Leading with Skill, Heart and Vision

SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49 is moving training forward with strong leadership, real shop experience, and a clear focus on the future of the trade. Matthew Allen, JATC Welding Instructor, Certified Welding Inspector, and Training Coordinator, brings nearly two decades of sheet metal and welding experience to the role.

Allen began his career in 2006 as a welder’s apprentice through the JATC apprenticeship program. He turned out as a journeyman in 2010 and went on to work across major industrial and commercial projects, including Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, refineries, mills, and fabrication shops throughout the Albuquerque area.

For the past two years, Allen has taught welding and administered welder qualifications at the JATC. On January 1, 2026, he stepped into the Training Coordinator role, bringing hands-on experience, shop knowledge, and a deep respect for the trade into the next chapter of Local 49 training.

Allen chose sheet metal because he has always been a gearhead. He enjoys working with his hands, solving problems, and building things that matter. The union sheet metal trade gave him the opportunity to support his family, build a strong career, and now help train the next generation.

Local 49 members work across New Mexico and West Texas, supporting major projects, contractors, communities, and industries that depend on trained professionals. The JATC plays a critical role in preparing apprentices and journeypersons with the skills, credentials, and confidence needed to meet that demand.

“Since Brother Matt Allen stepped into the role of Training Coordinator, our JATC has experienced nothing short of a transformation,” said Isaiah Zemke, SMW Local 49 Business Manager. “His leadership, dedication, and vision have driven vast improvements across the board, from the quality of our training programs to the growth and development of our apprentices. Brother Allen’s commitment to excellence is a testament to what strong, passionate leadership looks like. We are proud and grateful to have him guiding the future of our craft.”

Allen is proud of what the JATC has already built, including a new weld lab, a certified TABB lab, and a strong team of knowledgeable instructors. His immediate focus is making sure every student has the equipment, support, and curriculum needed to succeed.

Long term, Allen’s goal is for every apprentice in Albuquerque and Lubbock to graduate with recognized credentials. That includes welding, TABB, controls, service, rigging and signaling, advanced foreman training, and advanced fabrication skills.

That focus raises the standard for the trade. More credentials mean more opportunity. More training means stronger careers. More skilled Local 49 members means contractors and communities have the workforce they need for the work ahead.

Allen’s message to the membership is direct: keep learning and keep using the training center, even after turning out as a journeyman. The training center is there to support members at every stage of their careers and help every member keep getting better.

Outside of work, Allen enjoys building rock crawlers, coaching little leagues for his two boys, and taking camping trips with his wife and kids. 

Local 49 is preparing for a future that will demand more skilled sheet metal workers, more advanced training, and leaders who know the work because they have lived it. With Allen stepping into this role, the JATC is positioned to keep building strong careers, strong members, and a stronger future for the trade.