Celebrating Apprentices
Although apprenticeship training continued during the pandemic with lots of effort and readjustment, the Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund (JATC) needed to shift priorities, leaving apprenticeship completion ceremonies on hold.
In March 2024, the long-awaited turning out celebration for 2020-2022 District 1 apprentices was held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The event — attended by more than 400 individuals, including apprentices and their families — was a resounding success.
JATC co-chairs Paul Irwin, president of Bell Products, and Rick Werner of Local 104, spoke to the graduates (now journey workers) and encouraged them to keep learning to make a difference in the industry. Mike Harris, administrator of the International Training Institute, which forms the foundation of SMART and SMACNA’s curriculum development, also commended the outstanding instruction and facilities within District 1. Chris Allen, dean of Foothill College’s apprenticeship programs, also spoke and acknowledged the commitment, perseverance and sacrifice it took to accomplish this achievement. He pointed out that District 1 JATC program graduates currently have significantly more credits earned toward an Associate in Science degree than any other Bay Area apprenticeship programs (see page 22 for more details).
The event’s participants were all smiles as they enjoyed the music, posed for photos and caught up with former classmates. Each program graduate proudly received a certificate of achievement on stage, cheered on by loved ones and friends. A few hardworking grads received special acknowledgement for their outstanding GPA or attendance.
A big thank-you to Milwaukee Tool for generously donating tools to each graduate, and to Linda Montenegro for organizing this memorable event!