6 minute read
ARTICULATING SUCCESS
Equipment upgrades and articulation agreements further joint success for Local 100 and Choose Bigger Mid-Atlantic
By Jessica Kirby
In 2021, Local 100 JATC chairperson Rob Delawder announced ongoing efforts to enhance training at Local 100’s JATC and an alliance with the College of Southern Maryland to establish an articulation agreement.
Choose Bigger program manager Kurt Snyder says, “It is great to see Local 100 moving forward with the College of Southern Maryland. Once our network of high school (Career Technical Education) CTE programs expands, we will truly have a robust and sustainable talent development pipeline for years to come.”
Other efforts to establish agreements with technical high school programs are still awaiting approval for maximum recruitment efforts.
Snyder also says there are two counties in Maryland ready to dedicate CTE resources and align with Local 100 for future careers and placement—the initiative is still awaiting approval with the JATC and Local 100.
“The articulation agreement is a gateway to access various pools of talent for recruitment purposes,” Snyder says. “Additionally, the training at these educational institutions can synchronize with training at the JATC and in the field for rapid acceleration of skill sets and industry techniques.”
Articulation agreements between outside organizations and Local 100’s apprenticeship program offer more than a few unique benefits to both parties, says Richie LaBille, business manager-president at Local 100.
“From the outside organization’s perspective, it offers the individual seeking job placement a direct pathway to a rewarding career with continued training, educational opportunities, and benefits,” he says. “Potential apprentices can sometimes gain direct entry or advanced placement into our apprenticeship. This allows outside organizations the ability to offer a promising future and opportunity to their graduates.”
From the apprenticeship program’s perspective, it offers the opportunity to indenture dedicated apprentices.
“Apprentices that enter through articulation agreements come with a basic understanding of the trade and the work ethics required to be successful in their career,” LaBille says. “Looking at the big picture, it creates a beneficial scenario for all parties involved.”
Local 100 Training Director John Dumler has multiple infrastructure and curriculum upgrades in progress, and these additions and investments into the apprenticeship training will ensure Local 100 members have the best trained and knowledgeable professionals for the 21st century.
Safety has always been a cornerstone of training and a crane signalling and rigging curriculum is being developed with the Crosby Group—a world leader in rigging, lifting, and material handling hardware. This group sets the standard for quality, training, and technical expertise in the field.
In addition, confined space training and foreperson training is also under development with the Industry Training Institute ( iTi).
“There can never be enough training on safety,” Snyder says. “Earning safety certifications to ensure the safety of all employees within a company is paramount. However, the classroom-based education on new equipment and safety will position Local 100 ahead for years to come.”
The JATC has approved multiple equipment upgrades, including a new jet drill with a stand, an adjustable gantry crane to support the rigging curriculum, a Milwaukee electric chain hoist to also support the rigging class, and a manual chain hoist to support the rigging curriculum. The Local recognizes that investing in professional training and knowledge will continue to set union professionals apart from others in the industry.
Snyder says these equipment upgrades are important because they will keep all evolving industry familiarizations and proficiency ratings high.
“Local 100 is constantly studying and evaluating the market requirements of our signatory contractors,” says LaBille. “Using up-to-date information, we are able to strategically and efficiently assure our contractors and membership that our training remains cutting edge and current with the industry. Anytime new equipment is needed to maintain the highest level of training possible, our JATC will make the necessary purchases and implementations.”
Labor-management cooperation is an important component of articulation agreements because the agreements mean combining the expertise of organizations. With two different perspectives, at times both parties will bring different priorities to light for further introspection and ultimately a solution. “However, being independent from one another is a short-term approach and is not viable for a strong and lasting partnership,” Snyder says.
LaBille agrees. “These relationships offer insight from both parties on the needs and future expectations of the training program,” he says. “This enhances economic success in the workplace for union members and contractors.”
In fact, Local 100 strives to maintain relationships with all relative career technical education providers. Through outreach efforts, recruiting, and organizing, the organization works diligently to display the opportunity for a rewarding and life-long career.
“Anytime it is possible to be involved with a job fair, career fair, offer a tour of our training center, or discuss opportunities with educational leaders, Local 100 is eager to participate,” LaBille says.
“The strategic value of the labor-management partnership is essential,” Snyder says. “Both labor and management are in the same biosphere of the economy, and when one wins so does the other. Conversely, when one party is affected in a negative way, more than likely the other party will be, as well. Having a well thought out plan is the critical enabler to a successful journey of growth and sustainability within the sheet metal industry.”
Choose Bigger of the Mid-Atlantic has been working with administrators of various educational facilities and organizations for nearly three years, and timely efforts are the cornerstone of successful recruitment initiatives. “Bringing the future workforce into the industry cannot wait until a person has had several jobs over a few years,” Snyder says. “The industry is losing too many skilled professionals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise.”
The organization has specifically focused on the scholastic CTE programs with neighboring school systems. Currently, two high school educational systems are extremely interested in working with Choose Bigger and, ultimately, Local 100.
“There are a few other school systems who are in the early stages of interest,” Snyder says. “Our goal at Choose Bigger is to provide myriad recruitment opportunities and, most importantly, to keep the talented, future workforce gainfully employed immediately upon graduation with Local 100 organizations.” ▪
Jessica Kirby is a freelance editor and writer covering construction, architecture, travel, and sustainable living for myriad publications across Canada and the United States.
