As Canada’s work force ages, we are losing some of our most experienced people. We believe that Walters Group has a role to play in attracting and developing a new generation to the skilled trades in Canada. In 2013, Walters Group joined forces with Mohawk College to create the Mechanical Techniques Welding and Fabrication program.

The two-semester program gives students a unique opportunity to learn – in the classroom and on the job. As part of this program, students work one paid shift at Walters’ plant doing structural steel fitting each week. We have a dedicated lab environment for training, where students have an opportunity to work directly on client projects under the supervision and mentoring of a trainer.

When not working at Walters, the students take classes at Mohawk’s skilled trades campus including level-one apprenticeship training as well as courses in health and safety, professional practice, trade math, quality systems and communication.

The feedback from the students has been extremely positive.