SMART Local 85 Tackle Youth Engagement and Workforce Challenges

Schuyler Worthey, Business Representative for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local 85 in Atlanta, discussed the union's efforts to attract young people to the sheet metal trade, their state-of-the-art training facility and the challenges faced in a So-Called “Right-To-Work” state.

Smart Local 85 recently invested $10 million in a new training facility, featuring 30,000 square feet of space that includes seven classrooms, two auditoriums and a soon-to-be-certified Testing, adjusting and balancing lab. The Local typically brings in 80 to 150 new apprentices annually, with classes starting in August. This significant investment demonstrates the union's commitment to providing top-notch training for the next generation of sheet metal workers.

The union's collaboration with YouthBuild targets underserved communities, offering pre-apprenticeship programs for individuals age 16 to 24. Worthey emphasized the importance of reaching out to areas often overlooked by traditional recruitment efforts. The program provides soft skills training, Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification and an introduction to sheet metal work, preparing participants for successful careers in the trade.

Despite operating in a So-Called “Right-To-Work” state, SMART Local 85 is working against the challenges to organize and retain members. Worthey identified transportation as a significant obstacle for many apprentices from underserved areas, noting that the union is adjusting policies to accommodate those who rely on public transportation or ride-sharing services. He stressed the need for increased funding and better understanding of skilled trades at the state level to support these initiatives.

Listen to the full episode above to learn more about SMART Local 85's approach to workforce development and community engagement.