Project tests group’s skills
FOURTH-YEAR APPRENTICES at Local 667 (Winfield, W.Va.) received a special challenge during their final class at the lodge’s training center in January. The soon-to-be journeymen were tasked with building a smoker-grill from scratch, starting with just a general set of blueprints.
“We wanted to try out their four years of training received here and on the job site,” said Brad Elder, the local’s apprentice and journeyman upgrade coordinator. “The project required them to utilize their training with reading blueprints, pattern development, welding, cutting, layout, math, and drafting.”
Elder said the finished product demonstrated the group’s superior craftsmanship and ingenuity. “We’re proud to call them union brothers. They will be an asset to the trade.”
The smoker-grill will be given away to a Local 667 member during the lodge’s annual summer picnic.
Pictured , left to right, first row: Bud Yost (instructor), Jason Stealey, Jeff Tennant, Patrick Goddard, Todd Wheeler, Steve Meenach, Tyler Cumpston, and Tyler Kelley. Second row: Danny Hammond, Andy McAngus, Mark Richardson, Jonathan Jenkins, Mike Mitchell, Cody Farley, Ron French, Brad Searles, and Bruce Forshee (instructor). Back row: Dennis Schott, James Durst (instructor), Blake Cooke, Jeff Henderson, Gary Tillis, Mike Hope, David White (instructor), Russell Collins, and Brad Elder (instructor).
