Virtual Training For Bay Area Interns
This year’s intern training in July was conducted over Zoom due to the limited number of interns. Despite the virtual format, the session was engaging and interactive.
The session began with the interns introducing themselves and sharing their current work placements and insights into their learning experiences. Guest speakers Yindy Felkins from Western Allied Mechanical and Paul Irwin from Bell Products, both BAS board members, spoke about their journeys in the sheet metal industry.
Yindy discovered the Bay Area SMACNA internship while studying at Cal Poly and talked about being one of the first recipients of the Bay Area SMACNA scholarship. She went on to discuss becoming one of the owners at Western Allied Mechanical after two decades, emphasizing the importance of exploring different opportunities. “You’re not limited to what you’re doing now. Next year, try something else,” she said. Paul, who graduated from the apprenticeship program in 1980, emphasized that his hands-on experience in the field was instrumental in his development as an estimator. Starting from the ground up, he eventually progressed to become an owner of the company. He pointed out that field interns gain valuable experience, learning firsthand about the daily operations within companies.
“The intern program is a great gift to the industry not only for interns, but for contractors as well,” Paul said. “We are now getting the best of the best to make the industry better.”
Q & A WITH THE INTERNS
Did your internship experience help guide your studies?
Question from Cindy, Bell Products intern
Yindy: After my internship I decided to sign up for an HVAC concentration for my mechanical engineering degree.
What changes have you seen over the years?
Question from Chris, WAM intern
Paul: Look around at everything you have to work with. We didn’t have that when I started. Everything was done by hand. VRF is another big change I’ve seen.
What advice do you have for new and upcoming project managers to be successful in the industry as a whole?
Question from Zach, WAM intern
Paul: This isn’t just for PMs: 10 minutes early is the new “on time!” Work hard, be respectful. All the little things help you achieve your goal. Working hard pays off; you get out what you put in.
Yindy: Be willing to ask the questions and learn. Don’t be arrogant; there’s a lot you don’t know, so don’t pretend you know everything. Spend time in the field and learn all you can — it will make you better in the future.
Did your internship experience help guide your studies?
Question from Cindy, Bell Products intern
Yindy: After my internship I decided to sign up for an HVAC concentration for my mechanical engineering degree.
What changes have you seen over the years?
Question from Chris, WAM intern
Paul: Look around at everything you have to work with. We didn’t have that when I started. Everything was done by hand. VRF is another big change I’ve seen.
What advice do you have for new and upcoming project managers to be successful in the industry as a whole?
Question from Zach, WAM intern
Paul: This isn’t just for PMs: 10 minutes early is the new “on time!” Work hard, be respectful. All the little things help you achieve your goal. Working hard pays off; you get out what you put in.
Yindy: Be willing to ask the questions and learn. Don’t be arrogant; there’s a lot you don’t know, so don’t pretend you know everything. Spend time in the field and learn all you can — it will make you better in the future.