Twelve students from Grayling High School attended an apprenticeship workshop on October 1, 2021 at the Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium office located in Grayling. Three trades participated in the workshop, sharing their knowledge, expertise and experience in their industries.
John Coleman (pic 1) from the Sheet Metal Workers Local 7 was one of the guest presenters. The Sheet Metal Workers International Association is a trade union of skilled metal workers who perform architectural sheet metal work, fabricate and install heating and AC, shipbuilding, appliance construction, heater and boiler construction, precision and specialty parts manufacture, and a variety of other jobs involving sheet metal.
The Sheet Metal Workers International Association represents about 150,000 members in 185 local unions in the U.S. and Canada. John spoke of his years of experience as a sheet metal worker and the training during his apprenticeship. John is now an Organizer with Local 7 and is a supporter of events that bring awareness for careers in the skilled trades.
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 692 spoke of their apprentice program and what skills are needed as a starting point. Brian Klele who is part of the membership development team has worked as an electrician for several years and was able to provide examples of a career in the field. Local 692 has been a long-time supporter of Michigan Works! student events including MiCareer Quest, career days and job fairs. (pic 2) Brian Klele from the IBEW Local 692 talks about apprenticeship programs. Brian and his colleagues participate in student events that help lay the foundation of a bright, productive future for high school students by introducing them to the trade and a career as an electrician.
Jason Reed from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 202 also participated and spoke about their training center located in Grayling. Jason and his team have spoken at several student events and have used their hands on display which gives students the opportunity to use hammers and nails which is always a hit.
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