In September of this year we began our 9th year of concentrated apprentice training. Over the past 9 years the Apprentice and Journeyman Training Fund has made great strides in improving our training and the opportunities our students have while in training. The ITI has been working diligently on new curriculum to help our industry compete in today’s world of construction. Our training program is a major factor in what we offer to the industry that separates us from our non-union competition. We must continue to improve our skills and train our workforce in order to compete in today’s construction economy.

The ITI has developed new curriculum in foreman training, soldering certification training, detailing certification (project management) and math.  This new curriculum will soon be available for use at the training center. The ITI also has recently completed curriculum to compliment the CORE curriculum that the JATC uses to train apprentices. Specialized training in HVAC, Architectural and Industrial sheet metal work is available. The ITI curriculum currently offers over 2000 hours of training in all fields of the trade.  Apprentices and Journeyman alike will have the opportunity to continue their education in the particular discipline they prefer.

During the last several years the Local #2 JATC has enjoyed continued involvement and success in National Apprentice Competitions. It may not be the exact measure of the education we provide, however it is a true measurement of the apprentices we have, the quality of education we have, and the commitment by our Apprentice Committee and staff to keep our program in an upward climb in continuing adult education.

We completed our first pipe welding class in October. We had 12 students enrolled and all were able to take something away that will be useful to them.  Several of the students feel confident they can pass the pipe welding certification. We are completing our fall Master Mechanical Licensing class. This is a class that has been offered over the last 5 years and has been very successful in helping the students pass the test associated with the certification.

These classes are becoming more important every day. There are more and more end users requiring the people performing the work at the job site to have certifications, such as, mechanical license, welding certifications, safety training, etc. Education is something that cannot be taken away from you and will continue to help everyone become more employable. In today’s world it is almost a requirement to have continuing education of some kind.  Doctors, nurses, lawyers, and teachers are all required to have continuing education.  People working in the Sheet Metal field should be no different.

The Training center is open each Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 pm for members who would like more help.  Don Fannin is available to work with individuals who would like help in the shop, class or weld shop. Apprentices’ especially needing additional time or help are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

We have a new face at the training center. Her name is Jennifer Thomas. She will be working part time in the office with Linda. Jennifer began in September at the beginning of the school year.

Application Information:

Applications are accepted only on the third Wednesday of the month, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., January through October.  You are welcome to pick up an application at the apprentice office, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, however, you can only turn them in on the third Wednesday of the month.  You can also request an application be mailed to you.

Birth certificates must be turned in with the completed application.

The thirty-five dollar ($35.00) fee for the test must be paid at the time of application. (Cash or money order only – no personal checks)

All applicants who make a passing score on the test will be interviewed by the Apprentice Committee.