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Adam Hansen was a high school football player and a good one. Good enough to land a scholarship to Kansas State.

After a career at Blue Springs as a left tackle Bill Snyder recruited him and he began his college career before a knee injury turned him in another direction.

Hansen spent a few years trying different vocations in the construction trades before becoming a member of the Sheet Metal Workers as an apprentice in 1997. Once in the program he received professional training and a career that could provide for a family he would soon start.

“The Union gave me the opportunity to receive free top-notch training to earn a solid living wage,” Hansen said. “It provided benefits for me and my growing family, and the opportunity to work for some of the best companies in town.”

In those 20 years Hansen married his wife Paige, had three sons and has moved through several different jobs. Now he has the position of an organizer which allows him to work with union and non-union workers to understand that benefits of highly skilled union labor.

“My job is amazing,” Hansen said. “I get to help our members by helping our union grown. I get to educate the public on union history and our incredible benefits. I educate our own members on where we (the union) came from, and the importance of solidarity, the strength and power that can come from a united voice, and being part of something bigger than ourselves.”

Hansen also spends time working with high school students to educate them on options other than college like the trade unions.

“It is important for students to understand there are options other than college, like union apprenticeships, that can help prepare them to make a solid living,” Hansen said. “Everyone should get involved in their union and understand were we came from and the sacrifices that were made in the past to continue to protect our labor rights today.”

If you are interested in the trade unions go to BeYounion.com