With the provincial government announcing money for a weld shop at a post-secondary school in Manitoba, its vice president spoke to Arctic Radio about what this means for the north.

 

Neil Cooke with the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology explains there’s a critical shortage of welders in the province, stating the 4.5 million dollars to expand the weld shop will also help increase the number of students they can take in per term.

 

Cooke adds the new shop will also be used for short-term training for experienced welders.

 

He goes on to state this is a boon for the industry across the province.

 

“Because the welding field is so diverse, you can have individuals that are working in Northern Manitoba for any of the upgraded projects when they are doing work for a shut down. Where there are iron workers and boiler makers coming into play and they need those welding skills along with welders in general whether they are CWB or interprovincial certified people. North and south, there is a definite need for welders in the province.”

 

Hear the full interview with Cooke on Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon.