Local 34 Apprenticeship

09/28/2026

Another solid day of classroom training in the books!

Our second years are getting hands-on with cryogenic systems, third years are diving deeper into pattern development, and our fourth years are putting their skills to work applying Enerwrap to tank bodies and heads.

Great work by everyone! Keep up the hard work and keep building those skills!

09/14/2026

This past Saturday, we welcomed 105 apprentices back to the classroom for their first day of training!

A big thank you to our officers Business Manager Albert Byers, Business Agent Angela Sheehan, and President-Organizer Erica Hartse for taking the time to come down and educate our apprentices on our bylaws and trade agreement. Understanding how our union works, everyone’s responsibilities, and the wages and benefits we have fought for is a crucial part of becoming a well-rounded member of our trade.

This was also our first time implementing Mental Health Awareness training into our apprenticeship program, and I feel it was a huge success. Educating our members early about mental health awareness, recognizing when someone may be struggling, and knowing where to turn for support is an important part of building a stronger and healthier membership.

A great first day back, and we’re looking forward to another year of learning, growth, and building the future of our trade!

05/04/2026

This past Saturday was a great day in class. Our first-year apprentices got hands-on experience applying ASJ and FSK board, as well as Fyrewrap grease wrap. Each of these materials requires precise installation methods and proper technique to ensure a quality finished product.

Everyone did a strong job staying focused and putting in the effort to get it right. Keep up the good work!

05/01/2026

Today marked the final day of the Midwest Competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Local 34 apprentice Lauren Nelson did an outstanding job representing both our local and the apprenticeship program. It was truly an honor to work alongside her and share in this experience.

We are incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished. Competing at the Midwest level is a significant achievement in itself. While she may not have taken home the top spot, her effort, determination, and professionalism have left a lasting mark on her journey.

Lauren, you should be extremely proud of all that you’ve achieved. You set a powerful example for other apprentices to follow, and we hope you continue pushing yourself to be the very best in everything you do.

04/27/2026

Another great day in the books this past Saturday! Our apprentices had the opportunity to get hands-on experience with scissor lift operation and proper pin welder use, while continuing to build their skills working with duct wrap and duct board insulation. Great work everyone! keep it up!

04/19/2026

This past Saturday marked our second day of training for our new first-year apprentices. After completing our annual harassment training, we headed out into the shop where they got their first hands-on experience with our materials. For their first time learning how to work with and apply it, they all did a great job.

I’m very excited about the future of this group and look forward to working alongside them and helping guide them down the right path.

04/12/2026

Big day today getting to welcome our new first-year apprentices as they started their journey.

We went over bylaws, policies, and procedures, and I shared some real-world experiences to give them a better idea of what to expect out in the field.

This is just the beginning for them, and I’m looking forward to helping them get off to a strong start. This group has a lot of potential and represents the next generation coming up.

Welcome aboard everyone!

03/16/2026

This weekend, our two apprentices wrapped up the in-house competition to determine who will represent us at the Midwest States Competition!

Fourth-year apprentices Mitchell Stowe and Lauren Nelson both did a phenomenal job on their projects. They should be extremely proud of the work they completed and the accomplishments they’ve achieved. I’m incredibly proud of how far they’ve come and the leaders they’re becoming in our industry.

Congratulations to Lauren Nelson, who walked away with the win! Her skill, dedication, and work ethic will take her anywhere she wants to go in this trade. I have no doubt she will do a fantastic job at the Midwest Competition and represent Local 34 with class and craftsmanship.

I’m excited to see what she accomplishes next. Great job Lauren, we are proud of you!

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

Had a great day at the Career Fair at Howard Lake Waverly-Winsted High School today, spreading the word about our apprenticeship program and what our trade has to offer. It’s always rewarding to share that an apprenticeship is a real option after high school. You can see the light bulbs go on when people learn about the craft of mechanical insulation and the opportunities it provides.