178. Michael Coleman, General President of SMART, on Apprenticeships, Member-Centered Benefits, and Advocating for Families and Communities

What does it look like when an organization does more than represent workers and actually builds a community, a career pathway, and a better life? And how can associations help members thrive when workforce shortages, family pressures, and mental health challenges are all converging at once?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Michael Coleman, General President of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART). Mike discusses:How SMART represents more than 230,000 sheet metal, rail, transit, and transportation workers across the United States and Canada.How SMART’s culture of mentorship helps members grow professionally and personally, with experienced members guiding apprentices and newer workers.Mike’s own journey from “floundering” young worker to apprentice, supervisor, local leader, international executive, and ultimately General President.Why apprenticeship is such a powerful model: members earn while they learn, build real skills, gain certifications, and avoid student debt.How SMART is growing membership by widening the recruiting pipeline and reaching veterans, underrepresented communities, and women.How programs like Helmets to Hard Hats and SMART Heroes help service members transition into rewarding union careers.How SMART is making the trades more accessible by addressing real-life barriers, including offering childcare stipends and paid maternity leave.How SMART advocates on issues that go beyond union priorities and affect the public at large, including indoor air quality, fire life safety systems, and safer schools and buildings.How the merger with the transportation union expanded SMART’s reach, while fairness, dignity, safety, and good middle-class jobs remain the values that unite all members.References:SMART Union Website