Lakeland College's first intro to welding course has created exciting opportunities for 11 Indigenous students from Onion Lake, Sask., in a matter of weeks.

With limited experience in the trade, students like Carlyle Skeenum and Tyrell McAdam learned and explored the fundamentals of welding through hands-on grinding, welding and fitting exercises at the college's Energy Park Site in Lloydminster. In this supportive learning environment, students immersed themselves in industry-relevant programming.

“I had a little bit of knowledge at the start, but now I can say that I have gained a lot of welding knowledge. The most intriguing part was learning about plasma welding because I've never seen that done before. The instructors were very helpful and assisted us with whatever we needed,” Skeenum says of his experience.

They also learned welding terminology, power and hand tool familiarity, electrode selection, workplace etiquette, and oxy-acetylene safety.

Even with welding experience from high school, McAdam adds the module was a worthwhile opportunity to boost his confidence. “On my first day, I was nervous. On my last day, I didn't want to leave but learn more. I learned a lot in a short time, so I'm looking forward to taking up an apprenticeship, possibly.”

The students culminated their Lakeland experience with a WHMIS and course completion certificate, and a look at work-integration opportunities. They toured Lynco Energy Services and League Projects, two oilfield companies in Lloydminster, to discuss employment opportunities that could kickstart their career as an apprentice. The students also have the choice to enroll in Lakeland's pre-employment welding course, which includes a practicum placement with industry such as Lynco Energy Services and League Projects.

Their experience also included a welcome luncheon from Rikki Ducharme, Lakeland's manager of Indigenous Support Services, who brought bannock and chilli. The students visited the Vermilion campus to tour the shops, classrooms, residence and recreation centre.

This marks the first cohort of Lakeland's three-week introductory to welding course offered to Onion Lake Cree Nation. There are various exposure camps and further trades camps scheduled for industry connectivity. Lakeland's School of Trades and Technology also offers pre-employment automotive service technician and electrician programs, as well as six apprenticeship programs: automotive service technician, carpentry electrician, heavy equipment technician, parts technician and welding.

Photos: Top - Some of the students enrolled in Lakeland's intro to welding course at the Energy Park Site. Bottom - Lakeland trades instructor Owen Lakusta instructs an intro to welding student.