Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre

09/03/2026

The August/September issue of Partners in Progress is out!

Inside, the issue looks at taking on tough conversations with bravery and vulnerability, Local 38 and SMACNA New York’s work on prevailing wage legislation, HMSE in San Diego, how to build a safety culture, iTi’s first Bias and Belonging Trainers Conference, and more.

Take a look and catch up on the stories shaping the industry:
https://issuu.com/partnersinprogress/docs/partners_in_progress_vol_20_no_3

09/02/2026

A Show Up for Safer Workplaces training cohort is coming to Prince George, October 19–22.

This free program from the BC Centre for Women in the Trades focuses on practical ways to support healthier, more respectful and psychologically safe workplaces in the trades and construction industry.

Learn more and apply: www.bccwitt.ca/showup

We are excited to announce a Show Up for Safer Workplaces cohort October 19-22 in Prince George!

Take advantage of this FREE innovative training that is helping those who work in trades and construction to become active partners in contributing to psychologically safety in their workplaces.

Topics covered include psychological safety, mental health first aid and su***de awareness, substance use and the toxic drug crisis, and bullying, harassment and discrimination—including strategies on how to build more respectful, stable and healthier workplaces. In addition to the wider certificate, participants will also attain a certificate in Mental Health First Aid Essentials, as developed and recognized by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

And ICYMI our exciting news: participants who successfully complete the training, and do an additional short follow-up project, are now eligible to receive 10 Gold Seal credits toward their Gold Seal Certification through the Canadian Construction Association.

Apply today to secure a spot: www.bccwitt.ca/showup

09/01/2026

BC Building Trades is hosting a Labour Day celebration with the NWDLC, VDLC and affiliate unions at Edmonds Park in Burnaby.

📅 Monday, September 7, 2026
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
📍 Edmonds Park

Family fun, kids’ games and free entry.

08/31/2026

Pain BC’s Trades and Pain (TAP) initiative offers resources and support developed specifically for people working in the trades who are living with persistent or chronic pain.

Through programs such as The Guide Line, tradespeople in B.C. can access free, confidential support, practical pain-management tools, and connections to additional resources.

Learn more about Pain BC’s Trades and Pain program:
https://painbc.ca/trades-and-pain-program

08/28/2026

Strong mentorship can make a real difference in how apprentices learn and grow on the job.

SkillPlan’s Mentorship Matters program helps journeypersons build practical mentoring skills while supporting apprentices to become more engaged, confident learners. The program is designed to strengthen knowledge transfer, communication, safety, productivity and retention in the workplace.

Learn more: https://skillplan.ca/products/mentorship/

08/27/2026

Apprentices and employers in B.C. may be eligible for a range of financial supports to help with training, hiring and career development in the skilled trades.

Available supports can include financial assistance during technical training, student and apprentice loans, tax credits, grants, travel and living supports, tool deductions and employer training incentives.

Learn more: https://www.workbc.ca/develop-skills/funding-grants-learners/services-apprentices-and-employers

08/26/2026

B.C.’s construction sector is expected to remain strong over the next decade, creating significant opportunities for skilled workers across the province.

BuildForce Canada’s latest outlook explores workforce needs and industry trends through 2035.

Learn more: buildforce.ca/lmi-2026

08/25/2026

🎙️ In the latest episode of SMACNA’s Clear the Air podcast, host Seth Lennon speaks with Julie Frieswyk, Communications Director with the Sheet Metal Contractors Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity, about effective ways to communicate with members and share the industry’s work with a wider audience.

Tune in:
https://www.smacna.org/news/member-update/article/2026/08/12/listen-to-the-latest-podcast-episode-focusing-on-chapter-communications

Seth Lennon is joined by Julie Frieswyk from SMACNA’s Philadelphia Chapter to talk about how to best promote the work of membership.

08/24/2026

The Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) is sharing helpful tips to make the seasonal transition a little easier and support healthy routines as we head into the fall months.

Read it here: https://www.smacna.org/news/member-update/article/2026/08/19/smohit-offering-tips-to-handle-seasonal-transition

Learn more about some of the proactive steps that you can take to take care of your mental and physical health during the fall months.

08/21/2026

From improving workflows to supporting better decision-making, artificial intelligence is opening new possibilities for the industry. This SMACNA article explores how AI tools could help contractors enhance productivity and adapt to a changing industry.

Read it here:

At its heart, artificial intelligence differs from traditional software because it uses probability, not instructions, to get work done.