WELDING THE PATH FORWARD

Welding Engineering Technologist Professor Nicole LeClair got a bursary to pursue her passion. Now she’s providing that to the next generation of welders.

LeClair has set up a yearly $1,500 scholarship for an Ontario student entering any year of a postsecondary welding program. Applications are now open through the Canadian Welding Bureau’s (CWB) Welding Foundation.

It is her legacy, she says, and her way to give back.

“I am looking forward to seeing this grow over the course of my lifetime.”

No one ever suggested the trades to her as a career path, but she found it herself, falling in love with welding during a night-school class. She then enrolled in Cambrian's Welder Fitter program where she was just one of two women in a class of 65 and graduated second highest overall. She then pursued Welding Engineering Technology at Conestoga College and received a $1,000 bursary from the CWB, which she never forgot.

Since then, she has been an advocate and mentor for the field, speaking at high schools and women’s career events. There is tremendous demand in a career that offers good pay, variety, lifelong-learning and advancement.

She found her “perfect job” when she started teaching at Mohawk in 2016.

“I feel so uplifted and grateful for this job and those I work with.”

_{Learn more about the Nicole LeClair Welding Bursary Award at easydonate.com/NicoleLeClair.}

Page 14 - Spring 2019 Momentum

https://www.mohawknewsdesk.ca/momentum-magazine-spring-2019/