CEBU, Philippines - The Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) partners with a Cebuano company to open up the first training academy for welders here.

The Canadian consulate office in Cebu, headed by Robert Lee announced that CWB has signed a partnership agreement with Primary Structure Educational Foundation Inc., to open up a certification welding crash-course that is set to be opened sometime in April or May this year.

Lee said this will give greater opportunity for employment for Cebuanos, and Filipinos in general to find good-paying jobs in Canada in the welding industry.

The academy will be located at the old Sacred Heart School (for Boys). The CWB is coordinating with its non-profit division, the Canadian Welding Association (CWA) to formulate the curriculum for the training center in Cebu.

This will provide a certification for Filipino welders to work in Canada, Lee said adding that this program was introduced amid the increasing demand for welders in northern America, specifically in Canada.

Like in other countries, welding jobs is no longer limited to men, but most employers now also prefer women welders, he said.

The CWA was formed as a national membership driven association, mandated to promote and support the welding industry in Canada.

Lee said that part of the agreement was for CWB to bring in welding expert from Canada, to train the trainors here.

This is the first welding training academy to be opened by CWB outside of Canada, Lee said adding that Cebu was choosen because of the ample of supply of human resources here, and the availability of good partner, of which the Primary Structure Education Foundation Inc., was known for, providing technical and construction related skills training intially to supply the Primary Structure groups in house demand, including training for welders.

Lee said initial cost of the training fee is pegged at P150,000 for an eight-month long session, after which the CWA in coordination with the Canadian Consulate office in Cebu will be matching the graduates with employers in Canada.

The P150,000 training fee will already include the materials that will be used during the training. Some extra material expenses will be shouldered separately by students such as the personalized mask, welding jacket, among others.

The certification of CWA will assure graduates of employment opportunities there, Lee added.

Prevailing per hour rate for welders in Canada is at US$50 (Canadian dollar) per hour.

Lee said that the CWA is already on the process of formulate a special curriculum for the Welding Academy or training center in Cebu. (FREEMAN)