Local 36 Apprentice Wins Top National Honor

Sheet Metal Workers' Local 36 apprentice Dustin Walker was awarded top honors as a service apprentice at the Annual International Sheet Metal Competition hosted by the International Training Institute (ITI), March 15-18 in Las Vegas, NV.

Walker is in the final year of his service apprenticeship with Local 36 and Sheet Metal Contractors Inc. of DeSoto, MO. Walker became the fourth representative from Local 36 to win first place at the competition since it began in 1972. This was the second consecutive year Walker participated in the international competition.

Also representing Local 36 at the 2010 competition were apprentices Brett Moeller, Grason Little, Charley Tabing and DJ Ratley.

"The apprentices participating in the competition are the United States' and Canada's best," said Dan Andrews, coordinator of the Local 36 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program. "We are proud to have five apprentices represent Local 36 while showing their dedication to perfecting their craft."

The competition invited 325 of the top apprentices from Sheet Metal Local Joint Apprenticeship Centers across the Unites States and Canada to compete in five disciplines of the sheet metal industry, including service, architectural sheet metal, industrial/welding, HVAC, and testing, adjusting and balancing (TAB). Contestants in each category underwent tests in sketching and communications, plans and specifications, math and curriculum related to the specific discipline and a field and lab project.

Walker and the other first place winners received up to $1800 and items from Smith Welding Supplies, Lincoln Electric, Miller Welding, and Milwaukee Tools.

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