ARIZONA'S BEST -- The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Arizona Chapter (SMACNA Arizona) recently honored five skilled craftsmen with its Second Annual Apprenticeship Award.

Apprentices were selected by the JATC from nearly 150 current students, based on the input of instructors and evaluations submitted by the worksite foreman. The apprentices were recognized for their leadership, willingness to help others, ability to work through problems and other practical skills.

SMACNA Arizona, which supports the JATC, is committed to quality work and ensuring quality workers for the future. SMACNA is an international association of union contractors in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry representing 4,500 contributing contractor firms. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and excellence in all facets of the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. To reach this goal, SMACNA Arizona has contributed more than $1 million statewide toward skills training and apprenticeships programs over the past three years.

For more information on SMACNA Arizona, call (602) 734-0214. For more information on the JATC, call (602) 275-6511.

Pictured are (l-r): Carlos Ramirez of Ramirez Mechanical and president of SMACNA Arizona; Steven Diaz of Thomas Heating and Air, fifth-year apprentice; Reyes Gonzales of Ramirez Mechanical, fourth-year apprentice; Kent Ramos of Kinetics Systems, third-year apprentice; Anthony Cassillas of Thomas Heating and Air, second-year apprentice; Jon Gardner of Bel-Aire Mechanical, first-year apprentice; and John Sapien of Bel-Aire Mechanical and management trustee of the Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC)

Scott Hanson, APR
HMA Public Relations
3610 N. 44th St., Ste. 110
Phoenix, AZ 85018-6060
(602) 957-8881
fax: (602) 957-0131

2002 - JATC Inaugural Apprenticeship Award

2003 - JATC Second Annual Apprenticeship Award

2004 - SMACNA Night at the Glendale Arena

2004 - SMACNA CONTRACTORS ARE "FAN"TASTIC

2004 - TOPS IN ARIZONA

2004 - AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS

2006 - JATC Annual Apprenticeship Award