Role of the CWB Welding Foundation in the funding ecosystem
The CWB Welding Foundation is a national charity created in 2013 by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) to address Canada’s growing need for skilled workers in welding, fabrication and related technologies. Working with governments, education systems, industry and community partners, it provides financial support and programming that strengthen welding education and career pathways across the country.
The Foundation focuses on access, opportunity and support for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including students, educators, Indigenous Peoples, women and other underrepresented groups. Its portfolio combines direct grants, bursaries and awards with in-kind program supports, training and curriculum resources, all aimed at modern, safe and industry-aligned learning environments.
Main funding programs and supports
The organization offers a wide range of grant and award mechanisms. For secondary schools, the Equipment and Technology Advancement Program (formerly the Capital Equipment and Consumables Grant) finances upgrades to welding labs, tools, consumables and technology. The CWB WeldSAFE™ grant program equips schools with PPE kits and safety resources so every student can learn in a safe, properly outfitted shop.
Educators can also access curriculum support licences for CWB-developed online modules, professional development through educator training, and support for student-led community projects such as the Forged by Youth Award, which provides a monetary award to welding programs. For learners, the Foundation administers multiple national and regional bursaries and awards, including the Hugh A. Krentz Student Award, Joseph G. Doria Exemplary Student Award, the Indspire Building Brighter Futures bursary for Indigenous students, as well as several named welding bursaries.
Programs, research and impact
Beyond grants and bursaries, the CWB Welding Foundation delivers or co-funds hands-on programming such as Mind Over Metal™ youth camps, Arx & Sparx camps, Women of Steel™ pre-employment initiatives, welding workshops, simulator lending programs and supervisor upskilling courses. These initiatives are often delivered in partnership with schools, colleges and community organizations and rely on co-investment from industry sponsors.
The Foundation publishes annual impact reports and thematic studies, including its multi-year State of Safety in Secondary Welding Labs series, to document how investments in equipment, PPE, training and curriculum improve safety and outcomes for students and educators. Interactive maps and annual reports highlight metrics such as total funds invested, number of programs delivered, youth participants reached, scholarships awarded and educators upskilled across Canada.
Governance, partners and beneficiaries
Guided by a volunteer board drawn from education, industry and the public sector, and supported by a dedicated staff team, the CWB Welding Foundation positions itself as a bridge between industry needs and education capacity. Funding comes from corporate partners, individual donors and public programs, and is reinvested into schools, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and individual learners pursuing careers in welding and materials joining.
Through this mix of grants, awards and program delivery, the Foundation contributes to a sustainable, diverse welding workforce that supports Canada’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
