The Alex Donaldson Award recognizes the Top Apprentice representing SMART Local 280 and SMACNA-BC and celebrates excellence in the sheet metal trade. Named in memory of Alex Donaldson, a Local 280 member dedicated to apprenticeship and training, the award has a proud history dating back decades. Today, the Level 4 winner of the SMWTC Annual Apprentice Contest has priority to represent B.C. at the Canadian Sheet Metal Apprentice Competition, competing alongside top apprentices from across Canada. The award celebrates not only technical excellence, but the commitment, professionalism and potential of the next generation of sheet metal leaders.
Natasha Hua’s competition journey spans multiple years. While with Ames Metal Fabricators, she won Level 3 at the 2023 SMWTC Annual Apprentice Contest. That earned her the opportunity to represent SMWTCS at the 2024 Skills Canada BC Provincial Competition.
She then returned to the SMWTC contest in 2024, now representing Modern Niagara Vancouver, and won Level 4. As the Level 4 winner, Natasha received the Alex Donaldson Award. Brian Iwata is the 2025 winner.
