National Apprenticeship Week spotlight: Brandi Hartung

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.

First-year Local 206 (San Diego, Calif.) apprentice Brandi Hartung has only just started her sheet metal career, but she already has a concrete goal of becoming a foreman one day. Read more in her SMART Women’s Committee National Apprenticeship Week 2024 spotlight.

What unique strengths do you bring to your trade?

Problem solving and adaptability.

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

Spend time with my family and go for walks at the park.

What are your goals in the future?

My goals are to be a foreman one day.

What do you find frustrating about your job/trade?

The math and trying to figure out bend allowances.

What’s the coolest job you’ve worked on?

Soldering mechanical pads.

Why sheet metal?

I was interested in getting into the trades; my friend was already doing sheet metal, so he told me about it. It sounded like a good trade to get into, so I joined!

Best advice you’ve gotten as an apprentice?

Be open to learning something new every day.

What do you think about Tradeswomen Build Nations?

I love seeing more women in the trades and programs that help with our solidarity.