Strengthening the welding industry through diversity: CWB Podcast Forum Highlights - Part 2

The skilled trades continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining diverse talent. This is a significant problem, considering the serious labour issues affecting Canada’s industrial productivity. A recent panel discussion explored ways the welding industry and related trades are actively working to be more inclusive and supportive of a diverse workforce.

The panel was supported by Ironworkers Local 721, CWB Association, and generous event sponsors. Attendees included welding professionals, students, apprentices, inspectors, engineers, and suppliers. Sebastian Max Ceron, the Director of the CWB Association, moderated the panel and led a lively conversation with three industry leaders: Christopher Rebelo, Welding Instructor at Ironworkers Local 721; Ryan Walters, LEL, Welding Engineering Specialist; and Victor Andrisani, Manager at CWB Consulting.

Read part 1 of this series here.

Addressing labour challenges

Max started this part of the discussion by noting that diversity and inclusion can sometimes be framed negatively, but their value in strengthening industries like welding, construction, and other trades is an overall win. Encouraging and supporting underrepresented populations in the trades is an important strategy in addressing the labour shortage.

As Chris said, “When you start talking about all the work that we potentially have, all these new projects, if you’re not inclusive and diversified, where are you going to get your workforce from? You need everybody to make this work.”

In 2023, women represented only 3.1% of welders and related machine operators in Canada. Approximately 5,200 welders and related machine operators identified as Indigenous, which is 5.8%. About 19% of all welders in Canada were immigrants (2014 to 2023), lower than the national average across all occupations (24%). (Read the 2024 CWB Group Welding Industry Report for more details about these statistics and their sources.)

Trades have long struggled with outdated perceptions. Welding in particular is often viewed as physically demanding, dangerous, and male-dominated. This perception has deterred younger generations, particularly women and other underrepresented groups, from considering these careers and joining the workforce.

In reality, skilled trades offer job security, high satisfaction, and competitive wages. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many trades were deemed essential, with welders and construction workers continuing to work while other industries faced layoffs. As Victor noted, “The only jobs that are truly secure are the ones where you have to be there physically.”

Beyond job security, trades offer a sense of pride and accomplishment. Ryan said that it’s the kind of work you can physically point to and feel that your efforts have left a lasting impact, like a skyscraper, bridge, or an infrastructure project.

Visibility and representation matter

One of the most significant barriers to diversity in skilled trades is visibility. As Ryan said, “It’s hard to be what you don’t see.” Max remarked that he had never had a woman, Indigenous person, or person of colour as a boss or foreman in all his years in the industry. This lack of representation affected him: “For a long time, I thought that I could never have those jobs.”

Representation matters. Without role models in action – whether they are women, people of colour, or Indigenous people – aspiring tradespeople may not see themselves succeeding in a trade. This is how the cycle of exclusion is perpetuated, leaving a wealth of talent untapped.

Each of the panellists said the journey toward a more diverse workforce begins with exposure to welding in middle and high schools. Many young people don’t get this exposure because of the lack of available programs in their schools, thanks in large part to many years of under-funding of trades programs. Reintroducing these programs and improving their quality is needed to help spark interest and dispel myths about the trades.

Ryan and Victor both spoke about the work of the CWB Foundation to address these issues. The CWB Foundation delivers the Women of Steel program to introduce women to welding through intensive training programs, and Arx and Sparx camps to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in exploring welding. Efforts like these provide supportive learning and hands-on experience, creating pathways into the industry for underrepresented groups.

While programs like Women of Steel are helping to close the gender gap, significant barriers remain. Panellists discussed the importance of not only attracting women to the industry but also supporting their long-term success. This includes ensuring they have opportunities to advance into leadership roles, such as superintendents and project managers.

Diversity is a strength

Max pointed out that everyone has a responsibility to make the workplace safe and inclusive. This resonated with the other speakers. Chris, speaking from the perspective of a labour union, said, “It's all about being a family. When we talk about union, we talk about brothers and sisters. We want to represent everybody.”

From Ryan’s perspective, the best time to introduce diverse individuals to the skilled trades is the middle school/high school level. “That inflection point, where you can catch the biggest and broadest group of folks, is with outreach programs in schools. The CWB Foundation does a tremendous amount of work in this space, and there could be a lot more investment there.”

Diversity brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater resilience to make teams stronger. Considering the essential role that welding and other skilled trades play in society, the importance of supporting a diverse and united workforce can’t be understated.

As Chris so eloquently put it, “When you cook, you don’t only use salt – you use the whole pantry.” Embracing differences “adds flavour” and strengthens the industry, making it more adaptable and competitive.

The Podcast Forum shared a realistic yet hopeful view of the welding industry in the GTA – one filled with rewarding careers, ample opportunities for growth, and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.

To hear more from the panel about supporting the welders and skilled tradespeople of the future, check out the full recording here.

The CWB Association is a not-for-profit division of the CWB Group, mandated to promote and support the welding and joining industry in Canada. The CWB Association is represented throughout Canada by a loyal and diverse Chapter membership of more than 70,000 professionals and companies. By joining industry, communities, educators, and professionals, the CWB Association creates strong connections in support of a strong industry. Membership is free, and offers a full suite of amazing benefits. Learn more: CWB Association.