Irene Lewis Atrium

We look forward to welcoming you to the inaugural Building Futures Conference.

Join us for a great music, appetizers, and cocktails as you connect with colleagues and network with others in your profession from across Canada.

2 drink tickets are provided per delegate and a bar will be made available accepting credit cards and electronic forms of payment only.

7:00-10:30pm

The Registration table will be open for one hour to collect your badges and check-in.

Conference Sponsor: Follett

Presented by Gary Weselosky

Participants can practice intranasal/intramuscular skills with oversight from Gary Weselosky. 

Drop-in thoughout the day. Gary will be set up until 3pm. 

Opening remarks from SAIT's Dean of Apprenticeship, Jim Szautner. 

8:45am-15:15pm

Opening remarks from SAIT's Dean of Apprenticeship, Jim Szautner. 

Indigenous opening and acknowledgement.  

Welcome from Dr. Ross.

Sponsor remarks: Mike from Follett

Keynote presentation: Sherry Holmes

8:45am-15:15pm

Coffee and networking

Sponsored by CWB Group

Sherry Holmes in the lounge for pictures and questions

10:15-11:00am

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Dennis Terhove

As municipal regulators responsible to approve permit applications and perform inspections, we believe that tradespeople should learn early in their careers the fundamentals of how and why legislation, regulations, and construction codes are critical to their daily work.  This session will be an introduction into the fundamentals to strive for public safety and provide firsthand examples of what has happened when legislation and codes are missed.  The goal is to (re)introduce those in construction to why legislation and construction codes exist and the benefit to understanding them.  

11:00am-12:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Tim Wong

This presentation will explore the 23/24 Cadmus Trades Teaching Chair Project, known as the "Machinist Outreach Program." The sessions focus is on the development and execution of a hybrid learning environment tailored to facilitate the professional development of high school educators. This approach integrates online modules, in-person training sessions, and mentorship components. The objective of the outreach program was to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to convey the machining trade to their students effectively. This presentation will analyze the project's strategic goals, conceptual framework, and collaborative efforts between educational institutions and industry stakeholders.

11:00am-12:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Shawn Bullock

Shawn Bullock has worked in high performance sport (hockey, para hockey, rugby sevens, and biathlon) at the National level for more than 20 years. Working with world class teams, Shawn brought home two gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships and one gold medal at the IPC World Para Hockey Championship. Shawn will talk about his experiences and explain how to develop tangible strategies and tools that bring a group of high achieving individuals together quickly to become a high performing team. Learn how he created an environment that maximized the potential of each national team athlete and staff member to set them up for success. During this session, he will share insight on how your actions contribute to the culture, the importance of understanding your teammates, and living your values together.

11:00am-12:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Brad Dewy

This session will speak to the culture and mentorship in Millwright trades that helps ensure the skills needed are passed from journeyman to apprentice and visa-versa. This can help instructors facilitate the knowledge transfer when the culture is embraced and reinforced by instructors. We will touch on the resources our instructors have to facilitate their learning and growth and how an instructor connects with the students. The session also addresses new technologies that are appearing on job sites and the job sites of the future. How we are training to be ready for that future is essential to stay  ahead of the skills required.

11:00am-12:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Brent Melnyk

The Alberta Electrician Apprenticeship Education Program (AEP) is undergoing a significant change beginning at the start of the 2024/25 academic year. At the end of the two-year phased in implementation, the Electrician AEP will see the length of both 3rd and 4th periods change, the addition of several new topics and the ability for students to obtain two Red Seal endorsements at the conclusion of their apprenticeship program.  This session will update the electrician AEP instructional staff on all of the changes impacting the program and also allow for a Q&A session. Additionally, we will provide instructional staff with information on the program change processes used by AIT.

11:00am-12:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Fred Bretzke

This presentation will review an update to the NPC of colored 3D illustrations. In addition to being in 3D, the illustrations will highlight real-world application as they will be set in context to include the water distribution piping and rainwater harvesting systems.  A lot has changed as the current appendix of drawings is more than 20 years old, in black and white, and were created using an antiquated Visio software program. The current drawings are also missing a number of correct fittings. For those who attend, you will be able access these illustrations for use.

11:00am-12:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Daphne Thompson and Michelle Beal

This session will focus on how Michelle and Daphne, two seasoned trades instructors, are re-evaluating their practice and shifting the teaching and learning culture of their program. Moving to a more collaborative model, there is a focus on relationships, strong foundational skills and building trust. Now in year two of this new delivery model, the focus is on keeping the momentum, tweaking, and building capacity across other programs in the school. The results are stronger classrooms, a stronger teaching team and students with stronger skills and confidence. Participants will receive examples of tools created to encourage student accountability, opportunities for connection, and reflection on their daily learning.

11:00am-12:00pm

Michael Holmes Jr. Keynote will be speaking at 12:30pm in the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Micheal will be available for pictures and questions until 2pm in the Lounge. 

