Sheet Metal Workers Local 397 crestSMART Local 397Sheet Metal · Roofers · Thunder Bay

News & Events

What’s happening
at the local.

Updates from Local 397 and from SMART’s Canadian office — events, member supports and notices. Call the hall at (807) 622-2609 for anything not posted here.

September 12, 2024Apprentices

Local 397 hosts the 51st Ontario Apprenticeship Competition.

Local 397 welcomed nine Ontario locals to Thunder Bay for the 51st Annual Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Competition. Our apprentices put their skills on the line against the best in the province — a showcase of where this trade can take you.

The competition was held publicly at Marina Park, so the community could watch apprentices demonstrate the craft first-hand. Thinking about a career in sheet metal or flat roofing? See the training schedule page.

Source: SMW & Roofers Local 397

Jun 2, 2026SMART Canada

SMART Canada shines at Skills Canada

SMART Canada joined apprentices from locals across the country at the Skills Canada / Compétences Canada Competition. Apprentices from Ontario, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan showcased their skills at the SMART Canada booth, working on a replica firehouse project, and the Canadian office welcomed special guests including Ontario’s Minister of Labour David Piccini, Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu and Secretary of State John Zerucelli, who stopped by to build a toolbox and see the craft first-hand. The weekend ended on a high: Lindsey of Local 30 (Toronto) earned silver, placing 2nd in the country, and Mitchell of Local 296 (Saskatchewan) captured bronze, placing 3rd — a testament to the strength of SMART apprenticeship training and the future of the trade.

May 19, 2026SMART Canada

New resources and support for Canadian members

SMART Canada Director Jack Wall has announced three new supports for Canadian members. (1) A dedicated Canadian Facebook page for member stories, local successes and updates from the Canadian office. (2) Enriched Academy financial wellness, now added to the Health & Welfare package — covering budgeting, debt management, investing and retirement planning, available to members and their immediate families. Reach out to the local for enrollment. (3) A Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy funding opportunity covering up to 50% of eligible training-equipment costs for Red Seal trades; SMART will promote proposals to locals for facility upgrades.

Sep 12, 2024Apprentices

Local 397 hosts the 51st Ontario Apprenticeship Competition

Local 397 hosted the 51st Annual Ontario Sheet Metal Workers Apprenticeship Competition right here in Thunder Bay, welcoming nine Ontario locals. Apprentices demonstrated the craft for the public at Marina Park.

OngoingLocal 397

Safety upgrading — Working at Heights & Roofer Propane

Working at Heights, WHMIS and Roofer Propane refreshers run through the hall with Safety Coordinator Kevin Stadey. Tickets renew every three years — renew yours before it expires and stay job-ready.

OngoingLocal 397

Now hiring — sheet metal & flat roofing careers

No experience needed — all training is provided. Sheet metal starts at $24.17/hr (journeyperson $48.16/hr); flat roofing starts at $24.94/hr (journeyperson up to $41.99/hr), plus vacation pay, benefits and pension. Figures are indicative — contact the hall to confirm. Drop a résumé at the hall to get started.

OngoingLocal 397

Keep your contact info current

Members — make sure the hall has your current phone, address and email so notices and dispatch reach you. Call the hall at (807) 622-2609 or email sheetmetal397@tbaytel.net to update your details.

OngoingLocal 397

Call the hall for meeting schedules

Membership meeting dates and times are available from the hall. Call (807) 622-2609 for anything not posted here.

Sources: SMART Union & SMART Canada · smart-union.org