Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the infrastructure bill will put union Mechanical Insulators to work across the nation.
Lead is commonly found in the pipes and paint of older buildings.
According to the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.
Ielmini said some of the infrastructure bill’s funds will also be used to remove lead paint used as an insulated coating. The Mechanical Insulators will focus on lead paint remediation, he added.
Removing lead paint and pipes will create significant job opportunities that will continue to drive job demand for decades to come, Ielmini said.
The infrastructure bill’s focus on energy efficiency will also lead to escalating job growth in the Mechanical Insulation industry, he said. As the nation moves toward a more carbon neutral society, energy efficiency becomes increasingly critical. Since solar, wind and other alternative energies are limited in capacity, installing proper Mechanical Insulation becomes an absolute necessity, he explained.
For the next 20 to 40 years, the infrastructure bill will create unprecedented opportunities in the construction industry, Ielmini said. There has never been a better time to launch a career in the trades. He urged listeners interested in a construction career to contact their Local Union and sign up for an apprenticeship program as soon as possible.
You can listen to the entire podcast: