For over 90 years, apprentices with Colorado Sheet Metal Workers have been participating in the local St. Patrick’s Day parade by building a float entirely by hand. This tradition, which began in 1929, showcases the craftsmanship and dedication of the students. The process of creating the float is a year-round effort, with students dedicating weeks after the parade to plan for the following year’s project. The students, ranging from three to 20 in number, work on the float throughout the year under the guidance of training coordinator Peter Carlson.
Luke Cusato, a final-year apprentice, has been involved in the float-building process for nearly every year of his apprenticeship. The experience gained from working on the float and other job sites during the program prepares students like Cusato for future careers in the metal industry. Carlson emphasizes that besides technical skills, students also learn valuable soft skills that are in high demand in all industries.
The highlight of the parade is the float created by the students, attracting families and community members to witness the display of craftsmanship. Some former apprentices, like Armando Hernandez, who now works for ACCO Engineered Systems, return to support current students and offer job opportunities within their companies. The parade itself drew a large crowd, with traditional Irish music, a high school band from Oklahoma, and various festivities. Despite the chilly weather, thousands of people celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Colorado Springs.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
