WE ARE WELDERS WOMEN'S PROGRAM
Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP)
We Are Welders is a tuition-free program open to low-income women and non-binary applicants.
This 28-week program is designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and experience to increase their income and economic security. To ensure students are career-ready; the curriculum includes workshops aimed to build confidence and acquire new trades-related skills/knowledge through a mix of theory and hands-on practical learning activities. Students will complete a variety of skill-building courses followed by a nine-week work placement.
This program may be a blend of in-person and online classes. Access to a computer and the Internet will be required.
Limited support may be available for childcare and transportation (subsidy application required).
Additional program benefits to eligible applicants include:
- Tuition-Free
- Small classes
- 9-week work placement
- Students who complete in-class training will receive a tool kit for work placement
- Limited support may be available for childcare and transportation (subsidy application required)
How much does the program cost?
This program is free for all qualified participants. Limited supports, such as childcare or transportation, may be available on a case-by-case basis.
How will I know if I meet the income requirements?
Each application will be assessed based on the information provided in your application. If you are not sure if you qualify, please contact admissions@snpolytechnic.com to discuss.
| Size of family | Maximum gross family income in the year prior to enrolment ($) |
|---|---|
| 1 person(single student) | 33,699 |
| 2 persons(student and spouse OR student plus child) | 47,657 |
| 3 persons(student, spouse, and child OR student and 2 children) | 58,368 |
| 4 persons (student, spouse and 2 children OR student and 3 children) | 67,397 |
| 5 persons(student, spouse and 3 children OR student and 4 children) | 75,352 |
| 6 persons (student, spouse and 4 children OR student and 5 children) | 82,544 |
| 7 persons(student, spouse and 5 children OR student and 6 children) | 89,158 |
| 8 persons (student, spouse and 6 children OR student and 7 children) | 95,314 |
| 9 persons (student, spouse and 7 children OR student and 8 children) | 101,096 |
| 10 persons (student, spouse and 8 children OR student and 9 children) | 106,564 |
How will I know if I was accepted to the program?
All applicants will receive an email acknowledgment that their application was received and completed.
If incomplete, additional documentation will be requested. Once your application has been assessed you will be notified of your admission status.
What if I need help completing my application?
Please contact admissions@snpolytechnic.com for assistance.
What if I don’t have my OSSD?
Although your OSSD is not required to be admitted to this program, the OSSD or approved equivalent is recommended for students pursuing apprenticeship upon completion of this program. Academic upgrading such as the Academic Career Entrance (ACE) is available through various agencies.
Is there funding available for living costs while I’m in school?
Funding for this program only covers the cost of tuition. If you require assistance with living expenses, we encourage you to contact one of the many community agencies available that may be able to assist you.
Can I receive help with my childcare or transportation costs while I’m in school?
Limited funding is available to assist with these costs. Once accepted to the program please contact trades@snpolytechnic.com at Six Nations Polytechnic to request the subsidy application form.
What are the work placement requirements?
A full-time, 9-week work placement is required for program completion and is scheduled at the end of the program. Placements may be paid or unpaid (depending on student and work experience opportunity).
Program Entrance Requirements
- Be a resident of and able to work in Ontario (recommended to have proof of SIN)
- Income does not exceed Income Eligibility Criteria (see table)
- Previous year’s income tax Notice of Assessment for assessment of family income
- Minimum 16 years old or older
- Open to participants who are women or those who identify as women and/or non-binary.
Learning Outcomes
- Skills for Success
- Life Skills including Cultural and Gender Based Violence Awareness Workshops
- Job Readiness & Employability
- Introduction to Workplace Health & Safety
- Welder Level 1 Outcomes (see Skilled Trades Ontario)
- Introduction to Metal Fabrication
- Introduction to Machining
- Introduction to CADD and 3D Printing
- Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Testing will be provided
- 9-week work placement (requires successful completion of in-class courses)
Contact
Address:
411 Elgin St.
Brantford, ONN3S 7P5
General Contact:
226-493-1245
Program Contact:
admissions@snpolytechnic.com
519-445-0023 ext. 6226
Accrediting Institution
Six Nations Polytechnic
Program Length
28 weeks, full-time day delivery
Next Program Intake
- Start: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – September 19, 2025
- Work Placement: September 22 - November 21, 2025
- Career Support: November 24-25, 2025
Campus
Brantford Campus
Credential Type
We Are Welders – Woman’s Program Certificate
Funded by:
