Funds to Support Apprenticeship Training Program

SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 has been awarded $1.2 million in federal funding to expand advanced training in Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB), HVAC/R, and HVAC Controls.

The funding was secured through FY26 Congressionally Directed Spending and included in the final Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill passed by the U.S. Senate and signed into law by the President.

This investment will support the continued growth and modernization of our apprenticeship training programs, helping us to prepare the next generation of highly skilled sheet metal professionals for careers working with the complex mechanical systems that power modern buildings.

Local 49 represents sheet metal workers across New Mexico and West Texas, and our training programs are designed to provide apprentices with hands-on instruction, industry certifications, and real world experience that lead to long term careers in the mechanical and HVAC industries.

Local 49 leadership expressed gratitude to Senator Martin Heinrich and his office for supporting the project and recognizing the importance of investing in workforce development and technical training for our organization. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this funding and for the support of Senator Heinrich and his office. This investment will allow us to enhance our apprenticeship training programs and provide New Mexicans with the skills needed for long term, high quality careers in the HVAC and building controls industry. It’s a win for our apprentices, our communities, and the future of workforce development in our state.”— Isaiah Zemke, Business Manager and Financial Secretary, SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49

The grant will help expand training capacity and ensure apprentices gain the specialized knowledge required to work on increasingly sophisticated HVAC systems, building automation technology, and energy efficient infrastructure.

As demand grows for skilled professionals capable of installing, maintaining, and optimizing modern mechanical systems, investments like this play a critical role in strengthening the workforce pipeline and supporting economic growth across the region.