It’s that time of year again: Back to school. If you have Metal Building System Erectors (MBSE) apprentices, be sure to get them registered for the MBSE Ironworker training. First year’s classes are likely full, but there are still openings for the second year of the program. Even if classes are full, you can still register your apprentices and get them on the waiting list, as spots often open. Register here: Tradesecrets - Register for Classes (alberta.ca)

There are many new construction companies now working in Alberta. Welcome new companies by inviting them to be a part of AMBA and encourage them to sign their workers and erectors up as apprentices and enroll them into the required training programs. Erecting pre-engineered metal buildings is restricted to Sponsored Apprentices and Certified Journeypersons and there are Officers out there overseeing this requirement. Officers doing site inspections are actively reviewing certifications, verifying sponsored apprentices and checking that MBSE Ironworkers are preforming their designated Activities.

I recently heard about an Officer questioning an MBSE working on a tall pre-engineered metal building that they believed was more than two storeys, due to the height. After further investigation, the Officer agreed that it is the number of completed floors that designates it as multiple stories and not the height of the building. Fortunately, it was sorted out the following day. It is good news for our industry that inspectors are making sure contractors are following Provincial trade regulations.

Let’s work together to make our industry safe and build quality metal buildings!

As always, if there is anything AMBA can help to assist our members, please reach out.