The Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre’s Technology and an Inclusive Workforce Project, a federally funded Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), is now in its fifth and final year. SMWTC continues to work with apprentices, journeys, contractors, and industry partners to gain perspective of technological innovations and shifting recruitment strategies to address labour market needs. They so through ongoing stakeholder engagement, surveys, and focus groups.
Some recent highlights related to UTIP include:
• UTIP funded augmented reality welders have been transferred to the Valley facility for level 1 & 2 students, providing valuable practice welding time until the Phase 3 renovations of the welding department are completed.
• Hosted the Women in Sheet Metal UTIP Advisory Committee (June 2023) with discussions focused on leadership development within the theme of “Nothing about us, without us.”
• Congratulations to Nicole Hour (Boston Sheet Metal Ltd.) for winning the silver medal at the Skills Canada BC Provincial competition held at TradeX Convention Centre (April 2023). Nicole is a member of our UTIP Women in Sheet Metal Advisory Committee.
• In collaboration with the Construction Foundation of BC, SMWTC hosted five women to learn more about the sheet metal trade while making “Carry Some” metal toolboxes (May 2023). Two participants were hired at Viaduct Sheet Metal following their experience. Congrats!
SMWTC hosted the Annual UTIP Focus Groups in June and invited sheet metal workers and contractors to share their first-hand experiences related to technology and an inclusive workforce.
It will also be launching the Indigenous People UTIP Advisory Committee and Newcomers to Canada UTIP Advisory Committee in the fall.
All SMWTC students are sent post-training surveys in the final week of training to provide valuable feedback that supports the UTIP project evaluation. The input really makes a difference, so students are encouraged to submit their responses.
Learn more at smwtc.ca
