Ontario Construction News staff writer
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation (SMART) Canada had a strong presence at the Skilled Trades Ontario showcase in April, promoting rewarding career opportunities within the union across three key trades: sheet metal work, roofing, and siding.
Throughout the event, thousands of students from Grades 5 through 12 visited the SMART Canada booth and participated in interactive try-a-trade activities, offering a hands-on introduction to the skilled trades and a tangible sense of what a future with SMART Canada looks like.
The try-a-trade booth was supported by apprentices and organizers from across Ontario who worked collaboratively to engage students and showcase the diversity of opportunities within SMART Canada. Youth participants had the chance to create galvanized bulls using folding pliers during a sheet-metal activity designed to introduce basic forming skills in a fun, approachable way.
The roofing try-a-trade activity gave students a fun, hands-on introduction to one of the many roofing systems used in the industry today. Working with Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) single-ply membrane, students used professional heat-welding equipment to fuse membrane pieces, simulating a key installation technique commonly used in flat roofing systems. To make the activity interactive and engaging, students cut out letters and custom shapes before heat-welding the pieces together.
Meanwhile, the siding station gave participants the opportunity to fasten Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) panels with screws to complete assembly tasks, highlighting precision, coordination, and artisanship. Of the thousands of visitors to our booth, SMART Canada was honoured to be voted second place in the “People’s Choice” category.
This recognition reflected the wide variety of engaging experiences offered at the booth, from fun hands-on activities to interactive displays and a welcoming atmosphere that drew attendees in throughout the event.
Beyond the skills exposure, SMART’s booth emphasized inclusivity and representation within the skilled trades.
SMART Canada showcased a diverse group of apprentices and mentors, including strong representation from women in the industry, reinforcing that SMART Canada is accessible and welcoming to all.
Another major highlight of the event was SMART Canada’s participation in the Skills Ontario Sheet Metal Competition, where eight apprentices from across Ontario represented their Local. Of those competitors, four placed, demonstrating both the high level of skill and dedication among emerging SMART members and the strong training pipeline within SMART Canada. We are proud of all the competitors for their hard work, commitment, and professionalism in representing SMART Canada on a provincial stage.
Overall, the event served as a powerful platform to showcase the careers within SMART Canada that can provide immediate entry into the workforce, long-term stability, and meaningful opportunities for growth. The strong student engagement reflects growing interest in hands-on careers and reinforces the importance of continued outreach and education to inspire the next generation of SMART Canada members.
Local 537 apprentice Sierra conducts demonstrations at the sheet metal try-a-trade station.
Local 30 organizer Richard DaCosta works with a student on a roofing demonstration.
Eight SMART Canada apprentices competed in the Skills Ontario Sheet Metal Competition.
