SMACNA Member Joins California Apprenticeship Council
Sheri Learmonth, CEO of Marina Mechanical, was appointed to the California Apprenticeship Council (CAC) as an Employer Representative by Governor Newsom and is one of only two women on the 14-member Commission. Sheri is also a member of the Women in Construction steering committee for Bay Area SMACNA and co-lead of the community involvement team.
What prompted you to apply for this role?
I have been in construction for my entire career, but in a financial role. Being involved in the CAC is a way that I can give back to the industry. As a business leader I understand the importance of having a skilled and trained workforce. We need to continue to promote the skilled trades, and as a woman in construction I want to promote equity in apprenticeship.
What is the CAC responsible for accomplishing in California?
Ultimately the CAC is responsible for the welfare of apprentices; making sure they receive the training they require to protect the future of the skilled workforce needed to keep the California economy moving.
What are challenges or opportunities that union-based JATCs should be aware of?
I think we are all experiencing the challenge of finding good people, but the skilled trades have not been valued as highly as attending college. If we can shift the idea of success, the opportunities are endless. Apprenticeship creates the ability to earn while you learn and ultimately provides a career for those that choose this path.
What have you seen in recruiting efforts for tradeswomen?
As a member of the WIC Leadership Team for Bay Area SMACNA, I’ve observed more growth in the hiring of women at the professional level and feel we have a greater opportunity to expand our recruitment and retention of women in the trades.