Green Futures Training Partnership
About the Green Futures Training Partnership
The Green Futures Training Partnership is a national initiative led by the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers Canada, in collaboration with Canada’s Building Trades Unions. Through partial funding from the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy – Sustainable Jobs Stream, this five-year initiative is focused on developing a national Green Certification, modernizing and digitizing apprenticeship training, and expanding climate-focused skills development across SMART Canada.
This initiative is a natural fit for sheet metal workers, whose work has long supported sustainability and energy efficiency. Sheet metal workers design, fabricate, and install ventilation systems that help buildings operate more efficiently, reduce energy consumption, and improve indoor air quality. They also prioritize durable, high-performance systems, minimize waste through precise fabrication practices, and regularly recycle and repurpose materials. These principles are already embedded in the trade, making sheet metal workers key contributors to reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future for Canada’s construction industry.
Project Timeline
Phase 1
Engagement & Program Framework
June 2025 – Jan 2026
The first phase establishes the foundation for the Green Futures Partnership. This includes confirming project partnerships, developing the workplan, establishing the Advisory Committee, and creating the communications and engagement approach for the project. This phase also includes early research and engagement to better understand existing SMART Canada training practices, regional training landscapes, and opportunities to support green skills development in the sheet metal trade.
Phase 2
Research & Program Development
Feb 2026 – May 2028
The second phase focuses on research, consultation, and curriculum design. The project team will engage SMART Canada trainers, training centres, apprentices, journeypersons, contractors, industry subject matter experts, advisors, and project partners to better understand training needs, regional considerations, and opportunities across the country. This phase will support the development of green training modules for apprentices and journeypersons, the modernization of SMART Canada’s apprenticeship training curriculum, and the enhancement of the Building It Green climate literacy initiative, including the integration of Indigenous content. Feedback gathered through consultations, research tools, and pilot activities will help inform and refine the training before broader rollout.
Phase 3
National Rollout & Certification
June 2028 – Dec 2029
The third phase focuses on rolling out the new green training across participating regions. Regional train-the-trainer workshops will support instructors and training partners in preparing to deliver the curriculum. SMART Canada members will have the opportunity to take part in the Green Certification program. The certification will recognize members who complete the training and demonstrate knowledge of green skills, climate literacy, and emerging practices that support sustainable and resource-efficient work in the sheet metal trade. This phase will also include the continued refinement of training materials, implementation of the certification process, and collection of program data to support evaluation and ongoing improvement.
Phase 4
Final Reporting & Knowledge Sharing
Jan 2030 – March 2030
The final phase focuses on completing the project, finalizing training tools and resources, and sharing results with partners and stakeholders. The project team will prepare a final report outlining project outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations. Findings will help support continued green skills training in the sheet metal trade.
Become an Early Adopter
Interested in implementing the Green Futures Training Partnership into your training? Learn more and become an early adopter by contacting the project team at [email protected].
"Building a sustainable economy means not only recognizing and acting on the urgency of climate change, but also addressing workers' needs."
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART Canada) is one of North America’s most dynamic and diverse unions with over 203,000 members.
SMART Canada members are qualified professionals dedicated to all aspects of roofing, architectural cladding, custom sheet metal, and complete ventilation systems.
Together, we are building healthy communities for a better tomorrow.
More ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Partially funded through the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy – Sustainable Jobs Stream, the Green Futures Training Partnership will focus on developing a national Green Certification, modernizing and digitizing apprenticeship training, and expanding climate-focused skills development across SMART Canada.
SMART Advisory Committee
The Green Futures Training Partnership Advisory Committee is comprised of training and apprenticeship coordinators, International Representatives, labour representatives, industry experts, and subject matter experts from across Canada’s unionized construction industry. The committee provides ongoing guidance throughout the project to help ensure training reflects regional needs, real jobsite experience, evolving industry practices, and the realities of apprenticeship training across Canada.
project partners
Funding Acknowledgement
