Jason Emerick, Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Ironworkers Local 112, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and detailed his journey to become an iron worker, he also explained why the quality of apprentice applicants seeking to join Local 112 has improved.
Ironworkers Local 112 represents over 350 members within a 10-county territory surrounding Peoria, Ill.
Emerick explained his career struggles as he obtained a welding certification at a local community college and then went to work for a non-union contractor. The working conditions were tough and he did not receive proper compensation for the work he performed.
He then compared his time as a non-union iron worker to his time as a Local 112 apprentice and eventually a journeyman. Emerick said the Ironworkers Local 112 apprenticeship changed his life for the better.
Finally, he spoke about this generation of apprentices. Emerick feels the quality of the apprentice applicants has improved, and gave his insight on the contributing factors of this improvement.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about Emerick’s career journey and what makes a good ironworkers apprentice.