As "green" construction continues to grow in importance and the creation of "green" jobs becomes more of a key component of federal and state stimulus funds, Ironworkers need a broader understanding of their specific roles in this emerging market sector.
The Ironworkers International has conducted an in-depth review of the challenges "green" construction might bring to Ironworkers in the field. As a result, IMPACT and the National Training Fund have developed a new Green Construction for Ironworkers training package.
The training package provides a comprehensive guide to the Ironworkers' role in the "green" construction workforce. The training materials are Ironworker specific and are supplemented with marketing materials that can be used by local unions, apprenticeship programs, and signatory contractors.
The Green Construction for Ironworkers training package covers the following major areas:
- Green Energy vs. Green Building
- USGBC and the Building Life Cycle
- Five Main Areas of Green Building Standards
- LEED Accreditation
- LEED Certification
The training package is designed to be implemented as an eight-hour course to provide training for both journeymen and apprentices. Since the course is modularized, the facilitation of this course can be done in one eight-hour day, eight one-hour sessions, two four-hour sessions, or four two-hour sessions.
"A well-trained workforce is required to successfully erect, install and maintain the "green" energy sector," says Ironworker General President Joseph Hunt. "Our members are ready and able to work and are well trained and committed to improving the economic and operational success of those contractors we work with in the "green" energy sector."
For more information on the Green Construction for Ironworkers training package, contact IMPACT Assistant Director of Education and Training Harvey Swift at (800) 545-4921.