The computer is now an essential tool of the building trades. That was the message as apprentices and instructors held an open house at the Sheet Metal Workers Training Center, in St. Louis, MO, to show off the $270,000 expansion that doubles the classroom and workshop space to more than 18,000 sq ft and adds sophisticated, interactive computer training capability.

If we’re going to help build state-of-the-art buildings, we need to invest in state-of-the-art training,” explained David C. Zimmerman, president and business manager, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 36.

“We all share a vested interest in creating a career opportunity that attracts, trains, and motivates bright, energetic, and responsible young people,” added Dan Durphy, owner of Peters-Eichler Heating Co., representing the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA).

The joint apprenticeship program serves 200 sheet metal apprentices and 25 hvac service technicians.