June Member of the Month Spotlight

Damion White

District Council 16 is proud to recognize Damion White as our June Member of the Month. This honor comes just three weeks after his apprenticeship graduation, where he was recognized as the Drywall Finishing Apprentice of the Year—an achievement that reflects years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.

At just 22 years old, Damion has accomplished what many spend years working toward. Not only has he journeyed out at nearly the youngest possible age, but he has already advanced into a foreman position, leading projects involving multiple crafts while earning the respect of both his coworkers and supervisors.

Damion’s work ethic didn’t begin when he entered the trades. While still in high school, he started his own mobile detailing business, choosing to build a future while many of his classmates were focused on other pursuits. That entrepreneurial drive continues to shape his goals today. His ultimate ambition is to own a successful construction company, and he firmly believes that being a union contractor is the best path to compete at the highest level while providing opportunities and careers for future workers.

He understands that success is built through the process—from apprentice, to journeyman, to foreman—and embraces every opportunity to learn along the way.

Damion entered the apprenticeship shortly after graduating high school. Although college was an option, he saw the skilled trades as a better opportunity to build a rewarding career while earning a strong income. He quickly discovered that drywall finishing challenged him in all the right ways, pushing him to improve every day.

One of the keys to his success has been learning from outstanding mentors. He credits Daryl Williams with teaching him the bazooka, taping, painting, and wallpaper skills while demonstrating the value of becoming a multi-craft professional. He also learned leadership and project management from George Caballero, who taught him the responsibilities of a foreman, including paperwork, scheduling, and job documentation. Paulo Jauregui helped expand his knowledge of wallcovering, adding another valuable skill to his toolbox.

Now that he serves in a leadership role himself, Damion looks for workers who go above and beyond, maintain a positive attitude, stay productive, and are always willing to do what needs to be done without complaint.

Although he has taken college classes, Damion says he enjoyed apprenticeship training far more than traditional education because of its hands-on approach.

“I can’t imagine getting certifications like boom lift or CPR without actually getting your hands on the equipment and practicing what you’re learning,” he says.

When asked what “High Performance, High Value” means, Damion’s answer reflects the values of District Council 16.

High Performance means working efficiently, safely, and productively.

High Value means delivering craftsmanship and quality that exceeds the competition and demonstrates why union labor is the best investment.

Damion also appreciates the many benefits of union membership beyond the paycheck. While he’s thankful he hasn’t needed his health insurance yet, he values knowing it’s there when he does. Starting his career at a young age means he’ll have many years to build a strong pension, and he appreciates the financial security provided by the vacation fund and 401(k).

He also took advantage of the Essential Worker Homebuyer Assistance Program, helping him achieve the American dream of homeownership at an early age. Much of his free time is now spent improving his home, and he’s grateful that union wages have also allowed him to purchase the truck he always wanted—all while building a comfortable life without relying on excessive overtime.

For new apprentices entering the trade, Damion offers simple but powerful advice:

• Show up 20 minutes early every day.
• Bring the proper tools.
• Wear your whites and be ready to work.
• Always look and act hungry for knowledge, hours, and responsibility.
• Never be afraid to ask questions—there are no stupid questions.
• Work harder than the person next to you because every day is an opportunity to earn the next job.

Some of Damion’s proudest projects include the faux finish work on the exterior of the Bellagio above the famous fountains and participating in the massive Wynn remodel. While he enjoyed being part of one of the largest projects in Las Vegas, he also appreciates the precision and attention to detail required on smaller jobs where there is no margin for error.

Outside of work, Damion enjoys spending time with friends who also work in construction. He recently purchased a Can-Am side-by-side and enjoys weekends riding the trails and visiting the lake, making the most of the outdoors.

Damion White represents the future of our union. His drive, humility, willingness to learn, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding example for apprentices and journeymen alike. His journey proves that with hard work, dedication, and the opportunities provided through union apprenticeship, young workers can build rewarding careers and successful futures.

Congratulations to Damion White, District Council 16’s June Member of the Month. We look forward to watching his continued growth as a leader, foreman, and someday, perhaps, a successful union contractor helping create opportunities for the next generation of skilled craftsmen.