Sheet Metal Workers Local 73 JATC Open House

On June 16-17, the Sheet Metal Workers Local 73 JATC hosted an open house for signatory contractors and SMACNA Greater Chicago members to learn more about how the apprenticeship program works.

“We’re just trying to promote what we do here, and this is the first time we’ve done anything like this,” said Sean Mulhearn, Local 73 training coordinator.

Recently, Local 73 has focused efforts on updating its training labs to reflect current trends and technology used throughout the sheet metal industry.

“We’re constantly redoing the curriculum to keep up with demand. We’ve updated the service lab, we’ve updated the TAB lab and we recently added ventilation verification to our program,” Mulhearn said.

The pandemic brought indoor air quality to the forefront. Not only did labor and management from Local 73, Local 265 and SMACNA Greater Chicago partner to launch Breathe Easy Illinois, a clean air initiative throughout the state, but Local 73 balancing instructor Leo Thayer also helped implement the ventilation verification course from the International Training Institute into the apprentice program to meet the growing needs of the industry. “We turn out a well-rounded apprentice,” Mulhearn said.

Mulhearn hopes to make the open house a regular event for contractors to not only see the valuable training their workforce receives, but to generate an important dialogue between labor and management that will allow each to meet the needs of an ever-changing industry.

“I’m still in awe of our behind-the-scenes tour of the Local 73 JATC. We saw the sheet metal industry in action, with apprentices eager and attentive for the next session of learning. I can't begin to describe the pride we felt that afternoon while we walked the apprentice hall. I'm extremely impressed with our educational facility and its experienced instructors. We feel fortunate to have Sean Mulhearn and his team represent us and the future of our sheet metal trade.”

- Wendy Olmen, R.J. Olmen Company Owner