Month: September 2019

Welcome to our FALL 2019 Newsletter.

Would you like to have your art work published in the Newsletter? We invite you to send your pictures to media@smwtcs.ca as well as post on our Facebook Page.

 

In February 2019, WorkSafeBC’s Industry Initiative Overview on Occupational Diseases added Welding Fumes as one of the primary risks of exposure to its Cancer-causing category. The SMWTC has adopted the primary goal on this initiative to raise awareness of the risks, hazards, and controls relating to this category of occupational diseases. Every student that comes to the SMWTC will be given information on WorkSafeBC’s new initiative and be provided the opportunity to ask questions about how this may or may not relate to technical and/or specialty training and jobsite conditions. This initiative has the potential to fundamentally change how our contractors address the safety of workers exposed to welding fumes and we here at the SMWTC recognize our responsibility to be part of this initiative as the educational arm of our industry. For further information please visit: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/ create-manage/managing-risk/emerging-risks

 

Welcome MATT BROWN! We hired our new full-time instructor to fill the position advertised in the spring to meet the growing needs of the Training Centre. Matt joined the instructor team in May 2019 to provide instruction to apprentices and journeys through all aspects of the shop and classroom components. Adding a 4th full time instructor allows for succession planning and the development of the new harmonized program. The Training Centre now has greater flexibility to develop new Specialty Training courses, including the upcoming Fan Service Specialty Training offered in early 2020.

What is UTIP? The Union Training and Innovation Program is a federal cost-sharing initiative to increase investment in training equipment and materials for higher quality training, leading to a more skilled and productive trades workforce. UTIP is also intended to improve the participation and success of key groups in trades training and careers including women, Indigenous People and newcomers to Canada.

The Sheet Metal Industry Training Board was successful in submitting a proposal and received over $400K in government cost-sharing funding for this 5-year project. SMITB is purchasing new equipment for the SMWTCS including a Mobile Elevated Work Platform simulator, new virtual reality/augmented welding technology and will be offering new Fan Service Specialty Training in 2020.

Watch for upcoming opportunities to participate in the UTIP Project including questionnaires and surveys, Focus Groups (Sheet Metal Workers & Contractors) and Advisory Groups (Women, Indigenous, Newcomers). Join us at the official launch on Sept 20th! For more information visit us at smwtcs.ca/UTIP

 

 

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

• Purchase new Equipment and Technology to Prepare a Skilled Workforce
• Increase representation of Key Groups to Build an Inclusive Workforce
• Build Broad-Based Partnerships to Influence Change in Sheet Metal Industry
• Assess Result Measurement Indicators

 

 

 

 

 

Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Union Training and Innovation Program

Canadian Contest and Awards Banquet took place May 10 & 11th in Toronto, ON. Sheet metal apprentices from different provinces competed at Nathan Phillips Square near one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks — the Toronto City Hall. Participants had 8 hours to build a copper replica of the landmark. Patrick Welch of Viaduct Sheet Metal Works Ltd. was SMART Local 280 and SMACNA-BC’s representative at the Contest. Last November, Patrick was the Level 4 winner of the 2018 SMWTC Annual Apprentice Contest, and will receive this year’s Alex Donaldson Award. Congratulations Patrick!

 

It is with deep sadness that the Sheet Metal Industry Training Board announces the passing of one of its Trustees, Franco Pederzini. In Franco’s career, he called the SMWTC his alma mater where he journeyed as one of its top apprentices. Recently he was elected to the SMITB as a management representative for SMACNA-BC. In his short career, Franco demonstrated his dedication to family and extended this passion to the trade as a leader of our industry. The Staff and Trustees extend our condolences to his loved ones. “Family Forever and Forgiveness through Prayer” – Franco.