As Saint John, New Brunswick, navigates the evolving economic landscape of late 2025, businesses are keenly focused on workforce development and fostering local talent. With the colder months approaching, many industries are investing in training and upskilling initiatives to prepare for future growth. Amidst this proactive environment, a local company is making significant strides in bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled tradespeople for the region.

Saint John’s own Ready Arc Training and Testing is at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating a powerful model for industry-education collaboration. This welder training and post-secondary centre has been instrumental in providing free training and resources to high school welding teachers across New Brunswick, directly impacting the quality of education students receive and their readiness for the workforce.

Welding Education with Real-World Impact

Jason Martin, owner and president of Ready Arc, champions the integration of industry expertise into educational settings. His philosophy is simple: “Get out there. Jump in. It’s a win-win for everybody involved.” This approach is clearly yielding positive results, with students showing increased engagement and greater confidence in passing their welding exams.

The program extends beyond teacher training. Ready Arc’s team regularly visits classrooms, offering invaluable insights and support to students considering a career in welding. This direct interaction helps solidify the talent pipeline and builds early relationships with potential future employees. A key component of their initiative is facilitating official Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) testing for high schoolers at a reduced rate, often covering a significant portion of the costs to ensure financial barriers don’t hinder participation.

“A student’s financial situation shouldn’t be a barrier for this kind of programming,” Martin states, emphasizing the program’s value. This hands-on experience, including CWB testing at Ready Arc’s facilities, provides students with a realistic understanding of the pressures and expectations of a career in the trades, fostering resilience and confidence in a supportive environment.

A Collaborative Approach to Workforce Development

Ready Arc’s commitment ensures that educators are equipped with up-to-date industry standards, directly benefiting students and the broader industry. This initiative aligns perfectly with Opportunities NB (ONB)’s mission to promote student retention and help New Brunswick companies meet their workforce needs. ONB proudly supports programs like the Centres of Excellence, which provide students with real-world work experience alongside world-class employers. You can learn more about these initiatives at https://centresofexcellencenb.ca/.

The success of Ready Arc’s program underscores the immense value of collaboration between industry, education, and the community. It’s a testament to how local businesses in Saint John are actively shaping a skilled and confident future workforce, contributing significantly to the region’s economic vitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ready Arc Training and Testing?

Ready Arc Training and Testing is a Saint John-based welder training and post-secondary centre dedicated to providing high-quality welding education and certification.

How does Ready Arc support high school students?

Ready Arc offers free training and resources to high school welding teachers, conducts classroom visits, provides support to students, and facilitates official Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) testing at a reduced rate for high schoolers.

What are the benefits of this program for students?

Students gain increased engagement, improved confidence in exams, a better understanding of industry demands, and valuable real-world experience, preparing them for successful careers in welding.

What is the role of Opportunities NB (ONB) in such initiatives?

ONB supports programs like the Centres of Excellence, which aim to retain students in New Brunswick and connect them with employers for real work experience, addressing current and future workforce needs.

Where can I find more information about Ready Arc?

You can learn more about Ready Arc’s initiatives and their impact on welding education and industry by visiting the original article on the ONB Canada website: How Saint John’s Ready Arc is Welding Education with Industry.