From left to right: Teacher Shane Chatterton, Wyatt Mifsud, Caleb Patterson, Jade Scichilone, William MacDougall, Anthony Perry, Jonah Martin, Dominick Tremblay and Jonathan Tremblay. (Image: Jason Martin)
The welding fabrication class at Kennebecasis Valley High School has received a much-needed donation of welding supplies.
Ocean Steel & Construction has donated a one-year supply of consumables through an initiative coordinated by Ready Arc Training and Testing.
That includes items like welding rods, welding wire, wire brushes, grinding discs, hand tools, gloves and masks, among other things.
The donated items, which arrived at the Quispamsis school last Thursday and Friday, was welcomed by teacher Shane Chatterton.
“We do struggle to keep the steady supply of consumables like gloves and masks flowing that our students require to learn safely and effectively,” Chatterton said in a news release.
The initiative was born from a series of pro bono training sessions the team at Ready Arc provided to Chatterton’s welding class before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Jason Martin, president of the Saint John-based welding school and training facility, said it has always been their focus to support high school students interested in the welding trade.
“It’s important that our youth are given every opportunity to explore any career path they may wish to pursue,” Martin said in the release.
“Something as simple as having access to the proper supplies removes barriers and frustrations in the classroom for both teachers and students. We saw a need that could be easily fulfilled by engaging others who share our values in promoting the trades.”
After putting out a call to industry colleagues, Martin said Ocean Steel stepped forward without hesitation to lend a helping hand.
Bill Gates, general manager of Ocean Steel, said they were happy to help out with an initiative like this.
“It is important to support our youth in gaining the skills they need to be successful after high school,” said Gates.
The OSCO Construction Group and Acadia Broadcasting Limited, which owns this station, are each part of the Ocean Capital Group.
