A dozen ambitious new welders empowered with skills, credentials and confidence are ready to contribute to the world of manufacturing after completing the Women of Steel™: Forging Forward Program at RRC Polytech. The dynamic group of talented and passionate women celebrated the end of their classroom studies and the beginning of their two-week workplace practicums with cake, certificates and conversation with industry partners at a recent informal luncheon on the Notre Dame Campus.    

RRC Polytech partnered with the CWB Welding Foundation to offer the tuition-free program that provides experiential learning for anyone who identifies as female and is interested in exploring welding or working in other welding-related skilled trades as they present a stable career choice with many options for women.

The federally funded program also offers additional support to reduce barriers related to transportation and childcare – and in an unexpected highlight of the summer, the College’s Women of Steel™ cohort was able to say thank-you directly, during a surprise visit from the Deputy Prime Minister. In addition to showing off their skills to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, the resourceful group also took advantage of the unique opportunity to ask for tips on becoming powerful female role models in traditionally male dominated fields.     

They continued to fearlessly seek out information from the representatives of the private enterprises and the City of Winnipeg who attended the luncheon. The practicum placement hosts confirmed the high demand for tradespeople and offered assurance that the manufacturing sector is welcoming to anyone who does competent work. They advised the students to be on time, prepared to work hard and to ask questions to maximize their workplace experience.

Instructor Sara Broesky joined in the discussion to attest to the significance of the students’ accomplishment and express her personal pride in the growth they’ve demonstrated since May. She lauded their commitment to master the required skills quickly and stressed the importance of programs like Women of Steel™ that encourage women to consider careers in the skilled trades.  

“It’s truly incredible how quickly these women went from terrified to sparks flying to producing strong welds,” says Broesky. “Every one of them obtained at least one Canadian Welding Bureau certification and many earned multiple tickets which qualifies them to perform basic fabrication. It’s a strong foundation they can use to seek employment right away or can build on if they choose to pursue further training.”

The students spoke openly about their own educational journeys and shared their success stories of overcoming various challenges. Coming from widely different backgrounds, they all agreed that feeling safe and comfortable allowed them to achieve their true potential.         

Corleigh Bourns was in education, teaching band before the pandemic struck and limited her opportunities. The reset forced her to re-consider her options and while trades had been initially outside of her comfort zone, a tuition-free introduction was too tempting to pass up.

“I learned that I love welding and there was no reason for me to be intimidated,” she says. “I’m so proud of myself for taking a chance on something new and so grateful for the opportunity to work with and connect with so many inspirational women.” 

Always interested in a career in the trades, Amber Brown had dabbled in becoming a millwright, but never felt truly comfortable committing to a career path.

“Based on my own trauma I felt like I didn’t quite belong in previous trades environments. I always felt judged and unsure of my abilities even though I knew I had a passion to get in there and do good work,” says Brown. “My instructors and classmates understood those hesitations and I was surrounded with support allowing me to acquire the skills and confidence to prove that I can weld as well or better than anyone.”     

Brown says the entire class is now bonded for life, and she’s eager to help change the demographics in the trades while exploring sheet metal during her practicum at Magellan Aerospace.  

“This group of amazing women is going to achieve great things; I can’t wait to get started!”

Women of Steel™: Forging Forward is an Applied Certificate program at RRC Polytech, so each graduate will get the chance to be formally celebrated as they cross the stage to receive their parchment at Fall Convocation in November.