St. Louis, Mo. (August 19, 2009) - Sheet Metal Workers' Local 36, a labor organization specializing in architectural, industrial, residential and commercial HVAC craftsmanship, recently held its Pin Dinner to celebrate the graduation of 85 workers from its apprentice program.

The Pin Dinner was held at the Machinists' Hall on Saturday, July 18, 2009.  The Dinner celebrated those 85 workers who have successfully completed the apprentice program during the previous two years.  Each worker has completed four and a half years of apprenticeship that includes over 10,000 hours of work and training in the field and classroom.

"We take pride in having one of the most rigorous and complete training programs in the country," said Dan Andrews, Coordinator of the Local 36 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program.  "Celebrating 85 new graduates is a tremendous accomplishment not only for the graduates, but for Local 36 as well.  Local 36 uses only the finest skilled craftsmen and these 85 will make our workforce even stronger."

Along with on-the-job training, apprentices experience real-world scenarios at the 20,000-square-foot St. Louis Sheet Metal Training School.  The school is equipped with a service lab, an American Welding Society (AWS)-certified welding lab, extensive mockups, a computer-aided drafting (CAD) lab, and testing and air balancing (T.A.B.) training.  In addition, all apprentices receive 30 hours of OSHA training and undergo alcohol and drug testing to ensure they are not only the most educated and skilled workers at their craft, but that they're also the safest.

"We are extremely proud of all of our graduates and know they will build successful careers with Local 36 and represent the organization with pride and class," said Local 36 President-Business Manager David C. Zimmermann.

An addition to recognizing recent graduates, Local 36 also honored several members with 25 and 40 years of service, 19 members with 50 years of service and 30 members with 60 years of service.

For more information about Sheet Metal Workers' Local 36, visit the organization's Web site at www.sheetmetal36.org.

About Sheet Metal Workers' Local 36

Serving its members since January 25, 1888, Sheet Metal Workers' Local #36 encompasses the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, Eastern Missouri, Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield Missouri as well as Arkansas. Representing over 3,200 members and serving over 160 contractors, the organization is committed to providing customer satisfaction on every job through the highest quality, value, integrity, safety and craftsmanship. Local 36 is an affiliate of the Sheet Metal Workers Union International Association.

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