Ontario Expands Welding Training Centre in Milton
June 17 2026
Facility upgrades will help train more than 5,700 additional workers for good-paying, in-demand jobs over the next five years
The Ontario government is celebrating the opening of a new state-of-the-art welding training centre in Milton. Supported by an investment of $1,461,814 through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, CWB Group’s upgraded training centre will help train up to 5,740 additional students and those pursuing welding careers over the next five years, strengthening the skilled trades workforce in a growing region of the province.
This investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring the next generation of skilled workers have access to the world-class training they need to land rewarding, good-paying careers. By expanding access to high-quality training, Ontario is unlocking its economic potential and ensuring the province has the skilled workforce needed to build the homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure that will protect Ontario workers and communities.
“Ontario is building the infrastructure our province depends on, and we need to strengthen our world-class workforce to deliver on that progress,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through investments like these, we are modernizing training, expanding capacity and ensuring more welders and other skilled trades workers have the skills they need for in-demand, good-paying careers.”
With the support from the SDF Capital Stream, CWB Group was able to transform approximately 12,000 square feet of its headquarters into a modern training hub featuring a welding shop with 15 booths, electric vehicle training space, classrooms, an exam room and space to support industrial equipment. The facility will deliver both hands-on and theoretical training in welding, inspection, safety and emerging technologies, including virtual and augmented reality tools.
“With the Ontario government’s support, we have designed the CWB Centre of Innovation to focus on ensuring welding and joining professionals have the skills needed to meet current and future industry demands,” said David Collie, Interim President and CEO of CWB Group. “It is a place for industry to work together to advance learning, accelerate innovation and ensure Ontario’s skilled trades remain strong and competitive.”
To date, Ontario has invested $129.4 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream to expand and modernize training facilities across the province. These investments are protecting workers and strengthening Ontario’s workforce by connecting people to in-demand careers, supporting employers and building a more competitive, resilient economy.
Quick Facts
- Applications for the SDF Capital Stream are accepted on an ongoing basis.
- There were 577,500 people employed in Ontario’s construction sector in 2025.
- In 2025 there were 25,300 welders employed in Ontario.
- The average provincial wage of a welder was $30.99 in 2025.
- It is expected that over 400,000 skilled trades-related occupations will be needed over the next decade to fill job openings due to retirements and job growth.
- The SDF Capital Stream is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
“This $1.4 million investment in the new CWB Centre of Innovation and state-of-the-art welding training facility in Milton will help ensure more local workers can access the skills and hands-on training needed for today’s in-demand careers. By expanding training capacity in the skilled trades, we are strengthening our workforce, supporting local industry and helping train thousands of workers for good-paying, rewarding jobs right here in our community. This investment reflects Milton’s continued leadership in growth and opportunity and will help ensure our community remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
– Zee Hamid
Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton
“Hands-on learning opportunities are essential for strengthening Milton’s skilled and fast-growing workforce. This new Centre of Innovation will give local employers access to even more highly skilled local talent. I’m so pleased to see CWB continuing to grow in our community and I look forward to more program graduates moving into high-demand roles right here in Milton.”
– Gord Krantz
Mayor of Milton
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