As a Site Foreman leading a sewer and water crew, Helder plays an important role in building the infrastructure that keeps our communities running. Through years of experience in the trades, he has learned the value of planning, teamwork, and continuous learning.
In this Member Spotlight, Helder shares what being part of LiUNA Local 837 means to him, why he believes the skilled trades offer incredible opportunities for young people, and how the union helps members prepare for a secure future. He also discusses the positive impact Local 837 continues to have both on job sites and throughout the community.
What does being part of local 837 mean to you?
Being part of local 837 means being part of a community, you have brother, sisters and people that are always going to look after you and your safety and best interests
What is one thing you wish more people knew about the trades?
I wish people knew how much time and planning goes into actually building roads, buildings and any type of construction, there is a tremendous amount of planning that goes into it
What does the pension plan mean for your peace of mind in retirement?
The peace of mind for me is it helps me to prepare for the future and achieve the goals I want to do to and the things I am passionate about like soccer refereeing
What does a typical day on the job site look like for you?
My day typically starts at about 6am and it is usually planning and making sure we have all the materials on site that we need to carry on with the tasks and making sure everything goes efficiently
What advice would you have for someone just starting out in the trades?
I think the trades are fantastic for young people. There is so much diversity in what you can get into and my advice would be to take advantage of the learning centers Liuna has because the courses are top notch
What impact has local 837 had on your community?
They have always donated to youth sports programs and that is a big help for less fortunate kids who can’t afford kits, jerseys etc and it is a big help for that.
