Their work demonstrates what skilled craftsmen can achieve when they come together with determination and pride.
L-454 day shift Boilermakers take a moment to commemorate their work at the TVA Kingston Gas Project.
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A combined-cycle build featuring a GE Vernova HRSG and 16 GE aeroderivative units at TVA’s Kingston Gas Project site in eastern Tennessee has faced its share of delays and obstacles, including a shortage of experienced manpower. But Local 454 (Chattanooga, Tennessee) Boilermakers haven’t just met the challenges they’ve encountered—they’ve excelled.
“Their work demonstrates what skilled craftsmen can achieve when they come together with determination and pride,” says Caleb Sronce, a Local 363 (East St. Louis, Illinois) Boilermaker working on site as a construction manager for Black and Veatch. “They successfully erected the casing and installed all 15 modules two days ahead of schedule. On two separate occasions, they set two modules in a single shift—an impressive accomplishment for any crew.”
Sronce notes that the TVA Kingston day and night crews often consist of 50% or more apprentices. TVA is committed to at least a 30% apprenticeship ratio to ensure more skill craftspeople are trained as an answer to nation’s manpower shortage.
“What’s happening at Kingston shows that the future of our trade will be in good hands,” says L-454 Business Agent/Secretary-Treasurer Lee Lunsford. “We are training the next generation, and they are stepping up to the plate to deliver when we need them. Our experienced journey workers are shouldering the load, helping perform the work while teaching the new generation what it takes. It is truly a group effort, and I am proud of our members for achieving one of many accomplishments—because these members are not done; they will continue to knock these jobs out of the park.”
Jeff Campbell, International Vice President-Southeast Section, points out L-454’s focus on recruiting and training as a key factor in the success.
“I am proud of the Local Lodge 454 leadership for their commitment to recruiting and training,” he says. “Their efforts have been proven once again.”
Sronce confirms the approach has paid off: “The L-454 Boilermakers supporting the TVA Kingston Gas Project are a shining example of professionalism, resilience and commitment. They are truly living the Boilermaker Code.”
