Check out the descriptions for each position below to see which pathway to SMART Local 71 membership makes the most sense for you. Whether apprenticeship, classified/utility work, journeyperson or organizing your current workplace, there’s a spot for everyone.
Membership Applications
Apprentice
Apprenticeship is the backbone of the skilled trades. Over the course of five years, you’ll learn from experienced journeypersons in the field as you work for one of our signatory contractors. In the evenings, you’ll attend class twice per week for four hours, totaling eight hours of instruction in the various facets of sheet metal work. Classes are divided into two, twelve-week semesters in the fall and spring, for a total of 48 classes per year. A good apprenticeship applicant is anyone who wants to learn the trade. If you have less than five years of experience in commercial sheet metal, this is the best route to take.
Classified/Utility Worker
Classified workers are people with skills in one specific aspect of sheet metal work who are happy performing in that role. Utility workers are members who are looking to gain more experience before joining the apprenticeship program. Typically, classified and utility workers go to a fabrication shop every day and may on occasion run tools and material to the field. If you enjoy fabrication and going to the same place every day and don’t mind making a little bit less money than a journeyperson to do it, or are interested in beginning a career in sheet metal but want to see what it’s all about before committing to an apprenticeship, this is the role for you.
Journeyperson
A journeyperson is a well-rounded sheet metal worker. As such, they are the highest paid members in Local 71. The vast majority of our members undergo a five year apprenticeship where welding (MIG, TIG and stick), shop fabrication, HVAC-R (theory and installation), architectural metal and roofing are all covered. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, a member becomes a journeyperson. While this is the most typical route, we have periodically needed to hire experienced workers quickly to fill roles at our signatory contractors. If you have 5+ years of commercial construction experience in the field (on job sites for HVAC, architectural metal, metal roofing or in plants for welding) and are willing to take a shot alongside the rest of our journeypersons, fill out the application below.
Organizer
You’re already a skilled and experienced sheet metal worker performing in a field you love, but the pay and benefits are lacking. You don’t want to leave the industry or find work at another contractor, but you’re ready to make your current workplace better. It is your right as an American citizen to have a union of your choice represent you at the bargaining table. You don’t have to ask permission from your boss to bring the union to their company. SMART will get you the pay and benefits that you deserve, because everyone who trades the best years of their body for a paycheck should be paid fairly, receive top-level health insurance and have dignity in retirement. A 401(k) and company van aren’t going to cut it when you’re approaching your golden years. Plan for tomorrow, get paid today. You are worth it. Find out more below.