The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) and the signatory Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) have announced a partnership that will strengthen the relationship between local workforce development boards and the sheet metal and air conditioning industry, with a mutual goal of supporting the workforce needs of the sheet metal industry across the country.

NAWB and SMACNA believe that collaboration is one of the most effective ways workforce development boards and industry can meet their respective objectives. The partnership will work to establish relationships between SMACNA’s network of 97 chapters and 1,834 members and workforce development boards and one-stop centers. The partnership will also build awareness for and increase the use of SMACNA/SMART apprenticeship, training and certification programs that match industry workforce needs and help workforce development boards place more clients in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry.

“NAWB is pleased to partner with SMACNA to mutually support and engage each of our organizations to provide employment opportunities in the diverse and expanding sheet metal and air conditioning industry,” stated Ron Painter, CEO of NAWB. “We know how critical it is for workforce development boards to have the information, support and engagement of industry if they are to address both individual and local economic needs. The partnership with SMACNA will help the workforce development system meet the needs of the industry.”

“The thriving sheet metal and air conditioning industry has so much to offer to job seekers, including paid training programs, lucrative wage packages, rewarding work, and a wide variety of career paths to explore,” said Vince Sandusky, CEO of SMACNA. “Companies in our industry are eager to hire for roles of all types and levels. We are excited to partner with NAWB to promote the excellent career opportunities that we offer, and to connect job seekers with our resources.”

Information on the sheet metal industry will be regularly shared with workforce development boards through NAWB publications, podcasts, conferences, and a website that will highlight opportunities within the industry. Likewise, information on how to effectively connect and work with the boards will be shared by SMACNA with its chapters and members across the country. Job seekers interested in learning more about careers in the sheet metal industry can visit SMACNA’s career website, www.igniteyourcareer.com.