James Palidwar, a welding instructor at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, is a proud recipient of the American Welding Society (AWS) Educators Scholarship. The scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 for welding educators to advance their skills, is designed to help current educators in welding-related fields enhance their teaching and impact.
Last week, Olds College was honoured to welcome a few AWS leaders to campus: Michael Krupnicki, president of AWS; Darryl Fischer, former chair of the AWS Alberta Section; and Boyce Towell, district director. During their visit, they had the opportunity to observe Palidwar in action teaching one of the Grade 9 Career & Technology Foundations (CTF) Dual Credit welding classes.
“Education is about more than just teaching a skill — it’s about helping students believe in themselves,” says Palidwar. “As someone who’s been knee-deep in Alberta’s oil and gas industry for over three decades, with 27 years as a tradesperson under my belt, and now teaching the next generation at Olds College, I’ve got a unique perspective on why pursuing a trades career is a smart move, especially for high school grads in 2024.”
Through the dual credit program, high school students gain hands-on experience and industry-standard training in welding while earning both high school and post-secondary credits. Under the guidance of an instructor, students not only develop technical welding skills but also life skills like teamwork, problem-solving and time management, setting them up for long-term success.
The program, which is offered in partnership with Chinook’s Edge School Division, has already seen notable success, with a total of 264 dual credit students enrolled in the welding classes this year. Students who participate in these courses are also more likely to graduate from high school, with many moving successfully into apprenticeship training after high school.
Additionally, Alberta's government has launched a comprehensive campaign to promote skilled trades and apprenticeship education, aiming to connect students with fulfilling career paths in high-demand sectors. This initiative, announced in September 2024, is crucial for boosting Alberta's economy and addressing the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the province.
“It’s an incredible privilege to be part of the dual credit program at Olds College. Watching students grow in confidence and skills, and knowing they are paving the way to exciting careers in welding, is truly rewarding,” says Palidwar. “This scholarship from AWS has provided me with the opportunity to proceed with taking my Master of Education studies and I’m excited to bring that knowledge back to the students.”
Palidwar’s journey highlights the importance of ongoing education for both instructors and students in the trades. As he continues to develop his skills, he remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals, building their confidence and helping remove the stigma attached to careers in trades.