Alana Edgin at The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reports that once known as the "best kept secret" in the local Trades, future Sheet Metal Workers now have a place in Lubbock, Texas to learn the craft. Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation (SMART) Local Union 49 JATC has officially opened their new 9,000-square-foot Training Facility. Members of the Union and attendees cut a ribbon of metal to celebrate after several people spoke on the importance of the facility. “We were the ‘best kept secret’ for the longest time,” said Shawn Smith, who serves as Business Representative for Sheet Metal Workers Local 49 and as President of the West Texas Building and Construction Trade Council. “Now, it’s no longer a secret. We want this opportunity to be provided to anybody that's interested in the Trade.” The need for Sheet Metal Workers has grown amid the data center boom, though it goes beyond that. Locally, Members work can be seen at local Medical Centers, Texas Tech University and at Galaxy Stadium, previously known as Jones AT&T Stadium.

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