A major campaign promise of President Biden was to work with Congress to deliver an infrastructure bill to the American people. The components of an infrastructure bill will encompass all of the building trades.
One of the largest trades that will be impacted is the Mechanical Insulators, as they work to make infrastructure more efficient. Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini explained what needs to be in an infrastructure bill and how people can begin a career in the mechanical insulation industry.
Mechanical Insulators and infrastructure
With state plans to improve infrastructure in schools, nuclear plants and other facilities, more and more states are getting on-board with investing in infrastructure.
A major point of current infrastructure talks is the adoption of clean energy plans. Ielmini said the best way to limit and eliminate carbon emissions is to invest in mechanical insulation. This will protect infrastructure investments and make them less harmful to the environment.
Ielmini said like technology, infrastructure evolves and energy sources evolve. He said the Mechanical Insulators stand ready to and are already implementing training to prepare their members for working on infrastructure designed to be environmentally friendly.
Mechanical Insulators apprenticeship
As new infrastructure plans are passed, more tradesmen and tradeswomen will be needed to complete these projects. Ielmini said the best way to get involved in this abundance of work is to apply for the Mechanical Insulators apprenticeship.
He explained how registered apprenticeship programs are the trades equivalent to college, except better. The earn while you learn model allows apprentices to earn a livable wage and quality benefits from their first day on the job, while learning on the job and in the classroom.