Conference Breakouts | Sheet Metal Industry Institutes

SHEET METAL INDUSTRY INSTITUTES CONFERENCE BREAKOUTS

Title	Description
AFL-CIO Update with Rebecca Reindel: Advocating in Your Region	We will discuss the current regulatory environment with agencies such as OSHA and NIOSH. Additionally, we will explore ways individuals can advocate within their local regions to engage with these agencies.
Aligning Labor, Management, and Training Through Advisory Committees and AHJ Training	Effective local and regional advisory committees, paired with accredited AHJ training, strengthen collaboration across labor, management, and training—the industry’s three-legged stool. Panelists share strategies for elevating local voices to regional impact, improving training alignment, and using mutual recognition to build trust, consistency, and unified advancement across the workforce and regulatory community.
Apprenticeship Models: Time vs. Competency	We will unpack the two hybrid options for Appendix A in the National Guideline Standards; Contrasting the original, more time‑based schedule with the competency‑attainment model newly introduced as Option 2. You’ll get an overview of how each approach is structured, changes for progression and completion, and how competencies are defined and assessed. We’ll also cover key factors that JATCs will need to consider when selecting a model for their program.
Educate and Equip Yourself on Substance Use	This critical session addresses substance abuse issues in the construction industry, providing participants with essential knowledge and practical tools to recognize signs of substance misuse and create a supportive environment for members seeking help.
Emerging Technologies with Stratus	Innovate with Stratus, a cloud-based platform that elevates team workflows. Understand how Stratus enables real-time data insights, seamless cross-team collaboration, and scalable automation to accelerate decision-making. Discover practical use cases, key features, and best practices for integrating this emerging technology into your organization and training center.
Expanding the Scope: Emerging Market Opportunities for Signatory Contractors	Emerging market opportunities for signatory contractors are expanding in duct leakage testing, sealing, and cleaning. Panelists explore how these services are used in TAB, referenced in energy codes, and applied in IAQ work, addressing technical requirements and business impacts. Attendees gain insight into expanding services while maintaining safety, consistency, and verifiable results.
Forepersons and Mentoring: Preparing Members to Teach and Develop Leaders	This breakout session covers the ITI Foreperson and Mentoring curricula, focusing on Train-the-Trainer classes that prepare members to teach and develop leaders. Participants will review foreperson duties, leadership, jobsite organization, productivity, and safety. The session also highlights mentoring programs that support apprentices, strengthen retention, and encourage professional growth.
From Apprentice to Supervisor: Leadership Training That Works	Targeted training for supervisors and contractors strengthens industry standards and workforce performance. Panelists highlight NEMI certification pathways that build leadership skills across labor, management, and instruction, supporting career advancement from apprentice to supervisor. Contractor and training coordinator perspectives provide practical insight into developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Getting to the Table: Shaping Codes and Standards That Impact Our Work	A practical roadmap for engaging labor and management in codes and standards development, this session outlines proven strategies for participation. Panelists share recent updates and successful examples of local code modifications. Attendees gain actionable insight into how industry stakeholders can effectively help shape the rules that govern their work.
Grant Opportunities & Strategies for JATCs	Join us for a comprehensive overview of current grant opportunities and strategies for JATCs. This presentation will provide insights into the evolving landscape of grant funding, highlighting key regions, potential service engagement, and anticipated grant availability for the upcoming year. It will summarize the current federal and state grant environments, offering tips for coordinators and JATC trustees seeking to maximize their funding potential.
Hazing and Bullying in the Workplace	This session tackles the serious issues of hazing and bullying within the construction workforce, emphasizing their detrimental effects on team cohesion and productivity. Participants will learn how to identify these behaviors and implement effective strategies to foster a respectful workplace.
Hours You Can Bank On - The Role of Certifications in Gaining Market Opportunities	Industry certifications translate directly into sustained market opportunity by delivering trusted, verifiable competency. Panelists discuss how TAB, VVIAQ, Fire & Life Safety, and Rigging/Signaling credentials earn confidence from owners and AHJs. The session explores integrating certifications into training and on-the-job learning to support long-term work, workforce readiness, and market resilience.
