Dick Zampa, Jr., State Apprenticeship Director,  recently announced the completion by a dozen women apprentices of a 140 hour welding training course. Known as the “University of Iron," the Training Center in Benicia, California, was location for the course.  The 12 women attended the classroom and hands-on training during nights and weekends between February 24 through April 5, Zampa said.  Their training focused on Orientation and Arc Welding, and included measurement, layout, fit up, Oxy-Acetylene Torch, and Grinder, along with Stick and Wire Feed welding.

All the training sessions were conducted by Union instructors who volunteered their time. The classes were held on Friday nights, and all day Saturday and Sundays.

The apprentices were successful in passing the classroom tests, Zampa said, with all the students receiving at least one welder certification, while several earned multiple weld certifications.  Their completion of the course means that the apprentices are now eligible to enter into the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program and be given credit for  work successfully completed during the six week-long course.

The training was funded by the Ironworkers Union and the Union Contractors that jointly administer the Program.