KDSS welding students among those benefiting from substantial donation

Thanks to the Canadian Welding Association Foundation, students enrolled in welding courses at nine Bluewater District School Board secondary schools are learning their trade with the added benefit of some new state-of-the-art head gear.

A recent donation of 69 auto-darkening welding helmets, which was made to the board’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), is yet another powerful example of the ongoing commitment by partnering businesses and organizations to support local students pursuing career-related training in the skilled trades.

Schools that have been equipped with the new helmets include: Kincardine District Secondary School, Chesley District Community School, Georgian Bay Secondary School in Meaford, Grey Highlands Secondary School in Flesherton, John Diefenbaker Senior School in Hanover, Peninsula Shores District School in Wiarton, Saugeen District Secondary School in Port Elgin, Walkerton District Community School, and West Hill Secondary School in Owen Sound.

Students and staff, alike, are expressing excitement and appreciation for the donation, which will further enhance skilled trades-related experiential learning in Bluewater District.

“We are deeply grateful to the foundation for reaching out to us with an exceedingly-generous shipment of brand new welding helmets,” says superintendent of education Jean Stephenson.

“This contribution allows us to improve upon the top-notch learning experiences and training that are being offered to local students who are considering career pathways in the skilled trades,” says OYAP co-ordinator/facilitator Dave Barrett.



The KDSS Kool Aid Girls sport welding masks, donated by the Canadian Welding Association Foundation; photo courtesy of the Bluewater District School Board