International Union of Elevator Constructors–Local 10 - Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) Success Story

Kenneth Smith was self-employed for about 25 years in the restaurant business and then later in the vending business. He made the choice to apply to be a Registered Apprentice with the International Union of Elevator Constructors – Local 10 after the economy started to recover after The Great Recession, and with the encouragement from his son who had already gone through their program. After a 4-year apprenticeship, the Local 10 apprentice graduated to journeyperson status. Apprentices who complete the program earn 30 community college credits and are encouraged to continue on to earn their associates degrees. Members of Local 10 build and service elevators, escalators and moving walkways.

According to Smith, “the past five and a half year journey has been great. It saved my family and probably my life. At one point I was working three jobs a day just to sustain myself and my family. Choosing the IUEC was the best choice I could have ever made. My advice to anyone who is struggling and needs a career change is don’t let your age stop you. I was 55 when I started and like I said previously it saved my life.”

For additional information, contact:
Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning
Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program
1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 209
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-2246
Fax: 410-333-5162
E-mail: info@mdapprenticeship.com