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Each year during National Apprenticeship Week, SMART celebrates the life-changing power of a union apprenticeship — from stellar pay and benefits to lifelong solidarity and fulfilling career paths.

Dee Lee, a second-year Local 85 apprentice out of Atlanta, Ga., has already plunged head-first into life as a union sheet metal worker — from working in the field at Warner Bros. Studios to organizing multi-trade charity projects. Learn more in her SMART Women’s Committee National Apprenticeship Week spotlight:

Are you active in trade-related activities?

I am very active in trade-related activities. I have gone to career fairs and organizing events with my local organizer, I have volunteered, and I even hosted my own SMART Army event, the Unions Unite project. Unions Unite is the new, annual, all-local volunteer event I organized in Atlanta involving multiple union trades, the Georgia Building Trades Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. We all came together to install a new courtesy dock at the Blockhouse Boat Ramp in Cartersville, Ga.

What’s one tool you can’t live without?

The one tool I can’t live without is my notebook and pen! It helps me stay organized and keep track of the things I need to keep track of.

What do you find frustrating about your job/trade?

I’d say the most frustrating part is coworkers that are stuck in their ways, or stuck in “the old ways.” It makes it hard to be a woman sometimes. It feels a lot like I have to work twice as hard to earn half as much respect.

What’s the coolest job you’ve worked on?

The coolest job I was on was my first jobsite in the field, Warner Bros Studios. It was really cool to see the studios and the campus, and find out how much I already knew before I got out there.

Each year during National Apprenticeship Week, SMART celebrates the life-changing power of a union apprenticeship — from stellar pay and benefits to lifelong solidarity and fulfilling career paths.

First-year Local 206 (San Diego, Calif.) apprentice Brandi Hartung has only just started her sheet metal career, but she already has a concrete goal of becoming a foreman one day. Read more in her SMART Women’s Committee National Apprenticeship Week 2024 spotlight.

What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?

Problem solving and adaptability.

What do you love to do when you are not at work?

Spend time with my family and go for walks at the park.

What are your goals in the future?

My goals are to be a foreman one day.

What do you find frustrating about your job/trade?

The math and trying to figure out bend allowances.

What’s the coolest job you’ve worked on?

Soldering mechanical pads.

Why sheet metal?

I was interested in getting into the trades; my friend was already doing sheet metal, so he told me about it. It sounded like a good trade to get into, so I joined!

Best advice you’ve gotten as an apprentice?

Be open to learning something new every day.

What do you think about Tradeswomen Build Nations?

I love seeing more women in the trades and programs that help with our solidarity.

Each year during National Apprenticeship Week, SMART celebrates the life-changing power of a union apprenticeship — from stellar pay and benefits to lifelong solidarity and fulfilling career paths.

The SMART Women’s Committee is highlighting female apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024. That includes third-year Local 85 (Atlanta, Ga.) apprentice Zenobia Clark, who says she loves her current job “because I can show my daughter my daily grit and endurance.”

What do you love to do when you are not at work?

Nature trips, writing, spiritual pursuits and family.

Best advice you got as an apprentice?

Learn all that you can.

Best advice you have for an apprentice?

Be aware and steady.

What’s the coolest job you’ve worked on?

The one I work on now is the coolest, because I can show my daughter my daily grit and endurance.

What surprised you about your trade?

The endurance and adaptability necessary.

What do you think about Tradeswomen Build Nations?

I love to see women there that go through the exact same situations as me. I feel stronger for the year after experiencing this support.

Each year during National Apprenticeship Week, SMART celebrates the life-changing power of a union apprenticeship — from stellar pay and benefits to lifelong solidarity and fulfilling career paths.

As part of the SMART Women’s Committee’s National Apprenticeship Week spotlight series, Local 17 (Boston, Mass.) sister Areesa Willie, a fourth-year apprentice, talks about how much she enjoys learning new things in the sheet metal trade (and getting paid to do it).

What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?

I try my best to bring positivity to my jobsite. I like to keep spirits up at work. I’m not perfect at it and sometimes I need a little uplifting myself, but I want everyone I work with to realize they matter and what they do inside and outside of work matters. I’m also sober, and I am very open about that. I want anyone that needs help for themselves or a friend/family member to feel comfortable asking for help. We all deserve to be happy, healthy and free.

