Ironworkers have been erecting wind turbines for many years and as this sector continues to grow there is an increasing need for worker certifications in several areas including tower climbing/rescue and torque and tension training. IMPACT is now making training in these areas available.
In order to provide just-in-time training for Ironworker local unions and signatory contractors, IMPACT has established an agreement with the Francis Tuttle Technology Center (FTTC) in Oklahoma City. FTTC is a member of the Wind Energy Training Consortium (WETC). The WETC is a group of training institutions which is recognized by the American Wind Energy Association as promoting skill training recognized as essential for wind turbine technicians.
If a local or signatory contractor has up to 10 Ironworkers who require this training in order to work on a wind turbine erection project, IMPACT will arrange for the course to be conducted within 45 days of the request. Note the following important points:
- The goal of this course is to rapidly train Ironworkers to get them on to wind turbine erection sites. This is not a train-the-trainer course.
- Due to this course being delivered in an accelerated manner, only journeymen Ironworkers with a minimum of 3 years field experience who already have the OSHA 10, Subpart R, and First Aid/CPR/AED training will be eligible for this course.
- Course length is 36 hours over 4 days.
- The course tuition, transportation in Oklahoma City, and lunches during the course will be paid for by IMPACT.
- The cost of the hotel (about $100/day including breakfast and taxes) as well as travel costs, wages and benefits must be paid by either the local union, signatory contractor, or by a regional IMPACT grant.
- The course can accommodate up to 10 Ironworkers. If there is a need to train less than 10, the determination as to whether the course will be conducted will be made by IMPACT. Efforts will be made to fill each course.
- If the demand increases, more courses can be made available. A course can be done for a single contractor or Local Union, provided that they can supply the mandatory 6-10 ironworkers needed to conduct the course.
This course focuses on the two major areas of tower safety and torque/tension certification.
Tower Safety
This part of the course focuses on the different forms of fall protection, rescue and evacuation techniques and types of equipment. Participants will also learn the proper use, care, and maintenance of height safety equipment used in the wind energy workplace. Upon successful completion of this part of the course the participant will receive a nationally recognized DBI Tower Safety Certificate.
Torque/Tension Certification
This part of the course certifies the participant in all aspects of torque and tension. From basic fasteners and safety, mechanical torque, electronic torque, to hydraulic torque. This part of the course is very intense and allows the participant a tremendous amount of hands-on learning, application, and certification from two industry leaders in torque: Snap-on Tools and Hytorc. The participant will receive three industry recognized certificates upon successful completion of this part of the course.
The first four course dates (four days each) are scheduled for:
- Monday, 29 March—Thursday, 01 April
- Monday, 28 June—Thursday, 01 July
- Monday, 23 August—Thursday, 26 August
- Monday, 25 October—Thursday, 28 October
For more Information on Wind Turbine Erection Training for Ironworkers contact IMPACT at (800) 545-4921.