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MANS school near Ponoka holds welding fair

Grade 9 students were able to get some hands on welding learning
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Just one example of what the students created at the welding camp. Photo submitted

Students at Mamawi Atosketan Native School (MANS) received a real welding experience in their new building.

Working with the CWB Welding Foundation and TransCanada, the course gave students a chance to really get their hands on some welding equipment.

There were nine students involved in the camp, five boys and four girls, explained MANS vice-principal of senior high, Michael Willing. He said the girls were excelling in the camp.

“It’s been phenomenal. The kids have just jumped right into it,” said Willing.

The camp gave the Grade 9 students a chance to learn about welding safety, gas metal arc welding (GMAW), introduction to weld symbols, and a brief overview of the impact welding has on our daily lives will be part of the camp, states a press release from the CWB Foundation.

“Once the theoretical portion is completed, students will have fun putting their practical welding skills to the test. while they create their very own projects like cow bells, and a metal rose,” adds the release.

For Susan Crowley, CWB executive director, the camps are exciting because they bring hands-on experience.

“Students build confidence and have fun while being supervised by professionals in a safe environment,” said Crowley.

This whole experience was made possible thanks to many years of fundraising and preparing for the new building. Willing said they’ve been able to use the space for only about 15 weeks now and it’s been a positive experience for students.

Read More: Trades and high school grades expanded to First Nations school north of Ponoka

“The CTS building has been a major project that has created so many opportunities for youth in Ponoka and surrounding areas and will encourage Indigenous youth to further their trades training through education,” said Willing.

For more information about camp programming for 2019-20, contact the CWB Welding Foundation at mindovermetal@cwbweldingfoundation.org.

This project was made possible by donations from First Nations individuals, corporate partners, and not-for-profit organizations, including the CWB Welding Foundation.

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Getting hands-on training at the Mamawi Atosketan Native School is a student who took part in a welding camp. Photo submitted
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Two students at the Mamawi Atosketan Native School are safety ready for a welding camp. Photo submitted
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