A WINNING APPRENTICE By Julia Bauer, The Grand Rapids Press
He got into sheet metal training with the encouragement of his father-in-law, an ironworker. He also got after-hours training from Rod Bulthouse at the Sheet Metal Union's apprenticeship school in Muskegon.
As the national winner of the second-year apprentice contest, Fulton came home with $2,000 cash, a $5,000 annuity and a contribution of $500 to his 401(k) plan. Fulton plans to use the cash prize toward the purchase of a boat.
As a bonus, he got something any sheet-metal worker would love -- 'a brand-new Lincoln welder.'
Local 7 members are jubilant over Fulton's success, said business representative Douglas Adams.