This year celebrates the 25th Annual Ironworker Instructor Training Program, which takes place July 19-24, 2009 at the University of San Diego. Last year, the training program included over 700 participants and guests from across the United States and Canada. This year's program is shaping up to promise just as substantial of a turnout.

Construction contractors can expect various business benefits from a relationship with Union Ironworkers throughout Kentucky. Among the expectations is a well-trained, drug-free and safe work force in the Kentucky industrial manufacturing and construction market. More than 160 industrial projects totaling nearly $14 billion have been scheduled to begin as contractors prepare for the upcoming construction season based on estimates by Industrial Information Resources, a marketing information service specializing in industrial process, energy and financial related markets.

Union Ironworkers are in full support of the recently released study titled Project Labor Agreements in New York State: In the Public Interest by Fred B. Kotler, the Associate Director of the Construction Industry Program at the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Union Ironworkers stand behind the results of the independent study affirming that a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) as an effective construction management tool for quality construction.

Recently, the owners of American 1 Reinforcing, LLC became a signatory contractor with Ironworkers Local Union 372, Cincinnati, OH. This relationship establishes American 1 Reinforcing as a union contractor who will utilize the training and membership of Local 372 on future projects.

The California Field Ironworkers Apprenticeship Trust Fund entered into an unprecedented two-year partnership with the California Community Colleges Economic Development and Workforce Preparation to provide career opportunities for students pursing welding certifications. Jose Milian, Vice Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, recognized the growing demand for certified welders in the construction and industrial industries and need for finding career opportunities for welding students enrolled at California Community Colleges.

IMPACT and the National Training Fund are in the process of publishing the next edition of the Training Center Directory. As thousands of these Directories are shipped to contractors, educational institutions, and others each year, it is essential that all of the information for your Local Union and Apprenticeship Training Center be correct.

The House passed legislation Thursday reauthorizing $13.8 billion over five years in wastewater treatment grants and loans, after rejecting a Republican amendment to strip language requiring contractors to pay prevailing wages.

Deep in a canyon of medical towers, another tower rises-colorfully marked up as if with a giant box of Crayolas. That's because someone had a wonderful idea. "It was spontaneous. I think one child put their name on a window. One ironworker saw that name, spray painted, 'Hi Kids,' and then that name on a beam-and it just grew from there," said Michael Walsh, a general foreman with Iron Workers Local 7.

The Ironworkers International, Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), and the National Training Fund are exploring new approaches to recruiting, training and communicating with new apprentices.

There's no eraser on an electrical lineman's pencil. As they say, "get it done right the first time, every time."