Meet Keith Kreutzer, Third Year Apprentice at the Sheet Metal Institute, Portland, Oregon.
What led you to choose a career in sheet metal?
I had been a butcher for almost 15 years; while I enjoyed the profession, my family needed more from me. Between saving to buy a home and wanting to have another child, the paycheck just was not going far enough. The trades presented an opportunity for someone like me to earn a livable wage without a college degree.
Describe the career path before you found sheet metal.
I had been a butcher. At one point or another in my career, I handled every aspect of the process. I managed the truck, going to farms and harvesting animals, processing them into steaks and roasts, down to making sausage. I’ve worked on both the customer side, where individuals own the meat and the butcher shop processes it, and the retail side, where customers purchase meat directly from the butcher shop. I started out working for a grocery store chain and finished my career at a local family-owned butcher shop.
Why did you choose a career in the sheet metal industry?
I had a friend who was a member of SMART Local 16 who had been encouraging me to look into the industry. He thought that it would be something I would be good at based on my skills and my experience. When I finally decided it was time to make a career change, he was my first phone call. I started the process of joining the apprenticeship the next week.
When did you start your apprenticeship and when will you journey out?
I started bootcamp in February 2022 and should complete the program by the spring of 2027.
Where do you work now?
I am currently employed with Trotter & Morton. They have been a fantastic contractor and sponsored me when I switched from a building trades apprentice to a service tech apprentice.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I want to continue to provide for my family. My goal is that when I journey out, my wife will be free to work as little as she wants without negatively impacting our financial situation.
What would you say to others to encourage them to consider a career in sheet metal?
If any aspect of the trade interests you, make a phone call and talk to somebody. The sooner you can get in, the better off you will be. The 5-year apprenticeship goes pretty quickly, and you learn and advance throughout the whole process. Even if you don’t think sheet metal is for you, find a trade that is. Our society needs trade workers more than ever, and I don’t see that changing. Things will always need to be built.
Are you having fun?
In the role of a service technician, every day is different. The challenges and problems I get to solve keep me on my toes and provide a constant stream of lessons. Of course, it’s still work, but I can think of a lot worse places to spend 40 hours a week.
Apply Today!
If you share Keith’s desire to earn a livable wage without the need to go to college, apply to our apprenticeship program today https://sheetmetalinstitute.org/apply.