Walters Group was pleased to participate in the 2026 Skills Ontario, hosting the Metal Fabrication Competition and Elementary Workshop. Our ninth year and counting, this event is an opportunity to showcase and inspire the next generation of talent in welding and steel fabrication.
Experiencing Structural Steel Welding First-hand
The Walters Group booth featured three immersive stations focused on welding, fitting, and torch cutting. Students and attendees showed interest in all three stations, asked questions, and even tried welding. We also conducted an Elementary Workshop for Grade 7 & 8 students so they can gain some real hands-on experience with welding and metal fabrication.
Showcasing the Next Generation of Structural Steel Fabricators
The following day, we held our Metal Fabrication Competition where 12 students from across Ontario had the opportunity to showcase their skills, creativity and hard work. It was exciting to see the incredible talent and passion these participants brought to the competition. Congratulations to Grace Tomlinson for winning first place in the Metal Fabricator category! A Mohawk College graduate and now one of Walters’ full-time metal fabricators, this is an incredible accomplishment. Grace has a bright future ahead and we’re proud to have her a part of the Walters team.
Supporting the Future of Structural Steel and Skilled Trades
Year after year, we look forward to seeing new faces at Skills Ontario. Being a part of this event helps to play an important role in helping the next generation explore careers in the skilled trades, and we’re proud to be part of that experience to strengthen the world of structural steel and explore possibilities together.
A special thanks to the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) for their continued support and generous sponsorship, Russell Metals for donating all of the steel materials, Henlex for providing fume collection, Air Liquide for supplying gas for welding and thermal cutting, and Miller for providing the welding equipment used during the competition. Their generosity and support made both the workshop and competition possible.
Thank you to the colleges that help start and shape the something of future steel and for starting their journey on the right track. We’re grateful for the support from Algonquin College, Cambrian College, Conestoga College, Durham College, Fanshawe College, Fleming College, Loyalist College, Mohawk College, Niagara College, Northern College, Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre, Saulte College, Sheridan College, St Clair College and Technical Training Group. Strong education and training programs are essential to the future of metal fabrication.
Walters Group is proud to continue supporting Skills Ontario and the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Explore highlights from previous years below.