Local 32 apprentices urge St. Lucie County to keep training center local

Dozens of apprentices and a union representative urged the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners to help preserve a local training site for Sheet Metal Workers Local 32.

Roger Hudspeth, introduced himself as the business representative for Local 32 and said the union has had a strong local relationship with the county’s Green Collar Task Force. “We’ve had a great relationship over the past 15 years,” he said, and asked the board to consider the apprentices’ need to continue training in the county.

Why it matters: several apprentices described long commutes and family constraints that would make relocation to West Palm Beach impractical. Apprentice Thomas Besson said the program transformed his income and certifications; Keonte Berry and others highlighted childcare and scheduling challenges if training moved. The board heard that the program produces skilled workers the county’s construction and manufacturing sectors need.

Details: the public comment period included short personal statements from at least a dozen apprentices and union-affiliated instructors describing the program’s benefits, the number of meals served by volunteers on Thanksgiving, and shareable community outcomes. Speakers asked the commission to preserve access locally so apprentices can finish multi‑year certifications without added travel burdens.

What’s next: the remarks were entered during general public comment; no formal board action was requested at the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the comments and thanked the speakers; staff follow-up or formal agenda items were not scheduled during this session.