Veterans Making a Difference
The Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund are proud to offer a direct entry program for qualified veterans.
All veterans are encouraged to apply through the JATC. Once their application is submitted, they’re appointed to an interview with a panel of labor and management representatives, including a Local 104 veteran consultant. Those who pass the interview screening and selection are then eligible for a direct entry spot, enabling them to be indentured sooner than their testing ranking alone. Veterans are highly valued within the sheet metal industry because of their strong work ethic and desire and ability to accomplish projects as part of a team. Their level of commitment extends beyond the training center and onto the shop or jobsite. Contractors and labor supervisors routinely complement our veterans on their discipline, promptness and attention to detail.
Member company Pan Pacific is a big supporter of their veteran workforce and consider them to be a great asset to their organization and the sheet metal industry as a whole. The pride and value veteran workers hold throughout the industry is evident as many become future leaders in the companies they serve. Tom Conroy, Director of Operations at Pan Pacific, and General Foreman Rob Barrett are both former Marines. Lake Culpepper, Superintendent, is former U.S. Army. Together these men have a sincere interest in their veteran workforce.
According to Culpepper, approximately 10% of his crew are veterans, and he understands that some of them have unique needs — especially those who have recently returned to civilian life. Apprentices might have challenges adjusting. Some might have PTSD and some simply need assistance adapting to new workplace habits. Culpepper and Barrett are diligent in reaching out to veterans to help ease any concerns they might have and point out other veterans working at Pan Pacific. They have also provided hard hat stickers for veterans so they are easily identified by their follow workers.
As part of their veteran support, leadership at Pan Pacific ensure that service men and women know they can reach out, confidentially, to speak to a veteran colleague on an as-needed basis. Sometimes veterans feel isolated and lost after the routine of the military. By becoming unofficial sponsors, the leadership team identifies personal challenges before they grow, and helps develop and support the future leaders of the organization. As a Learning Educational Agency (LEA) partner to the apprenticeship program, Foothill College also offers targeted support to veterans (see box). Phil, a 5th year apprentice who entered through the direct entry program in 2016, states that he’s “blessed to have leadership that is way more understanding” of the needs and wants of veterans. One example of the flexibility provided to veteran workers is that there isn’t any hassle if a veteran needs to go the Veterans Administration for a hard-to-reschedule appointment. The gratitude felt by veterans is equal to how the contractors and Local 104 leaders feel about their veteran workforce.
“The vast majority of veterans can motivate other people to come along and they differentiate themselves by seeking great accomplishments and wanting to prove themselves.” Stated Lake Culpepper, Superintendent.
Contractors and Local 104 thank all veterans for their service to our country, and for making a difference in our industry with their continued commitment and contributions on the job.
Foothill College offers targeted support for Local 104 Apprentice veterans through the Veteran’s Resource Center (VRC), including:
- Vouchers (funding) for any items needed for the apprenticeship such as tools and boots
- Free academic counseling
- Eligible to work with the VRC (Veteran Resource Center) and apply for grants and scholarships
- Testing for accommodations for any educational needs
- Assistance with certifying required OJT hours and completing all paperwork associated with the certification process