Michael Harris first started working in a sheet metal shop as a summer job at age 16. After spending a year in college, he began working full time as a sheet metal worker at the Tarpenning & LaFollette Co., a custom metal fabrication shop where his father worked. A few years after starting in the sheet metal trade, he entered the Sheet Metal Workers Local No. 20’s apprenticeship program in Indianapolis, IN. Harris began teaching night classes part time at the training center when he was still an apprentice and took on the role as full-time instructor a year after becoming a journeyman. He took over as director of training for the state-wide local union in 2000. Harris holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Labor Studies and Labor Education from the National Labor college. With a welding background and leadership qualities, Harris began his career with the International Training Institute as a full-time welding assessor and QA Manager in 2005 and in 2009 took on the role of program administrator and on January 1, 2022 he was promoted to the administrator’s position and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the fund.
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