Our Sheet Metal Environmental Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Training (E.R.T.) Project continues to promote environmental stewardship by training apprentices to reduce waste, reuse materials and recycle sheet metal.

In its second year (2025–26), the project trained 272 Sheet Metal and Architectural Sheet Metal apprentices. To date, more than 200 Sheet Metal apprentices have also completed CBTU’s online Building It Green (BIG) Foundations course.

Through our partnership with Skills Ready and the Construction Foundation of BC, more than 1,000 youth have participated in hands-on workshops using recycled scrap metal to build toolboxes, copper bracelets and other projects. These activities introduce environmental practices while creating awareness of sheet metal as a career choice for the next generation.

E.R.T. participants shared how the training is influencing their work:

“I always use offcuts before full sheets and reduce waste by planning first.”

“Being more conscious about how I use material and always on the lookout for ways to reduce and reuse material when possible.”

“Explain the importance of recycling to younger apprentices.”

As we enter the third and final year, SMWTCS will continue to build apprentices’ environmental skills, promote sustainable practices and strengthen environmental stewardship across the sheet metal industry.

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Federal UTIP Funding Supports Expanded SMART Canada Training

The Green Futures Training Partnership is a five-year national initiative led by SMART Canada in partnership with Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU), SkillPlan and SRDC, supported by $8.9 million in federal funding through the Sustainable Jobs Stream. The project will provide green training to more than 2,000 sheet metal apprentices and journeypersons across Canada.

Now in its research and program development phase, Green Futures is focused on developing a national SMART Green Certification, modernizing and digitizing apprenticeship training, and enhancing the Building It Green climate literacy program, including Indigenous content. Consultation with training centres, instructors, apprentices, journeypersons and industry will help ensure the new training reflects regional and workplace needs.

SMITB is contributing to this national work through participation on the SMART Canada Advisory Committee, helping bring B.C.’s training perspective to the development of future green skills training for the sheet metal trade.

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The Impact of AI on Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we work, communicate and learn — and skilled trades training is no exception. Used effectively, AI can be a valuable learning tool for students by helping explain difficult concepts, generate practice questions, summarize information and provide additional support when preparing for in class exams, SLEs and IPs. It can also help students learn at their own pace and explore concepts in different ways when they need extra clarification.

The key is using AI to support learning, not replace it. Developing strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and hands-on competency remains essential to becoming a skilled tradesperson.

SMWTCS has developed an AI Use Policy to provide students with clear expectations for the appropriate and responsible use of AI during technical training. As these technologies continue to evolve, SMWTCS will explore opportunities to use them to enhance learning while maintaining academic integrity and ensuring students develop the knowledge and skills required on the job.

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In Memoriam:
Wayne Fagrie

SMWTCS recognizes the passing of Wayne Fagrie, a longtime sheet metal worker and member of SMART Local 280.

Wayne’s career in trades education began as an instructor with public training providers PVI and BCIT.

In 1992, he was recruited as the first Head Instructor of the Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre when it opened. Wayne later held both the Head Instructor and Training Coordinator roles in the early 2000s, before retiring in 2006.

His many years of service helped establish and strengthen apprenticeship training at SMWTCS and supported generations of sheet metal workers.

We extend our condolences to Wayne’s family, friends and colleagues.

 

Welcome to our 2025 edition Newsletter.

Would you like to have your art work published in our Newsletter?
We invite you to send your pictures to media@smwtcs.ca.

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View and download our 2025 Newsletter:

Sheet metal contests spotlight workers’ skills, precision, creativity, and reinforce technical expertise, highlighting their talent and dedication to excellence within the industry.

These contests simulate real-world challenges, helping sheet metal workers improve accuracy and speed, encourage innovation and problem-solving, and refine their craft.

Competitors build their skills by gaining confidence through peer benchmarking and constructive feedback while deepening understanding of industry standards.

 

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2024 SMWTC Annual Apprentice Contest

The Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre hosts its annual competition each November, bringing together contestants competing across four levels and representing multiple contractors.

In November 2024, we had 17 apprentices who put their skills and creativity to the test. Each contestant competed in theory, drawing, welding, and shop projects in timed challenges.

Let’s celebrate the 2024 SMWTC Annual Apprentice Contest winners:

 

• Dorian Escamilla, Piedmont Sheet Metal (1997) Ltd.

• Jacob Smith, Smith Sheet Metal Works Ltd.

• Adam LaBar, Spectrum Sheet Metal Ltd.

• Natasha Hua, Modern Niagara Vancouver Inc.

 

These contests are a great success thanks to our incredible sponsors and their generous contributions. Competitors receive door prizes and winners have the opportunity to represent SMWTC at BC Skills.

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2025 SMWTC Annual Apprentice Contest

Saturday November 22, 2025

Watch for invites for this year’s upcoming contest. Come showcase your talent!

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The Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society (SMWTCS) proudly participated in the 2025 Skills Canada BC Provincial Competition, held on April 16 at the Abbotsford Trade and Exhibition Centre. This high-energy competition brought together top apprentices from across the province to compete in various skilled trades, including sheet metal work.

SMWTCS apprentice Adam LaBar of Spectrum Sheet Metal Ltd. showcased his skills and secured the bronze medal. The complete results were:

Gold: Mark Holowachuk (Okanagan College)

Silver: Adi Purnomo (British Columbia Institute of Technology)

Bronze: Adam LaBar (Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre)

The contest highlights individual talent but also contributes to the advancement of skills within the sheet metal industry. Congratulations to all the contestants!

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Skills Canada

Over 500 of Canada’s top students and apprentices competed in 40+ skilled trade and technology contests. The event featured Try-A-Trade® activities, exhibitor booths, and more!

Skilled sheet metal competitors tackled a project modelled after the World’s Largest Coffee Pot — a landmark in Davidson, Saskatchewan.

Our head instructor, Jake LeBlanc, was onsite representing British Columbia on the National Technical Committee for Sheet Metal at Skills Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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