Partnership Power

Collaborative Workforce Agreements bring life-changing opportunities to Sacramento’s underserved communities

By Natalie Bruckner

A bold and transformative initiative in Sacramento, California, spearheaded by local area SMACNA and SMART, is reshaping the sheet metal industry in the region. By filling critical roles and providing life-changing opportunities to those often overlooked, it’s driving meaningful change. At the heart of this effort are Community Workforce Training Agreements (CWTA), which ensure access to these opportunities while upholding the trade’s renowned high standards.

Spearheaded by SMACNA’s Sacramento Valley Chapter and SMART Local 104, this initiative is dedicated to recruiting individuals from underserved communities, including those who have been formerly incarcerated. By partnering with communitybased organizations, government agencies, and local nonprofits, the collaboration provides second chances to those facing significant employment barriers, with a focus on rebuilding lives and creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

One of the most powerful success stories to emerge from this initiative is that of Ed Ramirez. Once serving a life sentence in San Quentin, Ramirez spent 23 years behind bars, believing he would never see the outside world again. That changed when he learned about the sheet metal industry during his incarceration. In February 2005, Ramirez was released and wasted no time pursuing a new path. “I met some business reps at Local 104, and through their support, the board assisted me in getting started,” he recalls. “I signed up, got my tools, and have been going ever since.”

Fred Latu, assistant business manager for SMART District 2 and Local 104, underscores the importance of stories like Ramirez’s.

They’re not just personal triumphs—they’re powerful testaments to redemption and the transformative impact of second chances. “I knew Ed for who he was, before I knew about his past,” Latu says. “And that’s the point. Someone’s past shouldn’t define them. What matters is who they are now and the value they bring to the table.”

Cheryl Sprague, executive vice president of SMACNA Sacramento Valley and co-chair of SMACNA and SMART’s Community Outreach & Resident Engagement (CORE) Committee, has witnessed the transformative power of these initiatives firsthand. She and her colleagues work tirelessly to educate the community about opportunities in the sheet metal trade, particularly for those who may have been unaware of them.

“We’ve been able to create opportunities for people from underserved communities, including homeless individuals, veterans, emancipated foster youth, and those who have been justice-involved,” Sprague explains. “It’s not just about recruiting for the trade; it’s about giving people a chance to build better lives.”

By collaborating with organizations like the Department of Rehabilitation and TimeDone (an initiative dedicated to supporting individuals with felony records) Sprague and her team have helped countless people secure meaningful employment. This effort not only builds a skilled workforce for the sheet metal industry but also fosters stronger, safer communities.

For Sprague, the outreach started with simple grassroots efforts—knocking on doors and asking, “How can we help?” It’s this hands-on, no-nonsense approach that has fostered valuable partnerships with local organizations. Through these collaborations, barriers to employment are being dismantled, and new opportunities are being created.

“Once you start talking to people, you see that every organization facing a problem has another organization with a solution,” Sprague says. “Industry offers the ultimate solution because we don’t just offer jobs; we offer well-paying careers with health benefits and retirement plans. Plus, there are grants available for things like transportation, which can often be a barrier.”

By connecting individuals with these opportunities, SMACNA and SMART are not only addressing workforce development needs but also creating a broader social impact.

Research shows that hiring individuals with past convictions can significantly reduce the likelihood of those individuals reoffending. Studies also suggest that offering employment to people with criminal records can lower recidivism rates by up to 90%.

“Hiring justice-involved individuals is a win for the community as a whole,” Sprague says. “It’s about building stronger communities and giving people a real reason to succeed.”

At the heart of the program is its collaborative approach. CWAs are agreements between unions, municipalities, and other entities that ensure opportunities for groups such as those from underserved areas or people of color to enter the workforce. These agreements are crucial in addressing labor shortages in the sheet metal industry while also creating pathways for individuals who may have previously lacked access to such opportunities.

“We’ve worked with the City of Sacramento to implement a CWA, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how it has helped people from all walks of life,” Latu says. “It’s about ensuring everyone has a fair shot.”

The success of this initiative has led to significant growth, with the number of apprentices increasing each year. Where the program once had around 30 apprentices, it now boasts approximately 150. This surge in participation is a testament not only to the efforts of SMACNA and SMART but also to the collaborative nature of the program, which has raised awareness and garnered greater support.

The stories keep coming. From apprentices reaching life milestones, like buying a house or starting a family, to individuals who were previously incarcerated finding stability and purpose in the trades, the impact of these initiatives is immeasurable.

“The most rewarding part of this work is when an apprentice calls to tell me they’ve bought a house or had a child,” Latu says. “Those are the moments that make all the hard work worthwhile.”

Latu addresses the preconceived notions and implicit biases that can arise when hiring justice-involved individuals, acknowledging that, of course, there are challenges. “I had one contractor come to me after a bad experience with someone who had been incarcerated,” he says. “He promised he would never employ one again. I asked him if he had ever had a similar experience with someone who had never been incarcerated. He stopped, then admitted, ‘Yes, I have.’ I told him that I would work hard to ensure that anyone who was justice-involved in the future would be more suitable for the job. It’s about listening and working together on solutions.”

The partnership between SMACNA and SMART serves as proof of what can be achieved when the right support and community collaboration come together. As the program grows, stories like that of Ed Ramirez—who once thought he’d never have a chance—show how the right opportunity can change everything.

“We’re expanding the pool of people who can work in the industry,” Sprague says. “It’s not just about the family and friends of our current workers; we’re tapping into a much broader community, including those who may have felt excluded before. We’re ensuring there are opportunities for everyone, no matter their background or challenges.” ▪

Natalie is an award-winning writer who has worked in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, the United States, and Canada. She has more than 23 years experience as a journalist, editor, and brand builder, specializing in construction and transportation. When she’s not writing, you will likely find her snowboarding, mountain biking, or climbing mountains with her rescue dog.