Growing the economy and creating career opportunities continues to be a major focus for the Chemical Industry Labor-Management Committee (CILMC). Congress has a big role to play too, which is why last October the CILMC hosted a visit for U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (MI-11th) to the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART)’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Center in Troy, MI.
During her visit, Rep. Stevens learned more about the CILMC partnership, gaining insights into policy initiatives important to growing the U.S. economy, including reforming the permitting process for new energy and manufacturing projects. While also immersing herself in the extensive training provided by CILMC labor trustees.
From honing her sheet metal forming skills to crafting a new toolbox using the same technology apprentices utilize daily, she gained a firsthand appreciation for the meticulous preparation required for jobs in constructing and maintaining chemical facilities nationwide. The congresswoman also learned more about the valuable contributions of SMART and other building trades members to vital industries spanning automobile manufacturing, painting, construction, and the production of electric batteries and related components.
In addition to getting hands-on experience, Stevens visited a class of new apprentices, where she explored the history of the labor movement, underscoring its role as both an introduction and foundation for creating more opportunities in skilled trades.
During her visit, Stevens was accompanied by representatives from CILMC trustees, including the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and Solvay America, alongside delegates from both SMART Local 292 and SMART International Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Annually, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) unions and their contractor partners invest over $2 billion to operate more than 1,900 apprenticeship training and education facilities, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to fostering a skilled workforce. These facilities, jointly administered with employers, embrace "earn while you learn," providing students with debt-free, comprehensive safety and skills training tailored to meet the demands of their respective regions.
Looking ahead, the CILMC is actively planning additional visits to both labor and company trustee facilities, aiming to further educate elected representatives about the profound impact of the CILMC partnership on workforce development and industry innovation.