Brett Large, the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 19 business manager, joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast and discussed the new methods his Local uses to grow their apprenticeship program. Large also talked about the first “Senior Signing Day” and the Local’s first female apprentice to compete in the Insulators Master Apprenticeship Competition later this month in Houston.
Like many unions, recruitment was difficult during the pandemic for Local 19. With a change in their approach, Large and his Local were able to turn things around. The apprenticeship program has begun growing by showing students a viable option after high school. The trick, Large said, was showing the students the impact of their work on the environment and proving there is a guaranteed job with benefits waiting for them after completing the apprenticeship program.
Local 19 held its first-ever Senior Signing Day to highlight the apprentices’ hard work. Three graduating apprentices participated in the inaugural event that resembled high school sports signing ceremonies. Large said they were able to bring contractors and families in to celebrate the graduates, even getting Milwaukee Power Tools to sponsor the event. Large plans will be to grow the number of graduates involved in the future.
Continuing to highlight the Local 19 apprenticeship program, Large talked about their first female competitor for the Insulators Master Apprentice Competition in Houston. Aleana Tucholka comes from a family of Insulators, including a younger brother who just joined the apprenticeship program. Tucholka won the Midwest States Competition and is not only the first female from Local 19 to compete but also the second competitor in a row to compete at the Master Apprentice Competition from the Local. Her knowledge and hard work have helped to inspire more female interest in joining the Insulators around the Milwaukee area where Local 19 operates, and Large hopes to see her excel at the international competition.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.