In November 2014, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Stoltman, Mr. Turton were invited to a meeting for SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association).  This meeting began a meaningful partnership focused around raising awareness and skill level in students relating to the many opportunities in sheet metal trades. Tim Benner from the Local #71 Sheet Metal Workers Union Training Facility and Niagara Frontier Custom Fabrication, along with Michael Konitzer from J.W. Danforth have been working closely with Alden’s Technology Department for 2 years with shadowing opportunities, demonstrations, and curricular enhancements. There have been multiple visits by Alden faculty and students to the facilities of SMACNA partners and the industry partners have been involved on Alden’s high school campus multiple times.

Through the collaboration of Alden’s Building and Grounds Department, our high school teachers, SMANCA and the Local #71 Apprentices, a donation of a new welding ventilation system is being made to our Metalworking Shop. Mr. Eggink has been working with students in his Advanced Metalworking class and Mr. Turton’s Career Exploration Internship Program to fabricate 7 new welding booth to accommodate the new welder that were added to meet student demand this year. The ventilation system project is worth about $40,000. The project will provide a safer and more productive working and learning environment. Alden students will attend the Sheet Metal Worker training facility to shadow the apprentices as they fabricate the ventilation system to specifications. The apprentices will then come to Alden for final adjustments and installation where the Alden students will be able to offer a helping hand and witness the working and learning environment of a Sheet Metal Skilled Tradesman first hand.