Sheet Metal Workers Local 45 Training Program

08/17/2026

08/12/2026

And last but not least… Top of Class Award. 🏆

This individual has truly set the bar when it comes to achievement, dedication, and excellence. Their hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and they’ve shown what it looks like to consistently strive for a higher standard.

Congratulations on a well-deserved Top of Class Award! Keep setting the bar high and leading by example. 👏

08/10/2026

At the union meeting, we had the opportunity to recognize some of our apprentices with our Top of Class Awards.

These awards go to the students who are putting in the work — showing up, learning the trade, sharpening their skills, and holding themselves to a high standard.

There’s no shortcut to becoming good at this trade. It takes time, hard work, and a willingness to learn from the people around you.

We’re proud to recognize these apprentices for the effort they’re putting in and the future they’re building for themselves.

Congratulations to all of our Top of Class recipients! Keep after it. The work you put in today is what makes you better tomorrow. 💪

07/01/2026

06/30/2026

Congratulations to Central Campus welding instructor Chad Donahue.

🔥 BIG NEWS for Central Campus! 🔥

Congratulations to welding instructor Chad Donahue — named a finalist for the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, a national award honoring outstanding skilled trades educators with $2 million in cash prizes awarded annually!

A proud East High School - Des Moines grad, Chad brings 20+ years of real-world industry experience to his classroom — from journeyman sheet metal worker to welding shop foreman — before coming back to DMPS to teach. And teaching here isn't just a job for him, it's personal: he came back to give kids like himself the same shot he was given.

The results speak for themselves. Chad's students have gone on to win state and national welding titles, and he was a driving force behind the welding bay expansion that grew program capacity by a third — and he hired his CURRENT students to build it with him. 💪

In his words: "A lot of kids feel like the life they've been given is the only option. It takes someone who cares to show them they can be more than their circumstances. That's the best part about this vocation — it takes students from all walks of life, and now they're in charge of multimillion-dollar projects."

Winners of the 2026 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize will be announced this fall. We're cheering you on, Chad! 🛠️🎉

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools
Harbor Freight
Des Moines Public Schools

06/08/2026

Contact us today For more information

05/13/2026

Contact us today with any questions You have on beginning a new career.

05/11/2026

We had a great time hosting our first annual contest at the Southeast Polk Tech Expo this year! It was an awesome opportunity to connect with students, meet with vendors, and network with other contractors and industry professionals.

Southeast Polk continues to put on an outstanding Tech Expo, showcasing the value of skilled trades and hands-on careers. One thing that really stood out was the number of students who are genuinely interested in learning a trade and building a future in the industry.

There’s a lot of talent coming up, and it’s exciting to see young people eager to work, learn, and get involved. We’re grateful to have been part of the event and are already looking forward to next year!

05/05/2026

Two new apprentices have officially been accepted into out apprenticeship program! This is a big step , and couldn't be more excited to have them on board! Congrats Aidan and Josh!!!!