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The Ontario government is marking the opening of a new state-of-the-art welding training facility in Milton that is expected to help train thousands of skilled trades workers over the next five years.
The upgraded training centre, operated by CWB Group, received more than $1.46 million through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Capital Stream. The investment will allow the facility to train up to 5,740 additional students and aspiring welders by 2031.
Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini said the project will help meet growing demand for skilled trades workers as the province continues to build housing, transportation infrastructure, hospitals and schools.
The project transformed approximately 12,000 square feet of CWB Group’s Milton headquarters into a modern training hub featuring 15 welding booths, classrooms, an exam room, industrial equipment space and dedicated electric vehicle training areas. The centre will also incorporate virtual and augmented reality technology into training programs.
“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,” says Milton MPP Zee Hamid. “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.”
According to the province, Ontario employed about 25,300 welders in 2025, with an average wage of $30.99 per hour. The government estimates more than 400,000 skilled trades-related workers will be needed over the next decade to replace retiring workers and meet growing labour demands.
“Hands-on learning opportunities are essential for strengthening Milton’s skilled and fast-growing workforce,” says Milton Mayor Gord Krantz. “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.”
The expansion is part of Ontario’s broader effort to modernize training facilities and increase access to skilled trades education across the province.
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