Before finding the Boilermakers, 2024 National Apprentice of the Year Mark Kerkaert, Local 647 (Minneapolis), worked the night shift at a manufacturing plant welding cabs for heavy equipment. During the day he attended welding school, juggling both his job and his studies. But he wanted something more. — Nov 19
Mark Kerkaert from Local 647 (Minneapolis) took home the top honor at the U.S. 2024 Apprentice of the Year Competition held at Local 26 (Savannah, Georgia) Aug. 5 to 8. Coming in as this year’s runner-up was Galin Favors from Local 108 (Birmingham, Alabama). Team honors went to the Great Lakes duo of Christopher Lund and Kerkaert. Winners were announced at a dinner in Kansas City on Sept. 19.— Nov 1
The Maritime Administration and Philly Shipyard have christened the Patriot State, the second National Security Multi-Mission Vessel and the new training ship for Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Local 19 Boilermakers helped build the 160-meter multipurpose vessel, which can carry up to 8,500 tons of cargo. The ship was designed for both maritime training and disaster relief missions and features a hospital, helipad and roll-on/roll-off capability for up to 1,000 people. — Oct 24
In partnership with the Boilermakers union, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance raised more than $120,000 in the annual USA Boilermakers Kansas City Sporting Clays Shoot and hosted more than 60 youths at a Boilermakers Get Youth Outdoors Day in separate events this past September.— Oct 24
Southeast Area recruiter Lee Aurand-Hosey and a Lincoln Electric representative worked together to secure a significant donation for the welding program at Fannin County High School in Blue Ridge, Georgia. After Aurand-Hosey brought the issue to the attention of Lincoln Electric, the company donated a state-of-the-art, multi-process welding machine to the high school’s welding program.— Oct 22
