Beyond the Classroom: Bringing Trades to Life for Educators

We were pleased to partner with the team at BWXT Technologies to deliver this hands-on learning experience for educators from across the Waterloo Region. At our most recent session, participants had the opportunity to visit BWXT Technologies for a closer look at careers in advanced manufacturing and the nuclear supply chain.

The day began with a series of presentations from industry professionals, including Carlos Flores, who spoke about welding and training pathways, Scott Bland, who shared insight into quality control roles, and Mike Culumovic alongside Devin Winget, who highlighted careers in operations and maintenance services.

Following the presentations, the group was divided into smaller groups for a guided tour of the BWXT facility. This gave educators the opportunity to see these skilled trades roles in action while gaining a deeper understanding of day-to-day operations and the inner workings of the plant.

The experience offered valuable insight into an industry that is not always widely recognized within our community, despite its significant presence and continued growth. The skilled trades, particularly within advanced manufacturing, are rapidly expanding and play a critical role in supporting the region’s workforce needs.

By engaging directly with industry professionals and experiencing the environment firsthand, educators gained practical knowledge they can bring back to their students—whether supporting those already interested in the trades or introducing new pathways to those who may not have previously considered them.

A special thank you to the team at BWXT Technologies for their partnership and for providing an engaging and informative experience for local educators.