New mobile welding lab launched for indigenous students

PONOKA -- Wolf Creek Public Schools has launched its new mobile welding lab for indigenous students in Ponoka.

The program kicked off on Oct. 5, 2026, with twelve students from the Brick Learning Centre and Ponoka Secondary Campus. According to the school division, the goal is to create new opportunities for students who are looking to pursue the welding trade.

The mobile welding lab is currently located at the bus yard between PSC and the school division office. Indigenous Red Seal welder and Instructor Quinton Potts says some of the students are already asking how they can get into the trade after they graduate. 

"I think they will have a good foundation at the end of the day," said Potts. "I want them to have fun and realize that they can do these things, work with their hands, and it's great for them to see people like us in the trades."

The welding program teaches the students basic skills of welding, along with safety procedures. The students will also become familiar with hand clamps, drill presses, small tacking techniques, and many different hand tools. Shyla Baile, PSC indigenous student success coach, says she has observed eager and engaged students in the early days of the program.

"Even at 8:20 in the morning they are ready to start and jump into their projects," said Baile. "Some of them are even working on their projects through lunch."

Following the introductory welding camp at Ponoka Secondary, the mobile welding lab will be relocated to Bentley School. It will return to Ponoka in the spring for an advanced welding camp.