Every two years apprentices from the United States and Canada come together to compete and determine who is the best of the best (also known as the outstanding apprentice competition). The 2010 Ironworker apprenticeship competition was held in Seattle, Washington during September 17–20. This year the competition was billed as the "Battle in Seattle" which was hosted by the District Council of the Pacific Northwest and held at the Local 86 training center.
Recognizing that these apprentices really are the best of the best, IMPACT conducted the first ever "Leadership Skills for Ironworkers" seminar for the 55 competitors. The objective of this four-hour session was to make the participants aware of some of the leadership skills which are required to help ensure that they have a successful career as an Ironworker.
The focus of this interactive seminar was on nine specific leadership skills:
- Integrity
- Trust and values
- Team building
- Listening
- Influencing and persuading others
- Competitive spirit
- Passion
- Problem solving
- Vision and adaptability
Participants worked in small groups to complete a series of activities including how to become a successful Ironworker, describing an Ironworker with strong integrity, dealing with trust issues, the benefits of a competitive spirit, problem solving, and others. The final activity required the participants to describe what they wanted to be doing in five years. Responses included being an Ironworker contractor, becoming a certified welding inspector, working as an apprenticeship instructor and being elected a local union officer.
The seminar was designed and conducted by Rick Sullivan and Harvey Swift, the Director and Assistant Director of Education and Training for IMPACT.
Feedback on the seminar was positive. Jamie Olinghouse of Local 340 commented "This leadership seminar will help to prepare us as the next generation of Ironworker leaders." Andrew Byerly out of Local 5 said "This seminar has inspired me to become a better leader to further my career." Meikel Norris from Local 118 commented "This was a great opportunity to learn how to put your heart into your career." Nathan Setter out of Local 725 added "This has been good—everyone has been outstanding."
At the conclusion of the seminar General Secretary Walter Wise, General Treasurer Ed McHugh, and District Council President Ron Piksa addressed the participants and presented each with a completion certificate.
Based on the success of this seminar, IMPACT is exploring additional leadership development initiatives to help prepare the future leaders of the Ironworkers.