LU 1144 Apprentice Matt Parsons on the Value of Mentorship of Journeyperson Triana Maston.

As we close out National Apprenticeship Appreciation Week, take a few minutes to read this letter from first-year apprentice Matt Parsons of LU 1144 speaking about fellow member and journeyperson Trina Maston (LU 1144) and the impact mentorship can have on someone starting out in the trades.

“Starting out in the trade can be overwhelming. There’s a lot to learn, a lot of expectations, and plenty of moments where you’re not sure if you’re doing things right.

From day one, Trina Maston went above and beyond to make sure I wasn’t just getting through the work, but actually learning and growing in the trade. She took the time to explain things, show the right way to do the job, and most importantly, made sure I had the confidence to keep improving.

What stood out most was how much she genuinely cared about the quality of her work, and walking out of a job site proud of the day you turned in. Trina is patient, supportive, fun to work with, and always willing to share her knowledge and experience. Because of her guidance, I finished my first year with a stronger foundation and a deeper respect for the craft.

Meeting someone like Trina is rare, and I know I’m lucky. She’s someone I’ll always keep close throughout my career and in life. I’m grateful for the mentorship, the lessons, and the example she set.

Opportunities like this are exactly why the union matters. Without the union, I may have never had the chance to learn from someone like her. Mentorship like this doesn’t just build better painters — it builds stronger people and a stronger brotherhood/sisterhood in the trade.

My mentor didn’t just make an investment in me, she made an investment in the next generation of painters.”

Thank you to all of our apprentices, journeypersons, and mentors who continue helping others grow in the finishing trades.