Since 2003, the High School Welding Competition at International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 169 in Detroit has introduced hundreds of local high school seniors to the Boilermakers and to Unions in general.  As a result, more than 100 of those students have been indentured into Local 169 with many still members today.  And after a three-year pandemic hiatus, the Boilermakers have brought back the competition, which fosters relationships between the local and area Welding Educators - and Instructors like coming to the Local because it helps them get out of the echo-chamber of the classroom.  “One of the big things we like about this competition is that it allows someone from outside our organization to evaluate our students,” Welding Instructor James Swenson said. “We always get great feedback from this competition.”  Swenson added that throughout the year, he has people come into the school and speak with students, and the Boilermakers are in the line-up.  That provides an excellent opportunity for the Local to present a solid career path to young men and women.

To Read This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: High school welding competition yields new apprentices | International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

Photo Courtesy of Boilermakers Local 169’s Website.