Taking Advantage of the Union Training Centers
Over the past couple of years, the majority of union training centers have been bursting at the seams with members looking to upgrade their skills. This is a positive sign for the union construction industry, as it shows several things: the willingness of our members to take classes, the ability of our unions to provide new skills affecting the members, and the commitment both labor and management have to securing a stronger future with the best trained workforce.
"This past fall, we had 395 members attend classes ranging from safety to code updates," said Mike Chetney, Training Director for the Electrical Workers Local 494. "We are working hard to ensure the classes our Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees focus on are what our members need to get customers' projects done.
"We also had over 500 members attend seminars on state and national code, luminaries, appliances and electric vehicle recharging stations," he added. "Some of the seminars gave the members a better idea of what to expect on future projects. Overall, we believe our members remain ahead of trends, and we know our customers won't be disappointed when they start building."
Investing in the Future
With millions being spent on training within the union construction industry each year, it's common for members to upgrade their skills during healthy and slow economies. It's encouraging that contractors are continuing to use the training centers to ensure their employees are up-to-date with skills for future projects.
"We typically do about three classes each year at the carpenters training center," said Bart Wellenstein, Vice President of Wellenstein and Sons. "I rely on my relationship with the training center to make sure I'm providing my employees with necessary classes, and Joe Weisling [the Education Administrator at the carpenter's training center] has always been great about contacting us if new classes are available."
According to Weisling, the Chicago Regional Council's Northern Region has experienced a dramatic increase in members taking skill advancement training. Although the number of hours being worked has decreased substantially, the need for union construction members to maintain and increase their skill level has remained steady, as it's one of the most important things members can do.
"One aspect I find to be really interesting is the shift in our members' understanding of partnering with the contractor in order to continue being competitive," Weisling commented. "Once they see the value of the partnership, they pursue the needed training or required qualifications to make a positive impact on their employer."
Meeting Customers' Needs
When customers who delayed projects begin building again, Weisling and Chetney are confident the union members they've trained will allow contractors to remain competitive and safer — ultimately winning union contractors more projects and putting more members to work.
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