Winner at the 2025 Sheet Metal Apprentice Awards for the Southwest Region
Richard Morrison, a fifth-year sheet metal apprentice at A.O. Reed, has been named the top winner at the 2025 Sheet Metal Apprentice Awards for the Southwest Region! Richard has built his career on determination, adaptability, and a drive for excellence.
Richard has been in the trade for five years, completing his apprenticeship at the same shop throughout that period. During this time, he has worked on several projects, some of which include Glenair, Quixote Studios, the Boone Fetter Medical Buildings, Sorensen Engineering, and numerous tenant improvements throughout downtown Los Angeles.
His journey in the trade began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many industries were shutting down. Seeking a reliable path forward, Richard shared, “Thankfully God had a plan for me, and it led me to sheet metal, and I stuck with it.” What began as an opportunity for stability quickly converted to a passion and a profession. Richard embraced the challenges of the trade, applying the discipline and competitive mindset he developed as a collegiate athlete to his apprenticeship. Those same qualities have fueled his growth and success to this day.
Throughout his training, Richard benefited from strong mentorship and the close-knit environment at A.O. Reed. “I’ve had really good foremen who took the time to teach me and gave me the tools to apply what I’ve learned on my own,” he explained. The company setting gave him opportunities to take on responsibilities earlier than many apprentices, preparing him for complex and fast-paced projects.
Thanks to the training set by A.O. Reed, Richard utilized his skills during the 2025 Sheet Metal Apprentice Awards, where he competed against top apprentices in timed events. Over the course of two days, he competed for eleven hours in the first competition and nine hours in the second competition. Each competition was designed not only to test technical ability but also endurance, focus, and composure under pressure. Adding to the intensity, union leaders and industry representatives closely observed every move on the competition floor. Drawing on his discipline and competitive mindset, Richard succeeded under pressure and won first place overall, first place in HVAC, and second place in architectural. As stated, “Winning was a complete surprise. I hope it represents the hard work and knowledge I’ve gained both inside and outside of the curriculum.”
Looking ahead, Richard is eager to continue advancing his skills and contributing to A.O. Reed’s reputation for excellence. His recognition at the 2025 Sheet Metal Apprentice Awards for the Southwestern Region is both a milestone in his apprenticeship and a testament to his perseverance, work ethic, and determination.
