Sheet Metal Workers Local 49

They learned it. They earned it.

Congratulations to latest Local 49 apprenticeship graduates who have officially become journeymen.

This milestone was built through years of training, long days, hard lessons, and pride in a trade that demands skill, discipline, and backbone. These new journeymen are ready to step forward, do the work, and help meet the growing needs of our communities across New Mexico and West Texas.

A strong future starts with strong members. This graduating class represents both.

Thank you to Local 49 President Richard Stoltenbert Jr. for leading the swearing in ceremony and helping welcome these members into the next chapter of their trade.

Congratulations, Local 49 journeymen. You earned every bit of it.

Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 is proud to stand alongside LIUNA , PNM , Blackstone , and the New Mexico Building Trades for the Workforce Development Investment Showcase.

This event will bring together labor, government, education, and industry leaders to spotlight the Blackstone and PNM proposed $20 million investment in skilled trades training and workforce pathways across New Mexico.

Join us Wednesday, June 17, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at ACE Leadership High School in Albuquerque as we support the workers, students, and future tradespeople building New Mexico’s energy future.

Food trucks and student demos will be featured.

New Mexico’s energy future needs skilled hands.

SMART Local 49 has submitted a letter of support for Blackstone's proposed acquisition of PNM because this is about more than one transaction. It is about long term investment, strong labor standards, union built infrastructure, and making sure New Mexico workers are part of what comes next.

Solar, battery storage, grid modernization, HVAC systems, mechanical work, and major energy upgrades all require trained craft professionals who know how to build it right.

Read the full blog on our website to learn why Local 49 is speaking up for good union jobs, apprenticeship opportunities, and a stronger future for New Mexico. https://smwlu49.org/local-49-supports-blackstone-pnm-acquisition/

Harley Ready. Fishing Bound.

Congratulations to Brother John W. Reed on his retirement.

John has been a journeyman since 1996, putting in nearly 30 years across several companies, including the last 14 years working in Los Alamos. He also gave back in a big way, serving 13 years on the E Board and volunteering on several Local 49 projects.

That is a solid run, Brother.

Now it is time to trade the jobsite for the open road, the Harley, and a fishing pole.

Congratulations, John. You earned every mile and every cast.

Beautifying the Project: The Patina Process

In case you missed it, Sheet Metal Workers Local 49 members have been creating a four sided sheet metal art installation for the Rail Yards Market ABQ , commissioned by the The City of Albuquerque Arts & Culture Department.

Before this piece is installed at the Rail Yards Market, there has been a whole lot of work happening behind the scenes.

Fabricated from sheet metal, this artwork is being finished with a spray on additive that creates a patina look, giving the piece a weathered, historic feel that fits the story it was built to tell.

This is where the craft shows up in the details. The finish adds depth, texture, and character, turning raw material into something that feels connected to the history of Barelas, the Rail Yards, and the community around it.

It is not just metal. It is design, fabrication, problem solving, and hands on skill coming together.

This is a great opportunity to show the community the artistry behind our trade, and the craftsmanship sheet metal workers bring to everything we build. Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation Workers SMART Army

Culture and Craftmanship

Sheet Metal Workers Local 49 members are proud to be part of a project that brings art, history, and sheet metal craftsmanship together.

Commissioned by the City of Albuquerque Arts & Culture Department, this four-sided sheet metal artwork will be displayed at the Rail Yards Market ABQ. The piece honors the Barelas community, the importance of rail, and the history that continues to shape this part of the city.

The design features mission inspired elements with a Tiwa Tribe motif, bringing culture, history, and craftsmanship into one meaningful piece.

This is the first time Local 49 has contributed to a project like this. It is something beautiful for the community, and a chance to show the true artistry our trade brings to the table.

Local 49 Officer Erick Corona has led the project from the beginning, with Justin Bradshaw, Local 49 Detailer, creating the design concepts for the four sided cube.

Thank you to our members who are Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation Workers SMART Army volunteers who worked to fabricate this project and bring it to life: : Andrew Oravez, Chuck Lees, Isaiah Zemke, Shawn Coffey, Matt Allen, and everyone who had a hand in the build.

Installation takes place Monday at 8:30 a.m.

Design. Fabricate. Install.

Doing what we do best, and giving back to the community while we’re at it.

Built by the best. Backed by over 1,000 strong.

Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 isn’t just growing. We’re moving with purpose.

Across New Mexico and West Texas, our members are on the job, in the field, on the rooftops, in the shops, and behind the scenes building the communities we all call home.

This is hard work. Skilled work. Union work. And we take pride in every bit of it.

Our strength comes from our brotherhood and sisterhood. From the men and women who show up, stand together, and raise the standard every day.

Ready to stop working alone and start building with something behind you? Join Local 49. DM us, or reach out to us via our website. https://smwlu49.org/contact/

Bring your grit. Build your future. Stand with the best.

Retiree Spotlight: Gloria Cadena

Fifty-one years with the same employer, System Components, Horizon, TX. Fourteen years as a union steward. A career defined by steadfastness, loyalty, and standing up for the people around her.

Please join us in congratulating Sister Gloria Cadena on her retirement.

Gloria spent more than five decades on the job and made every year count. As a union steward, she fought for safer working conditions, better facilities, and respect for the workforce. She helped push for the company to replace a leaking roof that had become a safety concern, renovate bathrooms that were not suitable for workers, and repave the shipping and receiving area to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians.

Gloria also served on the negotiating committee and played an important role in securing Memorial Day as a paid holiday.

That is what union leadership looks like. Not just holding a title, but showing up, speaking up, and making the workplace better for the next person.

Congratulations, Gloria. Thank you for your 51 years of dedication, your service as a steward, and your commitment to the union.

Skip the job jumping. Learn a trade. Earn your place. Build your community.

If you just graduated high school and you’re looking for a real path forward, the sheet metal trade is worth a hard look.

Our apprentices don’t just wait around waiting for opportunity. They learn the trade, get on jobsites, use their minds, work with their hands, and help build the systems that keep New Mexico and West Texas moving.

Detailing. HVAC. Architectural sheet metal. Welding. Fabrication. Installation. Real work. Real skill. Real purpose.

We’re looking for people who show up, listen, learn, work hard, solve problems, and aren’t afraid to earn their place.

Learn more on our website today👉 https://smwlu49.org/. Click APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNTIES to apply to our training program today. Must be 18 to apply.

Know a recent grad who needs to hear this? Please share or tag in the comments!