IMPACT has partnered with GSP Consulting (GSP), a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based government affairs firm, to assist Local Unions across the country to identify and respond to federal and state grant opportunities. This service is made possible through member contributions.
In September of last year, The National Training Fund (NTF), with support from GSP, submitted a grant application to the Department of Labor (DOL). Nearly $100 million in green jobs training grants were authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) in the beginning of 2010. January 6th, the DOL announced the NTF's successful grant application for $1.9 million.
The grant awarded to the NTF is helping to fund necessary safety and skill training in the wind turbine erection and maintenance market. Although Ironworkers have been erecting wind turbines for many years, there is a growing need for worker certifications in several areas including tower climbing and rescue as well as torque and tension training. The grant award will equip and train Local Union 433 Los Angeles CA, 444 Joliet IL, 6 Buffalo NY, 263 Dallas / Ft. Worth TX and 27 Salt Lake City UT with the tools and equipment needed to begin conducting wind turbine training at these locations. Two instructors from each training center have received train-the-trainer training, and over the course two years will conduct this training and issue industry recognized third party certifications for approximately 500 Ironworkers.
The Ironworkers International Union, with support from GSP has also secured a $536,000 DOL grant to support the development and testing of distance learning entitled "Expanding Ironworker Apprenticeship: Establishment of a Hybrid-Progression Model".
Working through IMPACT and the National Training Fund, the Ironworkers are revising their National Apprenticeship Guideline Standards to accommodate both traditional and hybrid-progression apprenticeship programs. The hybrid program will include the traditional hands-on component and a distance learning component. Funds will be available to support the development and use of interim credentials to track an apprentice's skill progression; as well as the use of technology-based learning to provide related technical instruction. Funds will also be used to support partnerships with the workforce and education communities and to train staff, apprenticeship instructors and members on these revised and innovative program designs. IMPACT and the National Training Fund will be working with Local 387 in Atlanta GA, Local 732 in Pocatello ID, Local 495 in Albuquerque NM and Local 848 in Charleston SC to implement this initiative.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure state and federal grant money for your Local Union. For more information on securing grant funds, contact IMPACT at (800) 545-4921.