Kitimat, BC – The Kitamaat Valley Education Society (KVES) is proud to announce the successful launch of its Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Virtual Test Centre. The Grand Opening event was held on May 1st, 2025, at the KVES Trades Center facility, where community members, industry partners, and CWB representatives gathered to celebrate this major milestone for local workforce development.

The new facility is only the second virtual test centre of its kind in Canada, marking a significant advancement in accessible, high-quality welding certification services.

This achievement eliminates the need for welders in the region to travel long distances for testing or recertification, making it easier and more cost-effective for workers and businesses to maintain industry compliance, while also providing a vital opportunity for individuals to train, certify, and build meaningful careers—right here in their own community. During the Grand Opening, attendees toured the new virtual testing facility and learned firsthand about the opportunities it brings to the region.

“This virtual test center is a critical addition to our community,” said Carrie McKay, Interim Executive Director. “It enables local businesses to train and certify their workforce right here in Kitimat, saving time and resources while supporting regional growth.”

KVES collaborated with the CWB Group to ensure the facility meets all accreditation standards. This partnership ensures the centre is aligned with industry regulations and provides a reliable, high-quality certification experience for both individuals and employers.

KVES would like to thank its generous sponsors—Rio Tinto – BC Works, CIMS Limited Partnership, and CLAC—whose support was instrumental in purchasing and installing the virtual camera system. Their contributions helped establish

For more information on the virtual test centre, go here: Welding Test Centre