Implementing Policies to Work, Learn, AND Recover Safely	Focusing on health and well-being in construction, this session discusses the development and enforcement of best practices and policies that prioritize teams’ and members’ recovery after someone returns from treatment and while in recovery.
ITI New Curriculum and the Learning Management System	Stay ahead of the curve as the ITI continues refreshing curricula and roll out new course content. This session explores recent updates including enhanced navigation within the eReader and Total Track and demonstrates how the Learning Management System integrates seamlessly with in‑person training. Participants will also gain practical strategies for implementing these tools and resources effectively within their own training facilities.
JATC Accreditation and What Makes a Successful Apprenticeship	This presentation gives an overview of the ITI Accreditation program, explaining its history and how the process helps JATCs maintain high training standards. Attendees will discover the program's goals, benefits of accreditation, and special recognition for achieving gold or platinum status. We will close with a sneak peak into the future of accreditation.
JATC Grant Readiness & Project Design	We will explore what it means to be “grant ready” and how grant funding can benefit your JATCs. We will cover key documents commonly requested by funders and share best practices to ensure your JATC is prepared to apply. We’ll also discuss how to expand your training capabilities and design grant projects that align with your goals. We will examine how grant funding can support JATC success and help build sustainability and growth in your program.
Legacy Leadership Workshop	Discover how empathetic, people‑first leadership shapes a strong safety culture. Inspired by Brandon Anderson’s message, this session explores influencing through trust, supporting mental well‑being, communicating authentically, and fostering growth. Learn to lead with purpose, elevate your team, and build a lasting leadership legacy.
Mental Health Resources for Union Members and Their Families	Tailored for construction professionals and their families, this session highlights accessible mental health resources and support systems designed to address the unique challenges faced in the industry, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
New Technologies for TAB and Service	This breakout session will facilitate a demonstration of the latest technologies from vendors in the TAB and Service fields, highlighting their features, functionality, process improvements, and efficientcy.
Rigging & Signaling: About the Class and the Certification	Preview of the enhanced Rigging and Signaling course. ITI and ICB will cover training topics, codes, standards, interactive learning tools, and recommended equipment. The session will also detail the new ICB Rigging Certification, maintenance requirements, and how to become an approved JATC testing facility.
SMART Workers & Building Automation	This breakout session explores the rapid growth and market potential of building automation for SMART members and SMACNA contractors. Moderated by NEMI, panelists share real-world insight on market entry, training pathways, strategy, and workforce development. Attendees gain a practical roadmap for integrating automation with HVAC, TAB, fire and life safety, and mechanical acceptance testing.
SMART Heroes Program and Veterans Benefits	This session will cover a brief description of the SMART Heroes program and what happens when a SMART Hero graduate decides to come to your Local JATC. We will also discuss the benefits a veteran can utilize while in a registered apprenticeship program. Lastly, we will cover how to become a School Certifying Official so you and your team can submit educational benefits for veterans and SMART Heroes in your program.
SMOHIT Program Updates and NMDP (formerly Be the Match)	Participants will learn about the latest SMOHIT fund updates focused on improving safety, mental health, and well-being in the construction industry, including new initiatives and resources for safer job sites. Learn also how NMDP uses cell therapy to replace damaged or diseased cells with healthy ones from a patient or donor to treat or cure blood cancers and other blood disorders.
Strategies for a Better You: Actionable Methods to Enhance Mental Health and Build Resilience	This session is designed to support personal and professional development by equipping construction professionals with actionable methods to enhance mental health and build resilience. Participants will learn techniques to enhance their quality of life and strengthen their ability to cope with the demands of the industry.
Suicide Awareness: Proactive Steps to Offer Support	In this crucial session, attendees will learn to identify the warning signs of suicidal tendencies that may be present in high-stress construction environments. This discussion will include ways to encourage mental health awareness and the importance of taking proactive steps to offer support.
What’s Your Window of Tolerance? - Managing Emotional Responses to High-stress Situations	This interactive session introduces the "Window of Tolerance" concept, helping construction workers understand and manage their emotional responses to the high-stress situations common in the industry. Strategies will be shared for maintaining regulation and ensuring safety on-site.