Skills Canada 2026
The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) brought Canada’s top skilled trades and technology competitors together May 28–29, 2026 in Toronto. More than 550 competitors participated in 45 competitions, supported by over 400 volunteers and attracting more than 7,500 visitors. The event also featured 50+ Try-A-Trade® activities, giving visitors hands-on exposure to skilled trades careers.
The Sheet Metal competition showcased exceptional talent from across Canada, with Alberta earning Gold, Ontario Silver and Saskatchewan Bronze. Beyond the competition, participants demonstrated the teamwork and professionalism that define the trades, supporting and encouraging one another throughout the event. SCNC continues to provide an important national stage to celebrate skilled trades excellence, inspire the next generation and demonstrate how #SkillsChangeLives and create possibilities for Canada’s future skilled workforce.
Learning from Training Centres Across Canada
Jake Leblanc, Head Instructor represented British Columbia on the National Technical Committee for Sheet Metal at Skills Canada in Toronto, Ontario. He also visited three training centres: SMART Local 47 in Ottawa, Local 285 in Etobicoke and the Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre in Oakville. The visits provided valuable insight into the different approaches to technical training across Canada, including program structure, duration, delivery and assessment.
Jake also came away with a greater appreciation for the strength of B.C.’s training system and, particularly, the investment SMWTCS has made in instructor development and training. Comparing practices with other training centres provides an opportunity to bring new ideas home, evaluate what we are doing well and identify opportunities to continually strengthen the quality of training and support provided to SMWTCS apprentices.
