of a Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) major refurbishment of the high school’s welding shop that is used to deliver Night School welding programs.
Although the welding shop recently underwent a significant refurbishment, three of the eleven welding booths were equipped with in-operable welding machines, thereby, hindering the school and the Training Centre’s ability to fully utilize all eleven welding booths. Recognizing the critical need for updated equipment, SDSS school principal Charlotte McFarlane and Training Centre Executive Director Rob Stanley, reached out to the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers.
The Boilermakers are one of the labour unions that realizes the benefit from the influx of highly skilled graduates of the Training Centre’s welding programs.
In an inspiring show of support for education and community engagement, the ‘International Brotherhood of Boilermakers’ agreed to support the region’s welding programs by purchasing three new Miller Multimatic 255 welding machines for the school.
“The generous recent contribution of the Boilermakers will replace some of the outdated equipment and ensure that students from across the region have access to state-of-the-art equipment as they develop their skills,” says Rob Stanley.
The International Indigenous Recruitment Representative, Emile Gareau, who began his apprenticeship in 1980 with Local 555, felt it important to attend the event and lend his experience as a construction Boilermaker for 31 years to the students. In 2011, Gareau was elected as Business Manager of Local 555, and re-elected in 2013. He was then appointed International Representative in 2018 and now oversees Indigenous Recruitment in Canada.
Gareau, presented a special wall-hanging from the Boilmakers to the newly created Saugeen Shores Sparks Training Centre.
The artistic piece was designed by Emile Gareau and illustrates the First Nations, Metis and Inuit people over the symbol of the International Boilermakers Union.
Students at the event held at G.C. Huston Public School also had the opportunity to hear first-hand the life-long experience of Nawash Unceded First Nation Chief Greg Nadjiwon, a retired Ironworker.
“You have no idea how being a skilled trades worker will open doors for you,” said
Chief Nadjiwon. “You can travel the world and make a very good living.
Chief Nadjiwon went on to explain that he was in university when he was offered a summer student work project job at what was then, Douglas Point. “When I received my first paycheque, I thought I’m not going back to university, I’m going into the trades,” he said, “and I never looked back.”
The implications of the Boilermakers decision to provide the welding units is far-reaching. For Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS), it means an enhanced learning environment that will attract even more aspiring welders. For the Training Centre, it means the ability to offer superior training and produce program graduates who are ready to meet the demands of a skilled workforce. In addition, for the community at large, it signifies a stronger, more skilled labor pool that will drive economic growth and prosperity.
Charlotte McFarlan, Principal of Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS), expressed her gratitude, saying, “This generous contribution from the Boilermakers International will significantly enhance our welding program, providing our students with the tools they need to succeed. We are excited about the opportunities this will create for our students and our local communities.”
Emile Gareau, National Indigenous Recruiter for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers added, “We believe in investing in the future of our workforce. By providing these new welding machines, we are not only supporting the high school and the Training Centre’s welding programs, but also ensuring that industry and local businesses continue to benefit from highly skilled and well-trained graduates from across the region”.
Maria Bertrand of the Adult Learning Centre also encouraged those who do not, as yet have their grade XII, to contact her with a view to advancing their education before becoming involved in apprenticeship training. “There is a lot we can do to help but we encourage everyone to contact us early, especially before aptitude tests are required.”
“This partnership between Saugeen District Senior School, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and Saugeen Sparks Training Centre is a remarkable example of what can be achieved when an educational institution, a labour union and a skills Training Centre come together with a shared vision for the future,” said Stanley. “Together, they are forging a brighter path for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.”
