Members of the military preparing to leave the service often have difficulties transitioning to civilian jobs — they suffer loss of community, have trouble relating to civilians.
Five years ago, SMART Heroes program started giving veterans and active-duty military on the brink of transition to Western Washington shot at career as sheet worker.
Upon discharge from service, program graduates may choose to enter any of SMART apprenticeship programs in United States and are provided direct entry and advanced placement.
Moore is member of the second class of SMART Heroes and will graduate from the apprenticeship program at Western Washington Sheet Metal training in spring 2023.Upon his retirement from Army in 2017, Moore recalled feeling bit lost as he looked for his next step. ..
o the sisterhood found in the union, SMART Heroes graduates have said working with their hands, being outside, having clear line of advancement and performing up to expectations were all similarities between the military and the union that drew them to the program. ..
He and other veterans at Western Washington Sheet Metal Workers Local 66 have started volunteer veterans committee and sit in on SMART Heroes admittance interviews to provide military expertise and guidance for the veterans and the union. .
Josh Moore, SMART Heroes with ITI and Army veteran, would like to see it branch out even farther across the country. ..
The curriculum for SMART Heroes program was created by ITI, the education arm of the unionized air conditioning and welding industry.
ITI, together with SMART and SMACNA, developed the collaboration with Sheet Metal Workers Local 66, SMACNA Western Washington, Western Washington Sheet Metal training center and Helmets to Hardhats..
SMART Heroes, provides sheet industry training through accelerated seven-week program for active-duty U.S military men and women and recent veterans.
Read more
Related items:
