Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre and Construction Foundation of BC hosted two events to engage people interested in trades
Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre (SMWTC) partnered with the Construction Foundation of British Columbia (CFBC) on two training initiatives this summer and fall. The first, a Sheet Metal Gateway program, was a one-day “boot camp” workshop taught by Sheila Sadler, journey person, in July. Ten women participated in the workshop, part of CFBC’s Skills Ready program, and several have been hired by SMACNA contractors, including Modern Niagara and Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd.
SMWTC and CFBC also partnered on a skill-building workshop with residents onsite at a minimum-security healing centre on September 28. This workshop was a great opportunity for residents to explore the sheet metal trade as a potential career choice. Sadler was onsite again, this time assisting participants in crafting “Carry Some” metal toolboxes. The initiative was hosted in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to conduct outreach to the Indigenous community.
Skills Ready’s director of project operations Rene Ragetli said the September event was one of the ‘best days’ of his year. “It was great to work with people who really appreciated going the extra mile,” he said. “Working with youth is its own reward. Working with adults who are looking for a new start and second chance is very moving. It felt like a real privilege to be involved in that event.”
Skills Ready is a CFBC initiative that identifies and promotes the essential soft skills required for success within the skilled trades and technologies. It provides tools for young people to prove they are work ready, while enabling them to build a real world understanding of the advantages of starting out in the skilled trades and technologies can do for their future.
Learn more at projects.skillsready.ca
