MCIRCC JATC hosts Better Built discussion meeting
February 17, 2005
PEKIN-Better Training produces a Better Built product. No Newton nor an apple
needed for that logic. The Better Built Network (BB) hosted a lunchtime
discussion on Friday, January 28, in Pekin, Illinois at the Mid-Central
Regional Council of Carpenters, Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center (JATC).
"We're here today because everyone will get a better understanding of why the
Better Built Network means better construction," says Ginger Johnson, executive
director of the Tri-County Construction Labor Management Council, Inc. (TRICON)
and co-founder of the BB Network. "We've brought members of the unions and the
business community together since we work together," adding, "and today since
we're at a school we're reaching out to education as well." (Two teachers from
Manual High School in attendance.)
Jay Glatz, director of Business Development for the State Bank of Speer at the
Peoria Banking Center says, "I came because I knew it would give me a better
appreciation of what they do," adding, "and how they truly do learn how to do
this right." Glatz oversees construction loans and as a member, has successfully
worked with other BB Network members on projects.
Rob Swegle, coordinator for the JATC, spoke of the school's beginning in 1987,
the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship Certification, how it serves 3,800 union
carpenters from 12 Locals in 41 counties "stretching from Indiana to Missouri
through the central part of Illinois."
Swegle, himself a college graduate as well as master carpenter, went on to speak
of how "competitive it is to get into the apprenticeship program. And it's hard
to make it through the whole apprentice program. When they're here they realize
we're a fulltime, daytime school. There's no leeway in attendance. (Apprentices
must attend 144 hours a year to advance and all apprentices attend four one-week
sessions for a total of 160 hours a year.) I always tell the apprentices, 'This
is your job for this week.' And we place great emphasis on safety at all times.
Both while they are here and when they return out to the jobsite."
During a tour of the 'Harvard of Carpentry' Apprentices can choose from four
specialties: Carpentry, Floor Coverer, Millwright or Millcabinet. The JATC
consists of gleaming classrooms all equipped with the latest technology
including, multiple computers, the latest software and power point capability.
And of course physical space for all the essential skill such as an area for
building concrete forms, erecting a scaffold, framing, bridge building, etc.
Swegle also explains "since we're funded by a checkoff, we also train a lot of
journeymen (approximately 450) every year," adding, "that's why we offer weekend
classes too."
Swegle speaks of the wide range of ongoing skills a carpenter learns throughout
their career, such as steel studs and Styrofoam concrete forms, two products
exploding into general use. "If a contractor calls and needs us to conduct a
class," Swegle says, "no problem. A big part of my job is to accommodate the
industry."
Nate German, business representative for Carpenters Local 183, adds, "When we
need to learn new skills they're always right on top of it."
Swegle points out that the instructors also attend school for upgrades as well.
"They do a really good job here because all the safety classes are up to the
OSHA level," says Dennis Higdon of Mid-Illinois Companies and a member of the BB
Network. "We have to have certified people on the job, not just for OSHA, but
to keep our people safe," adding, "we have customers who now ask if our workers
are trained and certified, particularly in fire safety."
Like all institutions of higher learning, the facility operates under the
control of a school board. The 13-member Board of Trustees (six from
management/contractors and six from labor plus Swegle) set the curriculum, write
the budget, "and deal with any disciplinary problems," Swegle says. The JATC
provides any member (apprentice or journeyman) who lives beyond a 50mile radius
with free housing in an on-campus dormitory.
For those interested in the carpentry trade, the JATC clearly offers an
outstanding opportunity to both establish and maintain a life-long career. Or
as Swegle points out, "The training here is all free. This facility is their
facility."
Note: The JATC has coordinated with Illinois Central College and a certified
journeyman carpenter has earned 43 credit hours. With 17 more credits they earn
an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which can be transferred to a
fouryear college or university. "Just another door we can open for the
members," Swegle says.
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The LABOR Paper
Peoria, IL
MCIRCC JATC trains Carpenters for a bright future
February 17, 2005
Better training ensures a skilled trade maintains its status as the benchmark
for the craft. Eighteen years ago the carpenters in conjunction with the
signatory contractors established the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center (JATC)
in Pekin, Illinois. (Central location to serve the entire 41 counties and 12
Locals within the Carpenter's Mid-Central Illinois Regional Council.) Thanks to
the school the members of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in central
Illinois serve as the 12 on the ruler of measurement in terms of skill and
craftsmanship.
Much of that praise results from an outstanding staff of three full-time
instructors: Matt Zulz and Stephen Mead (carpentry) and John Califf (millwright)
and a part-time instructor Bob Weeks (floor covering). Weeks skill is in such
demand he still works in the field for a company in Champaign, lllinois.
And the JATC Coordinator, Rob Swegle, himself a college graduate as well as
master carpenter, not only serves as 'the boss' he has helped author two
textbooks-Drywall Applications and Detailed Metal Systems. And Swegle will
collaborate to write a third textbook: Interior Systems. (The fastest growing
sector of professional carpentry.)
In order to turn a spotlight on the need for Better Training to ensure each and
every project is Better Built, let's ask Swegle to answer some questions about
why the training at the JATC produces the highest skilled craftsmen.
What does it mean to be a Carpenter? It means a person has a basic understanding
of the entire construction process. Plus they have good math skills, good
judgment and a strong desire to build things.
How does someone train to be a Carpenter? They need to make an application to
our apprenticeship program. Then they have to follow through for four years and
complete the program. During that time they'll work in the field with other
experienced carpenters, attend.
four weeks of classes a year here at the JATC, which includes both hands-on
training and theoretical education in the classroom.
What type of training facilities and equipment are available? Here at the JATC
we have the latest technology, tools, equipment and space to actually perform
the task they want to learn whether it's working with' wood, welding, forms,
interior systems, flooring, or whatever.
How does someone apply for the apprentice program? Contractors will contact us
and express a need for apprentices. We then go through the current applications.
A person must be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma or a GED,
pass a drug test, be physically able to perform the work and score 70 percent
or higher on the math test we give. (40% fail the math test)
What skill sets are required for a Carpenter to be successful? Good
problem-solving skills are essential. Pride in their work, mechanically
inclined, the ability to work in the elements since a lot of our work is
outside. And they have to have the desire to get to the next level of learning.
What are the biggest challenges facing Carpenters? New technology and new
products. There is a constant stream of new products, processes, tools and
technology. Steel studs have almost taken over for wood. And lasers are now used
in many applications. That's why the journeyman upgrade classes are so
important. Staying on top of the latest pays off for both the carpenters and the
contractors.
How does the Carpenters union serve and support the members? We send our
instructors for training on a regular basis to make sure we always have the
capability to teach the newest techniques, processes and products.
How are the Carpenters involved with education and the community? We participate
with PERFECT (Peoria Educational Region for Employment and Career Training) in
their WorkBased-Learning Program that offers high school students a chance to
explore a career as a Carpenter. (Four percent of apprentices are now female.)
And we work on projects for the community. (Apprentices built the Fire Safety
House the region's Fire Departments use to teach fire safety to elementary
school students.)
Where can someone find more information about becoming a Carpenter? They could
start on the Internet. (www.mcircc-jatc.com) Or they could call us (309)
353.4232, or they could call the Local Carpenters union office where they live.
Make no mistake. The Carpenters perform on a professional skill level equal to a
college education. And the best part? The customer acquires a project that they
can count on as Better Built.
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The LABOR Paper
Peoria, IL