No Time Like the Present

By / Jessica Kirby, Editor, Sheet Metal Journal

This is an odd time of year to be publishing an “association in review” issue, but that is what this feels like. Of course, in COVID times, many things seem unusual but nothing is surprising, so I think we are in the clear.

Tyler Knowles at Piedmont Sheet Metal spoke with me about how his decision to become a sheet metal worker was prompted by his father’s career in sheet metal, and his grandfather’s before his. Between those three generations, they build a legacy that is both a nod to a good labour-management relationships and a look forward to great teams and cutting edge technology. Piedmont’s story is a good example of acknowledging the past but moving into the future to explore new horizons. See page 8 for more on Piedmont Sheet Metal.

After 24 years of service, Jim Paquette is retiring from his position as Business Manager and Financial Secretary- Treasurer at Local 280. He contributed a letter of update, initially presented at the SMACNA-BC AGM in May, as means of wrapping up his business relationship with SMACNA-BC—but I think we all know this is not the end. Once Jim settles into his new life of care-free, relaxed days with Sonya, we are hopeful we will see them back to visit their SMACNA-BC family as guests and friends.

Taking Paquette’s place will be Richard Mangelsdorf. (I remember when Mangelsdorf was on the cover of Sheet Metal Journal for his participation in a Sheet Metal Workers’ Training Centre [SMWTC] competition in the later years of his apprenticeship. Time really does march on.) Congratulations to both Paquette for many years of service and for a lovely retirement, and to Mangeldorf for new horizons and opportunities. See page 10 for Paquette’s adieu to SMACNA- BC.

The SMWTC is thriving. Enrolment is up, funding is stable, staff is running at its best capacity, and Jud Martell, training co-ordinator, has his eye on the labour market for the coming year and beyond, ensuring the SMWTC is optimizing its opportunities. Of particular note is the Training Centre’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) funding, which has helped the centre purchase a mobile elevated work platform VR simulator, advanced welding equipment, VR and augmented reality welding equipment, and fan service equipment to ensure a consistent, well trained, and eagerly engaged workforce for years to come. And, by the time you read this, the SMWTC’s new doors will be open at its expanded facility in Langley, where additional classes will follow in September. Find out what else is happening at the SMWTC on page 14.

When we acknowledge the past, we learn from the toils and victories of others, and when we look to the future, we thrive in anticipation and possibility. Both of these are useful, but we can’t live in either place. The Buddha said, “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” So, as we look back at the past year of COVID resilience and the way the sheet metal industry has persevered with tenacity and optimism, we can also see the light ahead as the province opens up and the cycle begins to shift. If this time has taught us anything, it is that staying in the moment to be grateful and thoughtful of what matters most— family, health, stability, kindness—is the best “present” of all.■