The Cap (for April 2024)
A monthly recap of the CWB Association Welding Podcast
Welcome to The Cap, a review of the guests and highlights from the past month on the CWB Association Welding Podcast.
In April, we celebrated National Volunteer Month to showcase the incredible contributions of our Chapter Executives from across Canada and globally.
If you missed any of the April episodes, you can revisit them anytime to hear from passionate and inspiring people from all corners of the world of welding.
Episode 167 with Taber Hole and Max Ceron (Apr 3)
Our first episode of the month started off strong, with Taber Hole of ITW Welding. Taber's experience spans from engineering and quality assurance to business development and sales, so listeners got a comprehensive look into the welding world.
This episode covers a lot of ground. Taber and I talked about welding as a profession, and how it has transformed from its origins in skilled labour to a sophisticated field that encompasses both art and science. We touched on welding engineering, and the need for a clearer pathway for individuals seeking to become welding engineers, as well as the importance of equipping schools and training facilities with the right tools and equipment for the future.
Education was a clear focus in this episode. The topic arose when we talked about the comparison of trade education to university or college education in terms of salary and respect. Taber made the point that tradespeople have immense technical expertise and dedication, and their contributions are just as significant as those with formal degrees. I couldn’t agree more.
Later on in the episode, we talked about the cultural shift towards safer, cleaner, and more efficient work environments, reflecting the expectations of the younger generations. Taber and I agree that inclusivity within the industry, supporting programs for LGBTQ+ individuals and women in trades, contributes to a positive and diverse workplace.
Taber is a strong believer in the importance of industry associations for networking, troubleshooting, and career development – and that’s what’s behind his involvement as a volunteer with the CWB Association Calgary Chapter. Check out our conversation here.
Episode 168 with Allison Zerr and Max Ceron (April 10)
Allison Zerr 's early experiences with welding during her high school years in Richmound, Saskatchewan, planted the seeds for her eventual career, though it wasn't a straightforward path. She initially pursued accounting in university, but soon realized that wasn’t the best route for her. After assessing her skills and interests, she chose to move to welding.
Allison experienced some challenges in her trades career, particularly around gender biases in the industry and discrimination in the workplace. She talks about how she used a gender-neutral name to get her foot in the door when she was looking for work. She landed a role with a crew that included a female supervisor, providing her with a supportive environment to hone her skills. Allison was also able to bring her strong math skills into play as her career progressed.
After getting her Red Seal in welding, she moved on to metal fabrication, all while working at the same shop. She also became a mom, and wanted more flexibility and balance. So, Allison’s path took another turn, and lead her to the Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) program powered by Orano at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, where she is now program head.
Under Allison’s leadership, the program has seen significant success, with a focus on mentorship and inclusivity. The program aims to get more women into the male-dominated skilled trades and technology programs, and offer exploratory courses, events and resources to engage and support the next generation of women welders, including those in Indigenous communities.
Allison is a past Chair of the CWB Association Saskatoon Chapter, which aligns well with her work with the WITT Program powered by Orano. Her dedication to supporting and empowering people going into and working in the trades is clear. You can listen to our conversation here.
Episode 169 with Sofia Salazar and Max Ceron (April 17)
What stood out to me in my conversation with sofia salazar wasn’t just her academic achievements – it was also her ability to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers on her way to success as an engineer in Canada. Sofia studied mechanical engineering in her native Chile before eventually moving to Canada. I loved hearing her talk about La Serena, her hometown in Chile, which is a beautiful town where some of my own family live.
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In her final year of university, Sofia applied for a scholarship with the University of Alberta, and, to her surprise, was accepted. She chose to focus on friction stir welding, which presented a complex topic of study that she was excited to look into. Sofia's discussion of her research showcases the technical side of her journey. She also shared that her goal from the beginning was to continue her education. So, after her first four-month taste of Canada, she briefly returned to Chile, applied for her master’s program, and was back in Canada again.
Later in our conversation, Sofia goes into her research in greater depth. She also shares insights into the immigration process, career opportunities in the mining industry, and the importance of networking and professional development. Her experience as a volunteer with her local CWB Association Student Chapter highlights the role of volunteering and community involvement in career advancement.
Sofia's experience shows that while technical skills are critical, the human elements of adaptability, perseverance, and community are equally vital in shaping a fulfilling and successful career. Hear more of Sofia’s story here.
Episode 170 with Chase Lettvenuk and Max Ceron (April 24)
For our last episode of the month, we revisited a previous podcast featuring Chase Lettvenuk.
Chase is a welder and an apprentice heavy duty mechanic, based in Regina, Saskatchewan, which is my hometown. Chase has taken some bold steps in his career, venturing into new territories and embracing change. Hearing his story reminds me that career paths in trades are not linear and can lead to unexpected destinations. For instance, Chase talked about how his background in welding provided him with a unique perspective that was beneficial when he moved into a sales role, particularly when dealing with technical aspects of products and understanding customer needs.
A big part of Chase's journey is his involvement in the Regina Chapter of the CWB Association. His experience as a past Chair and volunteer underscores the role of a Chapter in providing support, fostering relationships, and offering stability in a lifelong career that can take a variety of twists and turns.
Our conversation touches on the rewards of choosing a career in the trades. We both agree that the conventional emphasis on university education needs to be challenged, and that the trades can provide a fulfilling and financially viable alternative. This is an important message to spread, considering the current urgent need for more skilled tradespeople.
Chase has some big plans for the future, and I know he’ll achieve great things. Check out our conversation here.
Thank you to the CWB Association Chapter volunteers who joined the podcast in April! Find out more about a Local Chapter near you: https://www.cwbgroup.org/association/chapters
The CWB Association brings you a weekly podcast that covers what’s new and what’s happening in the world of welding. Next month, we will continue to share inspiring and informative stories from the people who are building the future of the industry.
Thank you to Canada Welding Supply, our sponsor this month who helped make the podcast possible. https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/canada-welding-supply/
You can download our weekly episodes wherever you get your podcasts, or catch them on YouTube or the CWB Association website.
Thanks for listening!
Executive Director, CWB Association
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P.S. If you’re not a member of the CWB Association, there’s no better time to join! Membership is free, and offers a full suite of amazing benefits. Join today!