Year: 2021

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The Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre is excited to announce a second training facility has been purchased to be operational in the late fall 2021/early winter 2022.

We take possession in June and will be renovating throughout the summer to configure the space for shop equipment and training classrooms.

The new facility is located in Langley and will expand the Training Centre’s current capacity of running triple classes to quadruples, adding more than 100 seats per year. Running additional classes will address the pent-up demand for technical training impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and influx of new applicants. This fall, an additional instructor will be hired to support our continued blended learning model of theoretical training online and technical training onsite.

Finally, our Specialty Training classes suspended since March 2020 will recommence once the new facility is operational this fall/winter. There has been increased demand for Specialty Training as apprentices and journeys seek to upgrade their skills. New classes will include Fan Service funded by our UTIP program. Watch for updates in the upcoming months.

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Farewell and best wishes to Jo-Anne Rees.

After 10+ years of service, Jo-Anne accepted a new position at the IBEW Local 213 office. Jo-Anne’s dedication, strong work ethic and leadership contributed positively to where we are today. We wish Jo-Anne success in her new role.

Welcome our new Office Administrator, Astrid de la Tour de Saint Ygest.

Astrid brings over 10 years’ experience in a similar role at a trades training institution and most recently at WorkBC Apprentice Services. Astrid has big shoes to fill and a steep learning curve. We welcome her expertise and enthusiasm to our team.

Retirements:

Larry Lawrence, Regional Field Representative at International Training institute. Larry was an integral part of our success in gaining Platinum ITI Accreditation, successful ITI grant applications and TotalTrack implementation.

Ken Elworthy, Local 280 Business Representative. Ken’s contributions were invaluable over his long tenure in the industry as the first organizer for Local 280 and former SMITB Trustee.

Thank you and congratulations to Larry and Ken!

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Women Build BC 2021 Conference

On behalf of the Sheet Metal Industry Training Board (SMITB), Jud Martell attended the BC Centre for Women in the Trades’ (BCCWITT) Women Build BC 2021 Conference celebrating International Women’s Day (March 8^th).

This virtual conference brought together women from the trades, industry leaders and other stakeholders with the goal to increase attraction, retention and advancement of women in the trades. Our participation aligned well with our UTIP Project. A bonus – SMITB received the Ally prize!

 

Annual UTIP Focus Groups

This spring, we hosted our inaugural UTIP Sheet Metal Workers and Contractors Focus Groups as part of the UTIP Project Evaluation. Discussion topics included technology, progression through apprenticeship levels, targeted recruitment and inclusion strategies.

We were thrilled to have representation of our targeted key groups: Women, Indigenous People and Newcomers to Canada. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared insights into how technology and diversity in their workplaces is shaping the future of the sheet metal industry.

We want to hear from you! Participate in an upcoming UTIP survey.

 

Indigenous Awareness Partnership

As part of our Technology and an Inclusive Workforce UTIP program, SMWTC instructors and Level 4 graduates were presented with indigenized facial masks, designed by a local Metis designer.

The masks were designed with metal nose inserts cut on the mechanical shear by our very own Bob Pascuzzi. This unique partnership highlights indigenous awareness and celebrates diversity and inclusion.

 

 

 

Indigenized facial masks,
designed by a local Metis designer, Karlene.
ScarlettJDesigns.com

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The pandemic expedited a situation already in the making – digitization. Our blended learning model combines online theoretical and onsite technical training, made possible through substantial investment in IT infrastructure by the Board and International Training Institution (ITI). In addition to increased server capacity, new computers and AutoCAD software was purchased to assist apprentices in learning online.

 

The Training Centre also received in-kind contributions from:

Milwaukee – educational tools program

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Microsoft – MS office suite software for students

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AutoDesk – student versions of AutoCAD software

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An iPad for every Level 1 student! 

Commencing in the May 2021 cohort, every Level 1 apprentice will receive an iPad to keep – funded by the ITI and the Board – paving the way to greater digital literacy skills.

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