Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre

The latest SMACNews Industrial sector article explores how precise control of airflow, pressure, temperature and humidity is supporting the growth of specialized industries such as indoor agriculture and lithium battery manufacturing.

It also highlights the technical expertise, coordination and advanced HVAC systems required to create highly controlled environments where air quality directly affects performance, safety and product quality.

Read it here:
https://www.smacna.org/news/smacnews/issue-archive/issue/articles/smacnews-march-april-2026/industrial--metal-and-microclimates

INDUSTRIAL: Metal and Microclimates How HVAC is powering America’s next industrial boom.

Our province is expanding access to skilled trades training with 5,000 additional seats opening across the province this year.

The investment will help shorten apprenticeship wait lists, increase training opportunities in rural and remote communities, and support workforce needs in sectors such as construction, clean energy, manufacturing, automotive and critical minerals.

Learn more: gov.bc.ca/LookWest

Tradespeople are in demand throughout BC, including rural and remote communities. BC is adding 5,000 trades training seats across every region this year.

The new seats will reduce wait lists for in-demand apprenticeship programs, introduce more young people to trades and increase training capacity in high-demand careers, including:
• construction and housing
• critical minerals
• automotive
• manufacturing
• clean energy

This expanded training will help people gain the skills and experience they need to access good-paying jobs, support their families and build their futures in the communities they call home.

Learn more: gov.bc.ca/LookWest

The latest issue of features and its work on Gilmore Place, a major mixed-use development reshaping Burnaby’s skyline.

The Maple Ridge-based contractor took on one of the region’s most technically demanding HVAC installations, coordinating systems across three towers, an active SkyTrain station, residential units and luxury amenity spaces.

Read the full article: https://www.smacna.org/news/smacnews/issue-archive/issue/articles/smacnews-march-april-2026/residential--breathing-life-into-burnaby-s-new-skyline

SkilledTradesBC has launched the Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative, a new funding program designed to expand access to skilled trades training across B.C.

The initiative will invest $40 million over three years in projects that support apprenticeship progression and completion, strengthen training capacity, and create more opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, equity-deserving groups, and people living in rural and remote communities.

Eligible organizations, including union-affiliated training schools, can submit project proposals until September 15, 2026.

Learn more about the initiative and application process:

Improving access to skilled trades training in rural, remote communities B.C. launches Look West Workforce Readiness Initiative to strengthen trades-training opportunities

Partner Spotlight: Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society

Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre Society offers training and upgrading to improve the vocational and safety skills of sheet metal workers, providing courses designed around the evolving technology and demands of the growing industry.

An official apprenticeship training provider for B.C.-registered sheet metal workers, the Centre coordinates apprenticeship programs in sheet metal and architectural sheet metal, offering specialty training in new and environmentally responsible technologies.

Recognized by SkilledTradesBC and Gold Standard accredited internationally by the International Training Institute (ITI), a rewarding career in sheet metal awaits those keen to learn the skills and specialty training designed to excel in this dynamic trade.

Local 97 will host a memorial ceremony for the Second Narrows Bridge Collapse on Wednesday, June 17, marking 68 years since the tragedy.

The wreath-laying ceremony will honour the 19 workers who lost their lives when the bridge span collapsed in 1958 and pay tribute to their lasting legacy in the ironworking trade.

📅 Wednesday, June 17
🕐 1:00 p.m.
📍 New Brighton Park
3201 New Brighton Road, Vancouver

It’s National Roofing Week, and SMART Canada is putting the spotlight on the roofing trade, from its evolution to the opportunities ahead for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Watch the video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3D_NEu23mY&t=11s

As part of National Roofing Week, we're taking a look at the evolution of the roofing trade in Canada.

Watch this video to learn more about the history of the trade, how it has evolved over the years, and the exciting opportunities it offers for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3D_NEu23mY&t=11s