What do you love to do when you are not at work?

Spending time with my daughter is my favorite thing to do; hiking, getting lunch or coffee with friends, cozying up under the covers and watching a good movie, spending time with my animals and reading.

What are your goals in the future?

I want to learn and understand my trade fully. My goal is to become a mechanic and help others learn and aspire to do things the right way. I also want to be a representative of recovery for my union. I want to help others get the help that they need with no judgements, no stigma.

What do you find surprising about your job/trade?

I was surprised that I was actually not terrible at it and how much I enjoy learning new things about it. I didn’t realize that I would be so passionate about it.

Each year during National Apprenticeship Week, SMART celebrates the life-changing power of a union apprenticeship — from stellar pay and benefits to lifelong solidarity and fulfilling career paths.

The SMART Women’s Committee is spotlighting female apprentices as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024. And in St. Louis, second-year apprentice Lily May Gibson is getting her career off to a strong start, helping found the first Local 36 Women’s Committee and doing her part to bring more sisters into our trade.

What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?

I can MiG, Stick and TIG weld. I can weld aluminum, stainless steel, copper, titanium, etc. I have a very strong work ethic and always willing to learn new things! I’m strong in leadership roles as well.

What do you love to do when you are not at work?

When I’m not at work, I sit in my shop at home and weld. I also enjoy racing, hunting, fishing, taking care of my farm and being involved in volunteer work in my community!

Tool you can’t live without?

Hands down would be my welpers. It’s a pair of pliers meant for MIG welding.

What are your goals in the future?

I’m one of the founders of the first women’s committee in Local 36. Some of my goals are to help grow our women’s committee, be able to travel out of the country to weld, and help other women and younger generations understand that trades are a wonderful route to go. I’d also love to learn laser welding in the future!

As union sheet metal workers, SMART members practice excellence every day in our craft. And as union members, we have the backs of our brothers and sisters, on and off the job.

Now, it’s time to demonstrate that solidarity. As part of the I Got Your Back campaign, we are challenging members to Be Excellent.

Launched on Monday, November 18, the Be Excellent challenge asks SMART members to incorporate small but important practices into their routines to build camaraderie with each other and reinforce union solidarity.

In the first phase of this challenge, members can practice excellence by taking the time to greet each other every day. When you see a fellow member on the job, try saying “Hello,” “Good Morning,” “How Are You?” or another greeting of your choice. To kick this off, we are challenging SMART members to try giving a daily greeting to at least five people every week. For an extra challenge, try seeking out at least one person whom you do not talk to often. 

Small acts can have a big impact, and we are strongest when we show that every member is valued in this union. Let’s continue to pull together, be excellent to each other, and show our fellow members – I GOT YOUR BACK!

Be Excellent leadership tip: notes of appreciation

Strong and effective leaders express their appreciation and gratitude to their officers and staff on a regular basis. That’s why SMART is encouraging leaders to write individual notes of appreciation to fellow officers, staff, and members on a regular basis to express gratitude for something specific they have done or the impact they have had on you. It doesn’t need to be formal — you can send your message by email, text, a physical note or verbally in conversation.

This practice improves morale, boosts productivity and motivation, and builds solidarity within your team and in our union.

“I absolutely love the notes of appreciation initiative, and I believe it has been well received,” said SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department Director Peter Kennedy. “I sent several notes to employees and staff, and folks responded with appreciation, and reciprocity.”

The SMART Army showed out in force for kids in Bradley County, Tennessee, last October: Local 5 members partnered with the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, building 30 beds for children who need a safe place to sleep.

SHP’s mission is that “no kid sleeps on the floor in our town” — with the help of Local 5, that dream moved one step closer towards reality.

“The nonprofit was very pleased and wants to partner with us again,” reported Local 5 Organizer Hunter Gossett.

Great work, brothers and sisters!

On the morning of Wednesday, November 6, Donald Trump won his bid for reelection to the White House, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

The American people have spoken, and SMART stands ready to work with elected leaders to advance the interests of members and their families.

SMART endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket based on both candidates’ strong, pro-labor records and their plans to build on the unprecedented accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration.

