SMACNA Interview: Nathan Cooper

2022 SMACNA Chapter Executive of the Year talks about efforts to strengthen the workforce.

Nathan Cooper, Executive Director of SMACNA Colorado, sits with Jeff Henriksen, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, at the 2022 SMACNA Annual Convention. During this discussion, Nathan outlined the emerging trends in Colorado, including work on several megaprojects, such as Denver International Airport.

Nathan also takes a moment to explain a pair of workforce development initiatives he is collaborating on. First is the Elite Academy, a leadership development program designed to equip apprentices with the skills required in order to become influential leaders within the sheet metal and HVAC industry. Next, Nathan went into detail about an initiative that will grant apprentices associate’s degrees at the end of their training. Through this program, apprentices can take courses in communications and other soft skills to help these new workers begin their careers in our industry.