The SMART Heroes program launched in August 2017 in Western Washington to provide free sheet metal industry training to enlisted U.S. military men and women who will be leaving the military and entering the civilian workforce within the year. The second location in Colorado Springs began offering the same training in August 2019.

The SMART Heroes program provides a stepping stone for veterans to find a lifelong career in the unionized sheet metal industry. Once they graduate from SMART Heroes, they can qualify as a second-year apprentice at one of 148 training centers across the country. More than 500 service members and veterans graduated from the SMART Heroes program in the first five years.

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Why is this a good move?

You’re leaving the military and you know you’ll need a plan. Instead of searching “jobs for veterans” and finding entry-level work that may not last, look for a career that can last a lifetime, one that builds on the skills you’ve developed in the military. SMART Heroes helps jump-start careers for veterans. Some benefits of becoming an apprentice and journeyperson include:

  • A brotherhood/sisterhood forged from shared experiences and the history of the unionized trades.
  • The pride of seeing your work shape your community and keep people safe.
  • Veterans benefits, including Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), or Chapter 31 form 28-1900, and the G.I. Bill or Chapter 33. All information can be found at the Veterans Administration website.
  • Healthcare, retirement benefits and a living wage to support you and your family.
  • Physical and mental health safety resources and support.
You’ve probably noticed the similarity between military benefits and those provided by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) workers — that’s where the “smart” in SMART Heroes comes from. Union work, like the military, is among the few career paths offering full retirement benefits, in addition to other rewards of membership.