Sheet Metal Workers (SMW) Local 9 Business Manager Jon Alvino joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how high apprenticeship training standards in Colorado led to the creation of an accredited college for certain building trades registered apprenticeship programs.
Local 9 represents 1,500 sheet metal workers in the Denver area.
In 2021, Colorado passed legislation to create the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), which allows the state to set apprenticeship standards at a level higher than what is required nationally by the U.S. Department of Labor.
In response to the creation of the SAA and in conjunction with the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Alliance, building trades leaders formed the Western States College of Construction (WSCC). The college, which received accreditation by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE), offers training in the following crafts: Sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, pipefitting and plumbing. This training occurs at Local Union Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee training centers and those who graduate top out as journeymen with their respective Local Union, he explained.
Alvino then discussed the importance of setting high apprenticeship standards and how the accreditation process further validates the value of apprenticeship training.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about how Colorado has set higher apprenticeship standards.