Every person who drives over the blue line as a new employee becomes a part of history. Whatever connection they have to Y-12, whether a tie to the past, the community, or a new opportunity, employees find their place as they build the future. Meet the newest craft members on site.
Matt B. – 2nd-year ironworker apprentice
After 10 years of factory work, Matt B. was looking for a change of scenery that provided benefits and a better work culture, when he passed a series of “Now Hiring Ironworkers” signs on the road in his hometown. With no prior formal training, he was hired by the Ironworker’s Union – Local 384.
Matt came to the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) Project ready to absorb anything he could to better his future. “It was a huge relief knowing I got the job at UPF. I’m way less stressed. It is more physical, but working with your hands means growing and learning,” he said.
Matt didn’t know a lot about Y-12 before joining the UPF Project more than a year ago, but was impressed that safety was a big focus. “My first impression was culture shock. The safety enforcement at UPF was a welcome surprise.” What amazed him the most was how the team went out of their way to stop work if anyone was unsure of the task, and the lengths the team went to ensure everyone started the task on the same page.
Now, as a 2nd-year apprentice, he has a sense of accomplishment. “So far the biggest project I’ve worked on is the Highly Enriched Uranium Materials Facility Connector tunnel,” he shared. “It was an awesome experience and I found it very rewarding. It makes you feel good seeing a completed project.”
The opportunity for career advancement and stability was a primary driver for Matt’s decision to contact the Ironworker’s Union, but the love of the trade has kept him on track to finish his apprenticeship and stay focused on the mission. “It is humbling to be part of such a big project and know that I get to work on something that is so pivotal to America’s security,” he said.
In addition to learning every day, Matt is thankful for being part of a supportive and cheerful team. He said that he has learned so much from them, and now he is a big advocate for learning a trade as an alternative to college. His advice to new people coming to Y-12 is, “Take your time, be safe. The job needs to get done, but nothing is more important than you and your coworkers.”