Matt Berlin, Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 86 in Nashville, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work outlook for members and the increased demands for apprentices as Nashville continues to grow.
Local 86 will celebrate its 97th anniversary on Sept. 9. The Local represents more than 200 workers across Middle Tennessee and nine counties in Southern Kentucky. Berlin discussed the recent growth of its apprenticeship program, which has led to the two largest classes in the Local’s history.
The Nashville area has been rapidly growing leading to several large projects for Local 86. Berlin outlined several projects, including work at a General Motors facility and a battery recycling facility in Southern Kentucky. He outlined the long-term outlook for work, which will likely extend beyond the next 10 years.
Local 86 is also a partnering contractor with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA delivers power throughout Tennessee and several counties in the surrounding states. Berlin said several projects with TVA include maintaining the power stations and building new facilities to support the rapid growth in the area.
Listen to the show above to hear more about the work being done by Local 86.