Sheet Metal grads carry on local’s legacy

Latasha Wood was radiant as she joined her fellow sheet metal apprentices at graduation ceremonies last Saturday. Her entire family was there to celebrate the culmination of the intense 5-year program that trained the 27 apprentices for careers in the building trades. When she entered the Community Services Agency’s Building Futures program, Wood (left) knew she wanted to be a tradeswoman, but she wasn’t sure which trade. She applied to the sheet metal workers (SMART local 100) apprenticeship program and was quickly hired by CMC Sheet Metal. For the next five years she and her fellow apprentices worked by day, studied at night, and on Saturday their commitment paid off as they became journeymen, or, in Wood’s case, a journeywoman. Their families were not the only ones bursting with pride. "Sheet Metal Workers Local 100 started in our area in 1888 and Saturday's graduates have joined the legacy,” said Local 100 president and business manager Richard LaBille III, noting that the local has grown from 200 members to its current membership of 2,000, dedicated to continuing “to provide excellence in craftmanship, advancing to be the best among the best in the industry." "We hope many more women see these nontraditional jobs as a great way to support themselves and their families with family supporting wages and life-long benefits," added BF Program Coordinator Sylvia Casaro Dietert (at right in photo). 
If you’re interested in collaborating with the local WANTO (Women In Apprenticeship And Nontraditional Occupations) Technical Assistance program, email [email protected]

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