Upgrade Your
JATC
Contractors and Local representatives work together to make sure JATCs employ the best technology and are first in line for more workhours By Sheralyn Boileau The Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter is transforming the construction industry, literally underfoot, by automating floor layout. “I call it a Roomba with a laser printer,” says Tim Myres, co-administrator at Local 104 and Bay Area Industry Training Fund, which covers five separate schools. “You download the wall layouts and hanger spots from the 3D model, then the laser printer drives around and sprays markings on the floor,” says. And even bigger changes are on the horizon. “I think we’re close to producing ductwork on 3D printers,” he says. “Relativity Space in Los Angeles already makes 90% of their rockets on 3D printers.” ITI Administrator Mike Harris has his eye on the handheld laser welder. “It’s designed for materials that are quarter of an inch or thinner, putting it right in our wheelhouse,” he says. “It’s quick, there’s little warpage of the material, and clean-up is extremely easy. This has the potential to be a game changer.” Harris is also looking at the HoloLens, an augmented reality tool that shows virtual images in a real space. “An estimator could instantly check the fit of a mechanical system in an area by wearing a HoloLens loaded with that model when visiting the intended space,” he says. 8 » Partners in Progress » www.pinp.org
Andre Mayes is membership development coordinator for Local 71. He encourages every Local to plan for a high-tech future. “How do we make sure that these tools are used by qualified, skilled union members?” he asks. “We’ve got to incorporate these advances into our schools.” Nine times out of ten, the biggest obstacle to adopting new technology isn’t interest. It’s cost. “Technology is not cheap,” Harris says. “That’s why the ITI created several grant programs to make it more affordable for JATCs to acquire technology for training.” The ITI also offers the know-how, resources, and funding assistance locals need to pull ahead. The number of grants a JATC is eligible for depends on its accreditation status. The ITI recognizes four levels of accreditation—platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. There are more than 100 different accreditation criteria, like the quality of record keeping, type of insurance policies, and number of computers per student. Harris recommends that schools invest the time it takes to improve their accreditation rating. “If you’re at the bronze or silver levels, you must raise your accreditation to be eligible for more than one grant,” he says. “Once you reach gold or above, you can receive two standard grants a year, plus all the other special grants that the ITI offers.”
