BENICIA, CALIF. - With their latest training announcement, the Iron Workers Union and the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) continue to show an unwavering dedication to doubling Iron Worker market share by 2020. Last month, the Iron Workers and IMPACT launched a never-before-offered training package and pilot course designed to prepare Ironworkers to fill leadership positions in Iron Worker Fabrication Shops.  Following an introductory review period, the package and course will develop skilled Ironworker supervisors, increase Shop productivity and ensure Ironworker safety in the future, benefitting both Contractors and Owners who work closely with Ironworkers and Fabrication Shops.  The 24-hour (three eight-hour sessions) course focuses on communication and problem-solving skills specifically targeted at issues arising in the Fabrication Shop environment.

Tony Walencik, Executive Director of the Shop Department for Iron Workers, indicated that he is “confident the new manual will benefit shop locals and their signatory employers by improving the performance of Shop supervisors.”

“With this new training package and pilot course, we are strengthening the knowledge and skills of our Shops,” added Rick Sullivan, Director of Education and Training for IMPACT.  “The result is clear: Better-trained leaders will help our Shops get more business and hire more Ironworkers.” 

The new training is especially groundbreaking because, traditionally, Shop supervisors learn on the job.  One pilot course enrollee indicated, “I wish I could have taken this course six years ago when I first became a Shop foreman.”  “Supervisor Training for Shop Ironworkers” represents the first-ever course designed specifically for Shop leadership. 

Due to incredibly strong interest in new Shop training courses, this year for the first time, another course designed for Shop local representatives and Shop employers will be held during the Ironworkers  Annual Instructor Training Program in Michigan this July.  The course focuses on designing and implementing Shop training programs.

This new training, reiterated Sullivan, “contributes to overall productivity and increases safety throughout all of our shops, two issues that are very important to us.”  Iron Workers and IMPACT aim to double market share by 2020, with the help of stellar—and constantly expanding—training programs.  Iron Workers also stress safety, and are working to reduce and eliminate Iron Worker member fatalities, through the “Countdown to Zero Fatalities” safety and awareness campaign (www.ironworkers.org).

About the Iron Workers International (www.ironworkers.org):The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IABSO&RIW) was founded in 1896 in Pittsburgh, Penn. They now represent more than 125,000 Ironworkers throughout the United States and Canada. The IABSO&RIW’s mission is to improve the working conditions of its members while promoting constructive relationships with their employers to increase work opportunities.

About IMPACT:The Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (www.impact-net.org) was formed in 2003 under Section 302(c) 9 of the Labor-Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act. IMPACT is a non-profit, tax-exempt labor-management trust under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The primary mission of IMPACT is to expand job opportunities for union ironworkers and their signatory contractors through progressive and innovative labor-management programs, training and safety. IMPACT is governed by a 26-member Board of Trustees. Each of IMPACT’s 13 regions is represented by one labor trustee and one management trustee.

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Contact: Brennan Gamwell, Communications Specialist, (800) 545-4921