SLC Showcases Skilled Trades Leadership at CMPX 2026

Submitted by Daniel Liao, Dean, Trades and Technology 
 
SLC had an outsized presence at the Canadian Mechanical and Plumbing Expo (CMPX) held in Toronto from March 25 to 27. This biennial trade show for the plumbing and HVAC industry is the largest of its kind in Canada and draws over 13,000 industry professionals every time it is run. 
  
Over the three days, SLC’s School of Skilled Trades partnered with HVAC industry association HRAI to showcase and promote their innovative hybrid-delivery Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic apprenticeship program within HRAI’s HVAC careers booth. Associate Dean Aidan Wornes and Dean Daniel Liao were both on hand to share facts with attendees on this program that has the potential to train HVAC apprentices from across Ontario through flexible online learning of theory followed by in-person labs. 
  
On day two, led by Professor Ian Scott, students from SLC’s Energy Systems Engineering Technician and Technology (ESET) programs visited and took their learning beyond the classroom through spending a full day at the trade show. As they walked the floor and spoke with exhibitors, they learned about cutting-edge building automation systems, new HVAC technologies and ways to make buildings more energy efficient. One of the most engaging moments for the students was learning from our local industry partner Canarm about their commercial fans that are manufactured in Brockville.