New York, NY – Kevin Skelton, Steamfitters Local 638’s choice for Outstanding Apprentice of the Year, is a former Marine who has brought a measure of military discipline and a true work ethic to his trade. While serving on active duty, he sought out an accelerated course on welding, and once out of the service, he followed his interest into his current craft.
At the same time he is being honored, he says that being in a union is in itself is an honor. LaborPress was able to interview Skelton, and his eloquent words speak for themselves.
LP: Tell us a bit about your Local. What is its focus and what services does it provide?
KS: I am a member of Local 638 Steamfitters. We operate in New York City and Long Island. My union focuses on installing all different kinds of pipe for all different systems. We can do heating and cooling systems, refrigeration systems, sprinkler systems, and more.
LP: How did you learn about the apprenticeship program?
KS: I learned about the apprenticeship through a friend I grew up with who ended up becoming a Steamfitter.
LP: How old are you and where did you grow up?
KS: I am 27 years old and I will be 28 on the 30th of April.
I grew up in Mastic, Long Island.
LP: What initially interested you in the trade? Did you have any family members in the trade?
KS: I’m a first generation Steamfitter and my initial interest in the trade came from my interest in welding. I had zero welding experience and knew nothing about it, but it was something I always wanted to do. While serving on active duty in the Marine Corps, I learned about the Veterans in Piping accelerated welding program, which you do while still on active duty. It was the perfect opportunity because it would teach me to weld and it’s a course ran by UA instructors – Local 638 falls under the UA. Later on I learned there was much more than just welding which piqued my interest even more.
LP: What did you learn in the apprenticeship program?
KS: Throughout the apprenticeship program I have learned a number of skills which are crucial to steamfitting. Math is one of the biggest. We also learn science, rigging, brazing, soldering, how to use a pipe threader, how to use all the basic tools.
LP: What job are you currently working on, and are there other jobs you have worked on in the past that you found particularly interesting?
KS: The job I am currently working on is located in Long Island City, Queens. This job is particularly interesting because it’s a residential building that has 2 towers going up on the East and West side of the building. It’s cool to see just how fast the building goes up and see just how quickly we can get hundreds of pipe hung in the air. One of the most interesting jobs I’ve been on was LaGuardia airport just because it’s just such a well-known airport throughout the NYC area and the country. It was a fun experience to see that job come together and see the airport come together. Now the terminal is open and is used every single day by hundreds, if not thousands, of passengers.
LP: What does being in a union mean to you?
KS: To me, being part of a union is an honor. Especially being a part of Local 638. There is so much history in my union and in New York City. Being a part of a union means opportunity, equality, representation, and stability. The friendships and the camaraderie you build day to day are truly special. Being part of a union means being a part of something bigger than yourself, it is not something that I take for granted.
LP: Why do you think you were chosen as Outstanding Apprentice of the Year?
KS: Being selected as Outstanding Apprentice of the Year for Local 638 is my biggest accomplishment to date. As to why the instructors collectively chose me, I’m not sure of their reasoning on it. In my humble opinion, it may be because I do work hard every day. I take it seriously, I try to learn as much as I can, and I just try to put in the work. I do my best to show just how much this career means to me. I focus, I pay attention and I just try to be the best version of myself I can be. To be selected for this means a lot to me. I don’t take it lightly and I’m grateful to be recognized.
LP: How do you see your future unfolding?
KS: As far as my future in this union, I haven’t thought too far into the future yet. My immediate goals are to just be as knowledgeable as possible, be someone who can be counted on to complete tasks, and show up every day with the right attitude. I would love to have a long successful career. I do love the thought of maybe someday being able to teach these skills to the younger generation of Steamfitters in the future. Being an instructor and being able to teach people something you love is something I can see myself doing. Especially teaching welding. For now I am focused on learning my craft day in and day out.
If I can, I would like to give special thanks to my fiancé, my family, and my in-laws for their support throughout this journey. I would also love to thank my instructors at the Veterans in Piping program and my instructors at the apprenticeship program. Their guidance and wisdom is appreciated every step of the way. And also my brothers and sisters of local 638, those I have had the pleasure to be partnered up with and those who chose to take a chance on me and teach me anything, this is because of you. Thank you.
