The Carpenters’ Regional Council Apprenticeship Showcases are underway, bringing together the best and brightest apprentices from across the council to compete for a coveted spot in the National Apprenticeship Competition (NAC) later this year. Regional showcases are being held in Toronto, Edmonton and Regina, with apprentices competing in the trades of carpentry, drywall, interior/exterior trim, scaffolding, and floor covering.
CRC media staff were on-site at the Southern Ontario Regional Showcase in Toronto to capture the action. Despite intense competition, participants took some time to speak with our team and share their thoughts on the event. “It’s exciting to be here,” said Aaron Tatham from Local 18, “to compete against lots of other highly skilled individuals and see how my skills stack up against others.” Patrick O’Kell from Local 27 echoed the sentiment: “I’m really grateful to be asked to be part of the showcase. It means that my instructors and the people here running the training facility saw some potential in me, so it’s very validating to even just be participating here today in the showcase. And you know, a little competition is always fun!”
Contestants told us that they prepared diligently for the event by reviewing their trade school notes, recalling hands-on experiences, brushing up on their math, and getting a good night’s sleep. Participants received project designs in advance and developed their own strategies on how to complete the builds. Judges evaluated participants not only on their final product, but also on safety practices and workspace organization.
The showcase was attended by Union representatives, business partners, politicians and the friends and families of participants. Additionally, local high schools had students attend to witness first-hand what a career in the trades could offer.
Although only a select few advance to the national finals, the showcase is an opportunity for all the talented participants to demonstrate their skills, work with new materials, learn from completing an intricate build, and gain confidence in their abilities. Additionally, the regional showcase presents an opportunity for participants to grow their professional network and socialize with fellow brothers and sisters. Judge Kael from Local 343 said, “This event is huge for career development. These contestants are making friends here with each other. They’re going to be able to reach out to each other in the future and keep that connection.” Garnet Aman-Smith from Local 397 also commented on this aspect of the experience, “I met another Carpenter from Sarnia, I learned about his Local, and it’s just awesome to meet other Brothers and Sisters in the Union.”
The UBC is proud to support and celebrate its apprentices through the regional showcase competitions. Jon Baron, Area Training Manger for Eastern Ontario, emphasized the importance of these events saying, “They highlight the skilled trades and show that it’s more than just a job, there’s a lot of pride that goes into it. It’s about showing apprentices that the skills they have are valuable, and it builds the next generation of leaders.”
The CRC congratulates all the participants of the regional showcases and wishes the best of luck to the regional winners at the National Apprenticeship Competition in Edmonton this September.
