Walters Group recently partnered with the Conestoga College – Welding & Fabrication Technician program. Conestoga students will have the opportunity for paid Experiential Learning onsite at one of Walters local operations in Princeton, Ontario. New to Conestoga, the Walters Group Welding and Fabrication program has been in existence with long-standing partners Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.
Conestoga second-year students will have one day free of regular weekly classes to attend the Walters program. In addition, Walters is setting up the program to include structured on-the-job training that lines up with elements of the Metal Fabricator (Fitter) apprenticeship trade (Ontario trade 437A).
Founded in 1956, Walters Group is a family-owned steel construction company that serves civil, commercial, and industrial projects throughout North America. The company’s experts offer a full range of structural steel services, specializing in engineering, detailing, fabrication, delivery, and onsite installation to the construction industry. Through a network of companies, Walters provides products and services that complement the core business of structural steel. From industry leading Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) and high-end architecturally fabricated structures to the latest lightweight flooring technology.
“As we expand and grow into new markets, taking on increasingly complex and exciting projects, we know we’ll need top talent to help us get to where we want to go. Our partnership with Conestoga will support our growth objectives by attracting college graduates to Walters. And it will positively contribute to our community by creating real-life work experiences and job opportunities for students and graduates of Conestoga college,” said Natalia Strelbytsky, Vice President, People & Culture – Walters Group.
“Conestoga’s partnership with Walters Group helps support the college’s commitment to developing career-ready graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet workforce demands. Experiential learning creates valuable real-world experiences that connect students to industry and builds stronger communities.” said Tony Thoma, Executive Dean, School of Engineering & Technology and School of Trades & Apprenticeship, Conestoga College.
Ontario has an urgent need for more skilled trades professionals to support industry competitiveness and growth. According to industry estimates, the province will need more than 100,000 new skilled tradespeople within the next decade to replace a retiring workforce and support new developments in areas such as housing and transit to meet the demands of a growing population.
About Walters
Walters Group is a family-owned steel construction company that designs, fabricates, and constructs commercial and industrial projects throughout North America. Regardless of the industry, size or complexity, we always bring the same passion and commitment to every project we take on. Named Canada’s Best Managed Company and Best Workplace – Great Place to Work, Walters current initiatives include health and safety standards, sustainability, net-zero, and supporting their commitment to a better workplace. www.waltersgroupinc.com
About Conestoga College
Conestoga is a leader in polytechnic education, delivering a full range of career-focused education, training and applied research programs through a network of campuses and training centres in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Stratford, Ingersoll and Brantford.
The two-year Welding and Fabrication Technician diploma program covers theoretical and practical learning outcomes for Level 1 and Level 2 of both the Medal Fabricator – Fitter (437A) and Welder (456A) apprenticeship programs in Ontario. Students develop high-demand skills through hands-on learning using modern equipment in a state-of-the-art facility. For more information, visit www.conestogac.on.ca