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AFL-CIO News

SMART Local 27 Apprentices Shine at Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition

SMART Local 27 apprentices delivered an outstanding performance at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Apprenticeship Contest in June in Central Pennsylvania and hosted by SMART Local 19.

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June 11, 2026
SMART Local 27 Apprentices Shine at Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition

SMART Local 27 Apprentices Shine at Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition

SMART Local 27 apprentices delivered an outstanding performance at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Apprenticeship Contest in June in Central Pennsylvania and hosted by SMART Local 19.

The annual competition brings together the top apprentices from local unions across the region, giving them an opportunity to demonstrate the skills, knowledge, and craftsmanship they have developed through their apprenticeship training.

Representing SMART Local 27 were three exceptional apprentices:

  • Thomas Knapp, competing in the second-year division, earned 2nd place.
  • Teal Rasmussen, competing in the third-year division, earned 2nd place.
  • Matt O'Conner, competing in the fourth-year division, earned 1st place.

Their impressive results reflect the dedication, hard work, and professionalism that define SMART Local 27's apprenticeship program.

“We are incredibly proud of Thomas, Teal, and Matt for representing Local 27 with excellence,” said Christopher George, Local 27 President and Business Manager. “Competing against the best apprentices from across the Mid-Atlantic region is an accomplishment in itself, and their success is a testament to the strength of our training program.”

Local 27 also extends its gratitude to Apprentice Coordinator John Espinos and instructors Art Mason, Charles Dario, Nick Rapps, and Taylor Hendricks for their commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled union sheet metal workers.

Congratulations to all three competitors on their outstanding achievements and for representing SMART Local 27 with pride. Your hard work continues to showcase the talent, skill, and future of our union.

Get Directions

Visit the SMW Local 27 Office

SMW Local No. 27 Union and Funds Office


322 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road
Farmingdale, NJ 07727


Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 98. Take Route 195 West to Exit 31-B. As you exit, you will proceed down the exit ramp and come to a traffic light. Make a left at the light onto Squankum-Yellowbrook Road. We are two miles ahead on the right-hand side, just after you cross the railroad tracks.

SMW Local No. 27 Union Meeting

Manchester Fire House
Commenwealth Blvd.
Pine Lake Park
Manchester Twp., NJ 08753


Take Garden State Parkway to Exit 82A - which puts you on Route 37 West. Continue on Route 37 West for approximately 5 miles until you come to Commonwealth Blvd. Make a right onto Commonwealth Blvd. Approximately 1 mile down on the left is the Manchester Fire House.

Union meetings are once per month on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm except for August.