Take a break, we’re on Smoko! We’re joined by Emma Priestner, a Technical Education Specialist with the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Foundation and a driving force behind transformative initiatives like the Women of Steel program. Emma shares her inspiring journey, from her first welding certification experience at a Women of Steel workshop to becoming a leader shaping the future of trades education in Western Canada.
Emma dives into the profound impact of the Women of Steel program, highlighting its role in breaking barriers, offering accessible certification opportunities, and empowering women to pursue fulfilling careers in welding and skilled trades. She also explores the broader work of the CWB Foundation, including programs like Arcs and Sparks for Indigenous youth, Mind Over Metal workshops for adults and students, and educator training initiatives.
Emma discusses her passion project, Hashira Ladies, an organization she founded to foster female representation in motorsport drifting. She reflects on the unique challenges and triumphs of building safe and inclusive spaces in traditionally male-dominated arenas.
Emma's story is a testament to the power of resilience, representation, and community-building. Join us on Smoko as we celebrate Emma's journey and her dedication to building vibrant, inclusive communities in both the welding and motorsport worlds.
The CWB Foundation:
The CWB Foundation is a national charitable organization dedicated to advancing skilled trades careers, including welding and materials joining. Committed to preparing the future workforce and fostering inclusivity, we collaborate with partners to support the demand for skilled professionals, contributing to North America’s economic prosperity. Our mission is to forge partnerships between industry, education, and government, empowering individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Through innovative programs, we reduce barriers and promote awareness and access to career exploration, regardless of identity factors or social and financial status.
The CWB Foundation works with delivery and funding partners to deliver hands-on awareness camps for youth, pre-employment programs for adults, educator training for technical educators, as well as invests in the future of industry through grants for welding education programs and student awards.
- www.cwbweldingfoundation.org
- www.facebook.com/cwbweldingfoundation
- twitter.com/cwb_foundation
- www.instagram.com/cwbweldingfoundation/
- www.linkedin.com/company/cwb-welding-foundation/
Women of Steel:
The Women of Steel program is designed to empower women and non-binary individuals to pursue careers in welding and welding-related industries. Through collaboration and partnership, the program provides participants with valuable skills and experience through virtual and hands-on learning opportunities in a safe and inclusive space. This initiative directly addresses the skilled labour gap and promotes gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields, encouraging women to explore and excel in well-paying and fulfilling careers in the skilled trades and technologies.