President Biden’s term in office will be looked back on as one of the most pro-worker administrations in modern history. For SMART members, specifically, the Biden-Harris administration’s passage of the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act saved union members’ pensions and created thousands upon thousands of union jobs. And the Federal Railroad Administration’s two-person train crew rule finally prioritized safety and SMART-TD railroaders’ jobs over Wall Street profit.

No matter what happens after January 2025, know this: SMART will continue to fight tirelessly on behalf of members and their families. As SMART General President Michael Coleman said in the leadup to Election Day: “We must remember that, at the end of the day, we are all brothers and sisters. As long as we have each other’s back, we will continue our forward march to secure the rights and dignity of all working people.”

During the month of November, SMART is spotlighting our military members and veterans: celebrating their service and showcasing their journeys into the trade. Read Local 265 member and instructor Chris James’ story below:

“In 2003, I made one of the most pivotal decisions of my life: I joined the United States Marine Corps. At the time, I was seeking something greater than myself, a challenge that would push me to my limits and instill discipline, strength and a sense of purpose. The Marine Corps did all of that and more. It molded me into a person with unwavering dedication, respect for hard work and a firm understanding of the importance of teamwork. The experience shaped the foundation of who I am today, both as a person and as a professional.

“During my time in the Marines, I learned to lead by example, adapt under pressure and work within a tight-knit group. These values became second nature, and I carried them with me long after I transitioned back to civilian life in 2007. In 2011, I found a new career path as a union sheet metal worker. At first, I wasn’t sure how my military background would translate into this industry, but it didn’t take long to realize the similarities between the two worlds.

“The union, like the military, thrives on a sense of brotherhood, sisterhood and camaraderie. There’s a shared mission, and every individual plays a critical role in achieving success. Much like in the Corps, where each Marine looks out for one another, the union fosters a similar culture. We may come from different backgrounds and experiences, but in the field, we work side by side with the same goals in mind. This bond reminds me of my time in the service, and it is one of the aspects I cherish most about being a part of the union.

“In addition to working as a sheet metal worker, I now serve as a full-time instructor, a role that allows me to give back by mentoring our apprentices, much like I did with my junior Marines. Guiding and teaching the next generation of workers has been incredibly fulfilling, and it’s a way for me to continue living by the values of leadership, responsibility and teamwork that were instilled in me during my military service.

“I’m also proud to be a member of Local 265‘s Veterans Club, where I can connect with other former service members and continue to support our veteran community. The club provides a space for veterans to share their experiences, offer support to one another and stay involved in causes that matter to us. In a couple weeks, the 265 Veterans Club will be hosting an inaugural event that will donate 100% of the proceeds to a local non-for-profit organization that aims to help veterans in the mental health space. So far, we have raised over $22,000 in proceeds that will help directly impact those that have selflessly served their country. It is because of the strength and solidarity of the union that we were able to accomplish this goal.

“The transition from the military to civilian life is not always easy, but the union gave me a sense of belonging, a new mission and the opportunity to build a career with my own hands. The values instilled in me by the Marine Corps — honor, courage and commitment — continue to guide me in the construction industry. Whether it’s the physical labor, problem-solving on the job site, or the sense of pride in completing a project, these qualities have made me successful as a sheet metal worker and as a mentor.

“In both the military and the union, there’s a clear understanding that you are only as strong as the team around you. I am grateful for the experiences I’ve had in both worlds and proud to be part of a community that values hard work, loyalty and the strength of working together.”

SMART Local 24 in Dayton, Ohio, recently hosted the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust (SMOHIT) for a three-day SMART MAP training led by Field Representative Ed Robison. The event focused on mental health awareness and peer training for union members and signatory contractors.

The SMART MAP (Member Assistance Program) is an innovative initiative designed to address mental health challenges within the industry, particularly related to drug and alcohol abuse, suicide and the importance of self-care. The program not only raises awareness but also empowers participants with peer training support and resources that extend to union members and their families.

The Local 24 training was divided into two parts. The first two days were dedicated to training union members, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to support each other and foster a healthier workplace environment. The final day focused on contractors, helping to ensure that management and leadership are equally prepared to support their teams.

“Thanks to the overwhelming success of this event, it will become an annual fixture, with the next one scheduled for the first week of October 2025,” said Business Representative Brawny Welch. “This is a significant step forward for Local 24 in addressing mental health in the workplace and ensuring long-term support for members and their families.”