Year: 2017

This award is dedicated to the memory of Alex Donaldson a Local 280 member committed to apprenticeships and training who passed away in 1980. It has been given to the apprentice who earns The Top Apprentice each year. Going as far back as the 1960‘s the Top apprentice has been awarded to the apprentice that represents the Local 280 and SMACNA-BC at the Canadian Council’s Sheet Metal Apprentice Competition held annually around the country. The pathway to get to be the Top Apprentice has changed many times over the decades. Currently the individual winning the Level 4 competition at the SMWTC Annual Apprentice Contest has priority to go to the Canadian Contest. Sometimes that winner is unable to attend and another goes instead. In 2017 Matt Hamm of Fraser Valley Refrigeration and the winner of last year’s SMWTC Level 4 competed in Ottawa over the July 1st weekend that coincided with the 150th Canada Day celebration. This earned him the 2017 Alex Donaldson award which was presented at SMACNA Christmas Party last November. Congratulations Matt and thanks for representing the Training Centre at the many contests you competed in over the last 4 years.

THANKS TO ALL THE APPRENTICES FOR PARTICIPATING IN 2017 SMWTCS ANNUAL APPRENTICE CONTEST:

LEVEL 1 — John Benson (Paramount Sheet Metal Ltd.), Travis Buchanan (Keith Panel Systems), Jackson Chater (Crosstown Metal Ind. Ltd.), Tyler Crowder (Summit Sheet Metal Ltd.), Marcus Dunn (Keith Panel Systems), Troy Martell (Austin Metal Fabricators LP), James Plett (Austin Metal Fabricators LP), Josiah Stagg (Summit Sheet Metal Ltd.), William Scott Wilcox (Spectrum Sheet Metal Ltd.).

LEVEL 2 — Kristopher Brunlees (Airtek Pneumatics Ltd.), Matthew Cleary (Austin Metal Fabricators LP), Carlos Flores (Summit Sheet Metal Ltd.), Michael Hamm (Fraser Valley Refrigeration Ltd.), Kellan Lavallee (Summit Sheet Metal Ltd.), Marcus Ribi (City Sheet Metal Limited), Dean Tassopoulos (Piedmont Sheet Metal (1997) Ltd.), Patrick Welch (Viaduct Sheet Metal Works Ltd.).

LEVEL 3 — Roy Jones (Airtek Pneumatics Ltd.), Kurtis Malm (Ridge Sheet Metal Co.), Nicholas McGregor (Austin Metal Fabricators LP).

LEVEL 4 — Josh Deeming (Apollo Sheet Metal Ltd.), Kyle Wellman (Ames Metal Fabricators 82 Ltd.).

On November 18, 2017, the Training Centre had another great turn out to its Annual Apprentice Contest with 22 apprentices from 14 contractors competing in four levels aligned with their level of study. Thanks to the generosity of 20 sponsors, the contest gave away over $8,000 worth of prizes to participants. As in previous years, the shop portion drew the most spectators — participants assembled different projects for each level. These ranged from an aluminum hinged ammo-style box to on-centre and off-centre square to round fittings and copper bucket, showcasing contestant’s precision and skill across the board. Mark Curtis from the International union was on-hand to assist. A lengthy list of sponsors contributed to the event by way of financial support and prizes. “Everyone who comes to the contest volunteering their time and representing their trade, and the contractors are there to show their support,” said Jud Martell, training co-ordinator for SMWTC. “It was fantastic. This is one of the largest sheet metal workers’ competitions in North America, and the competitors represented so many contractors. As a celebration of the sheet metal workers’ craft and a demonstration of apprentices’ immense talent — you can’t make a guy more proud than how I felt about this contest.” Bruce Sychuk, executive director of SMACNA-BC, is appreciative to everyone involved in this event. “Thanks to the organizers for taking the time and efforts in coordinating this event and congratulations to all that participated,” said Sychuk.