Chevy Gonzales is a 5th year sheet metal apprentice who loves to work on architectural composite panels. Working high up and being able to see the skyline of Minneapolis is a pretty big thrill.
Chevy says a great part of being an apprentice is being able to learn the tricks of the trade from Journeymen and women. “I want to be able to pass along what I’ve learned to other apprentices. It’s great to attain this knowledge and know that, yes, I belong here.”
“Before becoming an apprentice, I worked in shipping and receiving as a forklift driver making $13 an hour. Now I have a career, I have a sense of accomplishment and make a decent living.”
Chevy encourages anyone to consider joining a union if the work interests them. “I have buddies who have 2 and 4 year degrees and have tons of debt, and they aren’t making what I make. Get into the trades, it’s a booming industry. Being in a union and working in construction is amazing.”
