Successful Intern Program
For 20 years, Bay Area SMACNA has introduced local students to the variety of career opportunities available within the sheet metal industry through our successful Intern Program. We are proud to be one of the only associations in the country who has an agreement with our Local that allows interns to work in both the shop and field.
Our 2020 program saw participation from 15 member firms, with 22 bright and ambitious students learning everything from project management, field construction and service to engineering, estimating and design. Some received hands-on training in the shop and/or field while others learned the workings of the industry from inside the office.
Although our highly anticipated annual Intern Training Day — which typically includes a facility tour of a member contractor and Q&A session — was cancelled due to the pandemic, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the enthusiastic students.
“Air balance work exceeded my expectations. I’m looking forward to the next break when I can intern again,” said Connor Davies, who interned at National Air Balance Company (NABCO).
Michael Zell, an intern at Western Allied Mechanical, appreciated several members of the team he was placed with for taking time to help them learn even when the sheet metal professionals were busy.
“I am very thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this program and to gain experience in the workplace, as I intend to go into the construction management field,” said Kaiya Madorin, who interned at Therma. “Additionally, the people that I work with and work around set a great example of a successful, professional workplace.”
The contractors involved in the Summer Intern Program are pleased with the quality and professionalism of the applicants, even during challenging situations.
“Michael was a great help and a great team member throughout the whole internship,” said Duncan Green of Western Allied Mechanical. “Working remotely because of COVID was less than ideal but he was able to get work done and still learn during his time.”
Ty Curtis of NABCO commented that his intern, Connor, was an asset to the company and “we look forward to seeing him in the industry, should he pursue it.”
The companies that participated in this year’s intern program include the following:
- Brady Air Conditioning
- Coldcraft, Inc.
- Crown Sheet Metal & Skylights, Inc.
- Fairview Heating & Air Conditioning
- MTB
- National Air Balance Company, Inc.
- N.V. Heathorn Company
- Peterson Mechanical, Inc.
- R.J. Mechanical, Inc.
- R.M.I. Mechanical
- Southland Industries
- Therma
- United Mechanical, Inc.
- Van-Mulder Sheet Metal, Inc.
- Western Allied Mechanical
For more information on our scholarship and internship programs, or how to get involved with Intern Training Day, contact Donja Robinson at drobinson@bayareasmacna.org.