Hundreds of sheet metal workers have relocated, or soon will relocate, to megaproject sites in Texas or Indiana to install HVAC systems and architectural siding for multi-acre projects by Samsung and Stellantis, respectively. Whether these workers plan to stay for six weeks or six months, they will find SMOHIT’s new resource pages for Taylor, Texas, and Kokomo, Indiana, helpful in navigating their new surroundings. Thanks to color-coded pins on an interactive map, members will find it easier to settle in than ever before.
“Everybody knows how to use Google Maps, but we wanted to have a resource to just make it a little bit easier,” said Jeff Bradley, SMOHIT program director.
Bradley noted that the local union and training centers are listed, in case members have questions for a business agent or need to renew a certificate while they are away from their home local. Resources to keep traveling workers healthy and in a good mindset are also highlighted, with links to local meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous as well. SMOHIT offers a separate 12-step, recovery-based program meeting once a month in each location, and SMOHIT’s Helpline, at 877-884-6227, is available anytime to members to ensure their mental health while they are home or traveling.
Beyond union and well-being needs, the resource pages also point members to the best-rated places for other essentials, fun and relaxation. Since many workers bring an RV to stay in, SMOHIT has highlighted campgrounds, RV parks, fitness centers and laundromats. Places for family fun are also listed, so that workers can plan a day out when kids or other relatives visit.
You won’t find fast food highlighted — as that’s easy enough to locate — but unique, region-specific restaurants are noted on the resource pages. It would be a shame to miss out on the best Tex-Mex, barbeque or local specialty cuisine while in the area.
Journeying to where workers are needed is nothing new to sheet metal workers — in fact, it’s baked into the name. Journey workers and apprentices have always travelled, a history which is still covered in the core curriculum today.
“In past years it’s always been ‘fend for yourself, bring an RV,’” said Bradley. “But starting with these two sites, we are making it easier for members with resource pages specific to these areas. As new megaprojects come up, there might be more. We have a template now, so it will be easy to turn it around quickly for newer megaprojects down the road.”
The resource page for Texas has had almost 3,000 views since it was put up in the fall of 2023. SMOHIT is currently looking at options to create an app, something that would mirror the information on the resource pages but be easier to download and access. This would open the door for much more of the SMOHIT website to also be accessible on an app in the future. The goal, as always, is to make it more convenient for members, Bradley said.