APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT: JB PETERSON, FOLLOWING HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
JB Peterson, First Year Apprentice at the Sheet Metal Institute, finds a career in Sheet Metal, just like his father. Before Sheet Metal: A Passion for Metalworking In high school, I took several engineering, CADD, and welding courses, discovering a real passion for metal machining and fabrication. Shortly after graduation, I took on a role […]
APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT: ANITA MERLO, FROM COLLEGE TO CONSTRUCTION
Anita Merlo, Second Year Apprentice at the Sheet Metal Institute, Portland, Oregon, finds her calling in Sheet Metal. Before Sheet Metal: A Struggle for Stability Growing up in poverty, I was determined to provide a better life for my family. Like many, I believed the path to success was through college and a “good job.” […]
SMI AWARDED DEWALT GRANT TO SUPPORT SKILLED TRADES
The Sheet Metal Institute is honored to be selected as a recipient of the DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant. We were among 166 organizations recognized for our efforts to help close the trades skills gap. With the grant, we will equip our students with additional tools and materials to further enhance their apprenticeship education. With […]
SMI Promotes Will Thompson to Executive Administrator of Training
The Sheet Metal Institute (SMI) is thrilled to announce Will Thompson’s recent promotion to Executive Administrator of Training. With nearly three decades in the sheet metal industry and a proven commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals, Will is poised to make a powerful impact in his new leadership role. Will’s journey in […]
Outreach: HEAVY METAL SUMMER 2024
From July 29th to August 2nd, 2024, the Sheet Metal Institute (SMI) in Portland, Oregon proudly participated in the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), an immersive camp designed to expose high school students to the exciting world of sheet metal, piping, and plumbing trades. Along with NECA/IBEW Local 48, UA Local 290 COMSAT, this week-long […]
APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT: KEITH KREUTZER
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, […]
APPRENTICE SPOTLIGHT: MOLLY VALDEZ
Meel Molly Valdez, Second Year Apprentice at the Sheet Metal Institute, Portland, Oregon. What led you to choose a career in sheet metal? My father, who is also a fellow Sheet Metal worker, and I have always shared a close bond. Throughout my upbringing, he served as a great example, demonstrating that having a successful […]
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: EARN DEGREE AND JOURNEY CARD
The Sheet Metal Institute is excited to announce a groundbreaking opportunity for our apprentices. Thanks to an innovative partnership with Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC), graduates of our comprehensive 5-year program will automatically earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree upon completion. Traditional Union Apprenticeship Programs Historically, students in some union apprenticeship programs could earn […]
Apprentice Spotlight: Caroline Smith, 2024 Graduate of the Sheet Metal Institute
Meet Caroline Smith, 2024 Graduate of the Sheet Metal Institute Apprenticeship Training Program in Portland, Oregon. What led you to choose a career in sheet metal? I opted for a career in sheet metal after completing Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pre-Apprenticeship program, an eight-week initiative designed to introduce students to trade options in Oregon. Out of all […]
Will Thompson
Will Thompson has been passionate about the trades since an early age. His journey into sheet metal began in 1994 when he first applied and was accepted into the trade, a decision that would shape his career and provide him with a solid foundation for the future. Over the past 28 years, Will has dedicated […]