Outstanding Apprentice: Kyle Anderson
Posted by: SMACNA AZ | 10 SEPT 2018
Kyle Anderson, recent graduate of the Arizona Sheet Metal Apprenticeship, exemplifies the high standards and benefits provided by SMART Local 359 and its future, embracing flexibility and technology.
After a stint studying architecture, Kyle made a career change and joined the Arizona Sheet Metal Apprenticeship. He worked in the field throughout his tenure, and became interested in the modeling software that is increasingly common in the industry.
He knew that entering the trade was right for him, saying he appreciated the toughness this work entailed.
“Construction shows you what you’re made of,” Kyle explains. “It makes you a better, tougher person who is able to tackle just about anything.”
Since graduating, Kyle has been working at MLP Consulting, where he has had the opportunity to utilize his knowledge of REVIT software on modeling systems for construction projects, and by coordinating plans and installations with other contractors. Kyle recently worked on projects at Luke Airforce Base, Davis Monthan and the Mercy Gilbert hospital.
Kyle says he is fortunate to have learned the trade from hands-on experience and is proud to be a union member of SMART Local 359. He recognizes and appreciates the unique opportunity to learn the skills in his career path and sharpen them in the field at the same time.
“Being a part of this union is special to me because at the end of the day, even if you don’t know everybody, you are still a sheet metal worker and always have a place to turn to that will help you out,” Kyle says of SMART Local 359.
Even though he just graduated from the apprenticeship earlier this year, Kyle is heading back at the end of this year – this time as an instructor.
In September, he will begin teaching a new course on introductory principles of REVIT software. There is a nationwide shortage of workers who can work with this technology, and Kyle wants to make it as accessible as possible for those in the Arizona Sheet Metal Apprenticeship.
Asked how he would tackle teaching in the trade for the first time, Kyle takes a sound and pragmatic approach.
“Everybody that you train is different,” he says. “The biggest thing is to listen to what they’re telling you, and give them what they need, depending on their comfort level and degree of expertise.”
Kyle is looking forward to teaching the REVIT course and sharing his knowledge about the trade and new technologies. Moreover, Kyle explains what he will gain from the experience, saying “I actually find it selfish because I really enjoy how much I am able to learn from teaching others.”
His passion and commitment to both learning and teaching will lead Kyle to a bright future in the trade. He aims to take on management roles down the road, and hopes to continue learning and teaching in the trade as technology and techniques continue to evolve.
source – http://www.smacna-az.org/outstanding-apprentice-kyle-anderson/