National Apprenticeship Week spotlight: Areesa Willie

Each year during National Apprenticeship Week, SMART celebrates the life-changing power of a union apprenticeship — from stellar pay and benefits to lifelong solidarity and fulfilling career paths.

As part of the SMART Women’s Committee’s National Apprenticeship Week spotlight series, Local 17 (Boston, Mass.) sister Areesa Willie, a fourth-year apprentice, talks about how much she enjoys learning new things in the sheet metal trade (and getting paid to do it).

What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?

I try my best to bring positivity to my jobsite. I like to keep spirits up at work. I’m not perfect at it and sometimes I need a little uplifting myself, but I want everyone I work with to realize they matter and what they do inside and outside of work matters. I’m also sober, and I am very open about that. I want anyone that needs help for themselves or a friend/family member to feel comfortable asking for help. We all deserve to be happy, healthy and free.

What do you love to do when you are not at work?

Spending time with my daughter is my favorite thing to do; hiking, getting lunch or coffee with friends, cozying up under the covers and watching a good movie, spending time with my animals and reading.

What are your goals in the future?

I want to learn and understand my trade fully. My goal is to become a mechanic and help others learn and aspire to do things the right way. I also want to be a representative of recovery for my union. I want to help others get the help that they need with no judgements, no stigma.

What do you find surprising about your job/trade?

I was surprised that I was actually not terrible at it and how much I enjoy learning new things about it. I didn’t realize that I would be so passionate about it.