Ontario’s skilled trades sector gets new innovation and training hub in Milton

A new Milton facility aimed at training welders, supporting skilled trades workers and advancing manufacturing technology is now operating as a hub for Ontario’s welding and joining industry.

The CWB Group’s new Centre of Innovation, located at 8260 Parkhill Dr. in Milton, officially opened earlier this spring and is designed to bring together welders, fabricators, educators and manufacturers in a single training and innovation space.

Funded in part by the Ontario government, the facility includes a fully equipped welding and joining shop for hands-on training, a CWB-accredited testing centre for nationally recognized certifications, and an innovation hub showcasing emerging welding and manufacturing technologies.

The centre also features dedicated space for the Canadian Collision Repair Academy, electric vehicle technician training programs, and conference areas for industry events and collaborative initiatives.

CWB Group officials say the goal is to help strengthen Ontario’s skilled trades workforce while supporting innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to leverage our headquarters into a unique training centre that will advance the welding and joining industry for Milton and the surrounding areas,” said Doug Luciani, president and CEO of CWB Group, in a statement.

The organization says the facility will serve as a one-stop destination for industry professionals and students to learn new skills, test certifications and explore developing technologies in welding and advanced manufacturing.

CWB also plans to work alongside its affiliate partner EWI, an engineering consultancy specializing in advanced manufacturing technologies, to help drive innovation and training opportunities at the centre.

Although the facility is already operating, CWB Group is planning an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 8 as part of its Welding Industry Day event in Milton.

The CWB Group is a national organization that provides welding certification, training and technical services across Canada.