Buffet Lunch sponsored by: ApprenticeSearch.com

12:00-2:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Rosalyn Ediger

Culinary Diplomacy is the multidisciplinary art form of using food and hospitality along with tact, finesse, and respect in the pursuit of building and fostering relationships. Culinary Diplomacy and Anthropology was first held at SAIT in January, 2022, delivered to all Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts students. In this session we will review why the course was developed, delve into the importance of culinary learning by empowering students to understand the power and meaning of food and the reasons why people gather around the table both. We will of explore topics including culture, history, geography, and international affairs and emphasize the intersectionality with every day of life. 

2:00pm-3:00pm

Moderator: Jim Szautner,

Join this fireside chat, as moderated by Jim Szautner, SAIT Dean of Apprenticeship.  Learn about Alberta's Associate Deputy Minister, Skilled Trades and Professions, Mike Fernandez.

An experienced executive leader with a history of execution in the public sector and building teams Mr. Fernandez  will  describe the relationship between apprenticeship training providers and the Government of Alberta’s (Advanced Education).

2:00-3:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Rob Collins

Lakeland College Instructor and Department Chair, Rob Collins has always been interested in learning and improving his teaching practice. He has asked the question “what do we want our students to know, how do we know if students learned it, and how will we respond if they don’t” (DuFour, 2006). Using these questions as drivers for learning design, Rob embarked on a journey of experimenting with data driven practice and embedded formative assessment techniques. Join Rob as he shares key-learnings, which will include how he redesigned a course with intensive and purposefully embedded formative feedback loops. He will share how tracking formative assessment data enabled more individualized student feedback and helped inform teaching decisions. He will also share successes, challenges, and participants will have the opportunity to experience some of the assessment tools used. Specific Learning outcomes for this session: 1. Identify the difference between Summative and Formative Assessments 2. Use 4 common questions to help assess a class’s strengths and weaknesses 3. Chart student’s progress to build data points 4. Use the data to guide instruction.

2:00pm-3:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Chad Flinn, Judi Varga-Toth and Justin Lasnier

The panel discussion will focus on the need to integrate greening and decolonization into trades education, reflecting contemporary educational, and environmental imperatives. 

Chad, Judi and Justin will introduce these critical concepts, highlighting their relevance amidst current trends.

They will provide an insightful exploration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing their global significance, and alignment to trades education.

The importance of decolonizing trades education is examined, with an emphasis on indigenization and the impact on education and trades. Connections between decolonization and greening practices, illustrated through case studies, are explored. They will further discuss the incorporation of green skills and technologies into trades education, stressing the essential role of environmental awareness in trade practices. 

Chad, Judi and Justin will highlight specific faculty training modules developed by Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), evaluating their effectiveness in enhancing trades education. They outline future directions, emphasizing collaboration and community engagement, particularly with Indigenous communities and industry. They will leave you with tangible actions, urging delegates to incorporate greening skills into trades education.

2:00-3:00pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Angie Jones

Please join the presenters for an interactive hour focusing on supports to optimize student learning. We will explore neurodiversity and discuss signs of neurodiversity in students and co-workers and how to support them. We will also discuss the support initiatives at SAIT including the Neurodiversity Alliance and a new program to provide apprenticeship students with academic supports.

2:00pm-3:00pm

Sponsored by CWB Group

Please meet in the Irene Lewis Atrium for a guided tour of the SAIT campus.

3:45-5:15pm

Please meet in the Irene Lewis Atrium for a guided tour of the SAIT campus.

4:00-5:00pm

Dinner on your own 

Buffet breakfast and networking

7:30am-8:30am

Welcoming remarks: Dean of Apprenticeship SAIT, Jim Szautner 

Keynote Introduction by SAIT Residence (CLC)

Shawn is available for questions in the lounge until 10:00am

8:30am-10:00am

Sponsored by CWB Group

Networking break until 10:15am

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Rick Martineau

Teaching the concepts of autonomous vehicle systems & Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), this seminar will demonstrate the fundamental concepts and technologies currently incorporated in today’s advanced vehicles. We will look at the types of sensors and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the various sensors and technologies to one another. Examination of how the processor uses sensor inputs to experience “sensor fusion”, or the process of interpreting all this information into a desired outcome or reaction. 

10:15-11:15am

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Panel Presentation: Jane Durango, Caitlin Hartigan, Lisa Weatherby, Michelle Karambowich, Leslie Friesen.

Moderator: Dan Weinert

Join us for an engaging and insightful forum dedicated to Women in the Trades. This panel brings together dynamic speakers, each representing a unique perspective within the trades industry. Whether you’re an aspiring apprentice, a seasoned tradesperson, or an organizational leader, this session promises valuable takeaways and thought-provoking discussions.

We will delve into the strategies and policies that promote gender equity in the trades. Learn how organizations can create respectful and welcoming workplaces, implement diversity targets, and hold employers and unions accountable for hiring practices. 

