To celebrate the 125th anniversary of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 and training centers throughout the country are hosting an open house on Oct. 14, opening their campuses to students, families, school counselors, veterans, architects, engineers and anyone interested in learning more about the industry.
“We’re going to open our doors, have refreshments and invite people down who might not know what we’re all about,” said Steve Sneed, coordinator of Local 36’s apprenticeship program.
Local 36’s training center is located at 2319 Chouteau Ave. in St. Louis.
The open house will showcase the cutting edge training, skills and knowledge that have kept the unionized sheet metal industry at the forefront of the building and construction trades for more than a century, Sneed said.
Some of America’s most recognizable landmarks were built by unionized sheet metal workers, including the Gateway Arch, the Times Square New Year’s Ball and Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
While snips and hammers are still common, today’s tools also include computers, software, plasma cutters and e-readers. Today’s sheet metal workers solve complex problems with satellite-enabled, handheld devices on the job site and design complicated HVAC systems with three-dimensional software in the office.
Local 36 will offer tours of the facility and opportunities to speak with instructors to learn about the industry, Local 36’s accredited training programs and career opportunities for graduates.
Coordinators will also be on hand to discuss new affiliations with local colleges and trade schools, vendors and employers seeking highly skilled workers.
For more information, call 314-534-9680.
- Share this story:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-