Aurora College’s School of Trades and Industrial Training partnered with the Native Women’s Association of the NWT to host its first WeldHER+ Workshop this April at Thebacha Campus in Fort Smith. Five women from across the territory completed 54 hours of hands-on introductory training in welding and joining. WeldHER+ is part of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Foundation’s Women of Steel™ initiative, which encourages women to explore careers in welding and the skilled trades. Participants attended the Fort Smith workshop between April 7 and 17 to develop technical skills, earn online micro-credentials, enhance employability, and become eligible for job placements — all at no cost. The Native Women’s Association sponsored travel, while Aurora College and CWB covered training costs.
“This was a perfect chance for women in the North to try welding and see if it’s a career they might enjoy,” said Duane MacDonald, Chair of the School of Trades and Industrial Training. “It was a real hit.”
MacDonald noted the college has worked closely with CWB for several years and welcomed the opportunity to bring this program north as a way to raise awareness about trades training. Participants this year came from Fort McPherson, Hay River, Fort Smith, and Kakisa.
Planning is already underway for next year’s workshop, with hopes of welcoming participants from every region of the NWT.
