SMART & SMACNA—Partners
in Continuous Learning, Improvement and Innovation
It is common knowledge that union training programs turn out the most highly skilled construction tradesmen and women and that apprenticeship and training programs sponsored by SMACNA contractors and SMART Local unions are among the very best in the industry. Just as serious athletes do not stop training as soon as they win one gold medal or championship game, the “best of the best” joint apprenticeship training centers (JATCs) do not achieve that status, pat themselves on the back, and sit back to enjoy the recognition. Top-performing JATCs continually research training methods and technology trends and reevaluate and re-invent their programs to maintain the highest training standards. This edition of Partners in Progress provides insight into how several of the top-performing JATCs aspire to and stay at the top of their games. Top achievers in any endeavor find opportunities to excel in the most challenging circumstances. Evolution of Training (page 4) details what allowed the Local 88/SMACNA of Southern Nevada JATC to adapt quickly to the challenge of providing top quality training to apprentices after the state of Nevada issued an all-encompassing stay-at-home order in response to COVID-19. This JATC experience was so positive that training modifications will remain an important component of the program, even when the pandemic is long behind us. SMACNA contractors and their SMART craftspersons are experts in pre-planning to avoid problems and maximize efficiency on their projects. Turn to page 6 to learn how those pre-planning skills can be applied to reduce the likelihood of construction litigation. This article also reveals how COVID-19 inspired changes will lead to an increase in green building, modular, and pre-fab construction and wider adoption of efficiency technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM). The most successful industry programs are launched in areas that have established a strong and collaborative labormanagement partnership. Page 8 features another JATC success story made possible by the strong relationship and communication between Local 12 and SMACNA of Western Pennsylvania. With face-to-face job fairs and school presentations on hold, this JATC reacted quickly to move apprentice recruiting online with the development of a recruitment video meant to appeal to the apprentice candidates the JATC wants to attract. Other accomplishments of this partnership highlighted include the identification and capitalization of new market opportunities and working together to secure grants to build and equip their new training center. High performing SMACNA members know the value of continuous improvement and the importance of engaging
all employees in the process. The story about Continuous Improvement on page 12 describes the journey of Sheet Metal Connectors (SMC), a state of the art fabrication facility that courageously invested time and resources to launch a continuous improvement project during the height of the recession in 2008 when many companies were struggling to cut costs. SMC leaders describe how their Local 10 employees were key to ensuring that their continuous improvement plan, design, and strategies were functional and practical. Because training is a central theme of this edition, we are featuring a training coordinator in this month’s “My Journey” article on page 12. Jud Martell explains how his background as a contractor, owner, and president of his Local have led him to the conclusion that the strong labor-management partnership between Local 280 and SMACNA-BC “isn’t just important; it is everything.” Love him or hate him, Superbowl MVP Tom Brady did not lie back for very long admiring his seventh ring after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to victory in the 2021 Superbowl. He was back on the field in several days training to remain at the top of his game. We are hopeful this month’s Partners in Progress will inspire JATCs and SMACNA and SMART members and partners to recognize the value of continuous learning, improvement, and innovation to keep their organizations performing at their highest levels. ▪
« Calling all INDUSTRIAL ATHLETES » Check out the brand ambassador recruitment and referral campaign from Partners in Progress to find out why sheet metal workers say: “My Job is My Gym!” Visit facebook.com/IndustrialAthleteOfficial and instagram.com/industrialathleteofficial/ to learn more, and tag your photos with #mjmg for the chance to win one of the $100 Amazon gift cards awarded each month. See the ad on the back page for more on recruitment resources Partners in Progress » February 2021 » 3
