Ready Arc Training and Testing

Meet One of Our Latest 🌟Star Students🌟
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Blair, what were you up to before coming here? - I spent 5 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, with the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. That was out of Petawawa, Ontario and after I finished up my second contract, I moved back home to Antigonish, Nova Scotia. From there, it was on to figuring out what I wanted to do next. First I was just kind of working here and there around Antigonish. I worked with a local company, Steelmac, doing rebar and then did some lobster fishing. Eventually I simply moved towards thinking about Ready Arc as my next step.

Why welding? - I have several family members that are Boilermakers, so it was always a work field within my family. That definitely had influence on my decision, but I honestly just wanted to give it a shot. Over my time here at Ready Arc, I think I grasped it well and found something I really enjoy doing.

What made you choose Ready Arc? - I didn’t have any prior welding experience, so it was a field I didn’t have much information on. I decided to just drive down here to Saint John in July 2025 to meet with Jason. He had really good things to say that motivated me to actually move forward I did consider the college course at home in Nova Scotia at first, but I just kept leaning towards Ready Arc. I had a cousin that trained here and he had nothing but good things to say. I was attracted to the fast pace too, getting all those tickets within six months and getting back out into the workforce. Especially being a mature student, it definitely helps getting everything you need to get back to work as soon as possible.

So, how were your six months with us? - At first, I found it pretty overwhelming because there is a lot to learn. They weren’t kidding when they said there’s a lot of book work like theory, blueprint, and math. It all has to be done. But the welding took off really well for me, better than I even thought it would – everything just kind of started to click. I felt like I moved at a good pace through the course and I really enjoyed pipe welding. Plus, I made some really good friends along the way.

As for the instructors, Jason’s really good in the classroom with his experience with Blueprint Math. He passes off his knowledge so well. Steve, I got to hand it to him, he takes care of a lot of stuff and is extremely knowledgeable. He was in the shop with us every day, and puts a lot of time into each student. Marius was great too, another very knowledgeable instructor.

You made it to graduation day. What’s next? - Right now, I’ve already got my application process moving with Local 73. I am hoping to kind of follow the family tree and take that route. We’ll see what happens, but I’m just really excited to see what comes next and kick off my welding career.

A few months ago, our latest group of grads spent a day helping us with a Ready Arc photo shoot and our high school CWB Test Day (shout-out to Touchakis Photography-Photography by Andrew J. Touchakis) — and looking back at those photos now, it’s pretty cool to see how far they’ve come. 🔥

Their time at Ready Arc has been about more than just learning to weld. It’s been about showing up, putting in the work, learning from each other, and keeping a good attitude through the challenges along the way.

These photos capture a little piece of their journey, from the laughs and good times to the hard work that got them to graduation day. We’re proud of the skills they’ve developed, and just as proud of the attitude and commitment they brought every day.

Congratulations to the Class of August 2026 — we’re excited to see where the next chapter takes you! 👏🎓⚡

All ready for another CWB day!

Friday, May 29 was our High School CWB Test Day, and what a day it was!

We welcomed students and teachers from five local high schools, along with a few special guests and a photographer who captured the day's excitement.

In total, 34 students earned their CWB certifications, and we couldn't be prouder of their accomplishment. Congratulations to all the students who participated, and thank you to Hampton High School, Simonds High School, Belleisle Regional High School, Sussex Regional High School, and Saint Malachy's Memorial High School for supporting this initiative and helping students take an important step toward their future in the skilled trades.

Special thanks to Touchakis Photography-Photography by Andrew J. Touchakis for capturing the event. You can download many more photos from the day here! https://atouchakisphotography.pic-time.com/-ready-arc-training--testing-2026/gallery

It's CWB Test Day once again for some local high school students! Wish them luck👌

CWB Welding Foundation

😁🍕🍕🍔🌭 Pizza, moose burgers and hotdogs!!
Friday Feast before the long weekend.....now its just to keep them from falling asleep in the welding booths this afternoon!!!

Welding Theory is a big part of what we do at Ready Arc. It gives students the theoretical knowledge they need to aid them in their practical training.