Prime Highlights:
The new welding shop is expected to open by September 2025, with courses available for students to register for in March.
The project, costing approximately $400,000, is funded by local businesses, including Southland Trailers, with no taxpayer money required.
Key Background:
Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge, Alberta, has begun the construction of a modern welding shop aimed at bridging the gap between education and real-world trade skills, addressing Canada’s ongoing shortage of skilled labour. This initiative is part of the school’s broader effort to provide students with practical learning opportunities in fields such as fine arts, athletics, and now, skilled trades.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on January 31, 2025, was attended by local officials, school staff, and community partners. Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf expressed his pride and excitement for the project, calling it a significant step for the school and the community. Tracy Wong, principal of Winston Churchill, emphasized the importance of the new facility, which fills a long-standing need for a welding program at the school. The shop is expected to open by September 2025, with welding courses available for students to register for in March.
The school faced a challenge in recruiting a qualified welding instructor but has now found the right fit in Colton Garner, an experienced educator with a background in helping other schools establish welding programs. Garner expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the opportunity to provide students with hands-on experience in a controlled environment, preparing them for careers in the trades.
The project is funded by local businesses, with Southland Trailers as the primary contributor. The $400,000 cost is covered by private donations, ensuring that no taxpayer money is required for the project. Other notable contributors include Neu-Lite Electric Inc., Top Notch Mechanical, and Eecol Electric, among others. Industry leaders, including Ashton Ervin of Southland Trailers, believe that the welding shop will play a key role in promoting skilled trades as a viable career path for young people. As demand for skilled workers continues to rise, they hope this initiative will inspire other schools and industries to follow suit, offering students valuable opportunities to enter the workforce without accumulating debt.