We will share firsthand experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Discover how women navigate hazardous work environments, advocate for safety, and contribute to the skilled trades community. Gain practical insights on breaking barriers and thriving in male-dominated fields. Hear about the journey of a young female who choose the trades as a career path, overcoming many obstacles. We invite you to participate in a lively Q&A session. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and champion change. Together, we can build a stronger, more diverse workforce!

10:15am-11:15am

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presentation by: Danielle Lorenz and Mark Wheller 

As the number of registered apprentices in Alberta grows, reimagining meaningful student engagement in trades classrooms will require instructors to use existing learning materials in different ways. Individual Learning Modules (ILMs) are specialized training materials written for apprentices that are currently utilized by trades training programs throughout Alberta. But how can instructors make use of ILMs to encourage apprentices to become more engaged learners? 

Participants will learn how to apply Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles—a student-centred, evidence-based approach to teaching and learning—to better understand how to optimize ILMs as instructional tools. Making use of a range of activities, we will demonstrate how ILMs can encourage active classroom engagement and facilitate learner motivation. 

This session will empower trades instructors to maximize the use of ILMs to engage students, ultimately fostering student success.

10:15-11:15am

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Joel Stetch and Craig McCarthy 

This talk will discuss how generative AI can be used to save time creating educational materials such as rubrics and multiple-choice tests. Participants will learn the basics of generative AI, engage in demonstrations on creating a rubric for trades projects, and develop tests tailored to their specific fields. The session includes hands-on exercises (bring a laptop if you have one!) and a flexible segment for exploring additional AI applications in education. It aims to equip instructors with practical AI tools and techniques that can radically improve their work/life balance.

10:15am-11:15am

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Trent Konard and Mary Fluke

CWB Education has created learning resources which are used by more than 70 post-secondary training providers in Canada. This presentation covers our journey to align and support apprenticeship outcomes through post-secondary training providers while delivering online lessons, simulation technology, quizzes, and presentations that can be integrated into any existing LMS platform. We will also convey how we reinvest our money back into post-secondary institutions and how training providers can apply for supportive programming in youth engagement, funded pre-employment programs, teacher professional growth seminars and more.

10:15-11:15am

Networking Break sponsored by CWB group

11:15-11:45am

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Lisa Weatherby

The presentation discusses the findings and reports best practices from my doctoral research focused on the inclusion of women in male-dominated apprenticeship classrooms. What do we need to keep doing and what do we need to stop doing in order for female apprentices to feel welcome in classrooms? How can we subsequently impact the workplace by transforming the culture in classrooms? What educators should know about the experiences of female students and how we can influence a more inclusive apprenticeship program.

11:45am-12:45pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Justin Pockar

This session will cover policy, historical and technical changes that have occurred due to the nature of building codes and the inclusion of energy efficiency codes in Canada. 

Topics for further exploration include the technical changes to the 2020 National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings and the compendium Section 9.36 in the National Building Code governing energy efficiency in houses and small buildings. In addition, the presentation will go to explore likely future changes that energy codes will see in the coming years. This is critical information not only in understanding where codes are headed, but to illustrate the ever-changing scope and application of energy efficiency codes. This will be of particular value to young professionals in the building trades, as it gives an indication of the rules they will be adopting in the formative years of their professional lives. 

11:45am-12:45pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Panel Discussion: Paul Hrynew

Alberta's apprenticeship education system is modernizing to ensure it remains relevant and effective in a changing economic landscape. Join our panel discussion as we review Alberta’s new apprenticeship education credentials and the development of post-apprenticeship education pathways, which are an important part of the Alberta Government’s commitment to increasing the parity of esteem between apprenticeship education and other forms of post-secondary education. Introduced in July 2022, apprenticeship education credentials demonstrate successful completion of an apprenticeship education program consisting of both on-the-job and classroom education and provide an opportunity for post-secondary institutions to award advanced standing in other post-secondary programs and support post-apprenticeship pathways.

11:45am-12:45pm

*Please note we will have volunteers guiding delegates to the room 10 min prior to the session from the Irene Lewis Atrium.

Presented by: Nancy Milakovic and Serei Jeppesen

As the competition for trades talent grows, companies are looking to diversify their workforce with inclusion practices that include attracting under-represented workers.  Individuals can be attracted to the trades, but they need to have positive experiences through-out their learning journey in order to graduate through their apprenticeship into successful employment.  This session will examine the tension between preparing students for the reality of trades work while also painting the vision for a barrier free future.  Women Building Futures (WBF) works with students to help get them ready for employment in the trades with trades exploration training and support.  The level of preparation that our students receive helps build their confidence which fuels their success; we nurture both capability and confidence!  WBF works collaboratively with Post Secondary Institutions and Training Facilities to ensure our training and support ladders into apprenticeship pathways and resilient careers.

11:45am-12:45pm

Lunch sponsored by ApprenticeSearch.com