Tradeswork is the official podcast of the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, and airs on the 1st and 15th of each month. We highlight the good work of mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC/R contractors across Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota, share our recent research and studies, and unpack advocacy issues important to our members. We also discuss in depth the career path, earning potential and continuing education requirements of skilled trade jobs. You can learn more about us at: https://rmmca.org/
Episodes
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
Wednesday Dec 01, 2021
On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Ben Frias, a 4th year apprentice at UA Local 192 in Cheyenne, WY. Ben shares with us how he got involved in the trades, discusses his past as a bullrider, why he chose pipefitting over electrical work, and where he sees himself going from here. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:
- What led to Ben choosing a union job over other opportunities?
- Why did an enjoyment of math lead to his choice of pursuing pipefitting?
- What does a pipefitter do? And how does that type of work fit into hydrogen fueling stations?
- How does this career allow one to travel?
- What is "sticker trading?"
- How are unions misunderstood, and what does Ben want to do to evolve their perception?
This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.
For more information about UA Local 192, please visit their website.
For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.
Monday Nov 15, 2021
Monday Nov 15, 2021
On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Sarah Harkssen, an instructor at Plumbers Local Union 3. She recently completed her apprenticeship program (winning awards for her work during each year of the program) and has already transitioned into a foreman role. Sarah discusses her journey into plumbing, what her original career path was, and why she transitioned into the trades. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this show:
- What does it mean to be an apprentice?
- What types of things do you learn in apprentice classes?
- How did Sarah ascend from apprentice to journeyman to foreman?
- What would Sarah tell other women considering a job in the trades?
- How do plumbers protect the health of a nation?
- What are the economic benefits of pursuing a job in the trades vs. taking a traditional 4-year college path?
This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.
For more information about Plumbers Local Union 3, please visit their website.
For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.
Monday Nov 01, 2021
Monday Nov 01, 2021
On this episode of Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast, we welcome Todd VonLintel, Vice President of Operations, Rocky Mountain Region for U.S. Engineering, a full-service mechanical contractor committed to providing solutions for the life of your facility. Their innovative thinkers and expert collaborators combine over 125 years of expertise to help your facility evolve throughout generations.
Todd shares his history with U.S. Engineering, discusses the evolution of the business over the last 30 years, and what he tells policymakers about new policies that would affect the industry. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this episode:
- How has the culture of safety in construction evolved over the last 30 years?
- How has technology improved the process for subcontractor sequencing?
- How did U.S. Engineering build a mobile COVID hospital at the Colorado Convention Center in just 17 days?
- Which projects are among Todd's favorite that he's worked on?
- What is the most fulfilling part of Todd's job?
- What does it mean when U.S. Engineering wants to "leave a legacy?"
- What should someone consider if they want to pursue a career in construction?
This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.
For more information about U.S. Engineering, please visit their website.
For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Tuesday Oct 12, 2021
Tradeswork: The Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association Podcast showcases the skilled trades our society depends on. The men and women of our industry build our skylines, our community, and our future.
On the inaugural episode of our show, we welcome Gary Arnold, Business Manager for Denver Pipefitters Local 208,Gary shares his work history and evolution as a pipefitter. He discusses his family history in the business, the many roles he's held, and his current role as an advocate for the industry. Here are some of the questions you can expect to be answered on this week's episode:
- What types of projects does a pipefitter work on?
- How has the industry evolved over the last several decades?
- What is the career path for a pipefitter and what growth opportunities exist in the industry?
- How much does education cost to become a pipefitter vs. attending a traditional four-year university?
- What is the earning potential for a pipefitter?
- What types of skills are most useful for someone considering a career as a pipefitter?
This episode is available on podcatchers everywhere. Please rate, review and subscribe.
For more information about Denver Pipefitters Local 208, please visit their website.
For more information about Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association, please visit our website.