In New Jersey, we have developed different types of skill enhancement courses for journey level carpenters:
1) Area training: which includes welding, framing, interior-exterior finish and concrete formwork.
2) Special courses: which are developed to meet the constantly changing needs of the construction industry such as hazardous waste worker training, lead abatement, confined space and asbestos awareness and abatement.
3) Certification and Qualification classes: which include welding certification, solid surface material certification, rigging certification, hardware installer certification, millwright qualification, scaffold erector qualification and forklift operator qualification.
4) Safety and first aid: Emergency first Aid, CPR, OSHA 10, welding safety and ergonomics.
It is imperative that we increase the numbers of qualified and certified workers if we intend to protect our jurisdiction. With the cooperation of the local unions and regional councils, the training fund can arrange special classes to meet immediate and future needs with only limited notice.
OSHA 10 safety courses have been very well accepted with 1000 members having completed the course of January 2001. Safety is ongoing and is one of the only ways we can help the members and the contractors at the same time. With the users requiring the contractors to have and utilize a safety program members that are safety trained are at a premium. We can provide the workers already trained helping the contractor to keep their costs down while helping our members remain employed in a safe work environment. We can also help our members remain accident free so that one day the can retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
Journey level skill enhancement in the traditional areas of trade jurisdiction has been more active that ever before. Along with the skill enhancements courses response has been overwhelming for all the courses including residential framing, interior trim, interior systems: ceilings and drywall metal studs. Additionally the qualification and certification courses are being scheduled and completed on an as needed basis.
In today's competitive market "life long learning is a reality in construction just as it is in the business world." In 1995, the new General President and General Executive Board too a "must" stand concerning training by mandating that every member continue to upgrade their skills in order to keep the United Brotherhood of Carpenters the most competent, productive trade union in the U.S. and Canada. Only the members that have maintained their competency and learned the new tools, materials and technology will be able to command a living wage.
Classes in welding are being run continuously throughout the year. Additionally we offer Rigging Certification, Turbine Certification, Hardware Certification, Interior Systems (metal studs, drywall, acoustical ceilings and movable partitions). Wood framing Stair Building Basic and Advanced Blueprint Reading, Basic and Advanced Level and Transit, Interior Finish/Trim, Cabinetry and Casework, Door Hanging and Hardware and Scaffolding Erector qualification courses on an ongoing basis. Due to the high demand for upgrading courses, we added five additional classrooms in Kenilworth in 1999 and additions in Mullica as well, so we could run the courses more often and accommodate more of the members by helping them maintain high skill levels. The facility in Kenilworth was expanded in 2000 to accommodate the Millwright Apprentice and Journey Level courses that are run at the center.
Skill enhancement training hours were higher in 2002 that they ever were before. Journey Level members completed 45,000 hours of upgrading classes which was almost double the total hours for 2000. The new certification classes which have been available since the fall of 1999 have further increased activity at the centers. In December of 2000 the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Training Fund completed construction of a 22 million dollar Training Facility in Las Vegas, Nevada to run the "UBC Train the Trainer" program to certify Apprentice and Journey Level Instructors to instruct classes and certify IBC members in classes such as turbine, solid surface, rigging and scaffold erection to accommodate the members who will need the certification.
Offerings for training are initially made in the Spring and Fall for each year, however, courses run all year if there is sufficient interest. New courses are added as the need arises and the technology on the job changes.
Since it's inception in 1969, the New Jersey Carpenters Apprentice Training and Educational Fund has promoted a consistent program of training designed to replenish manpower among carpenters, millwrights, floorcoverers and mill-cabinet shop and specialty workers. In addition to the apprenticeship program the journey level skill enhancement courses enable our members to keep up with the current techniques, materials and tools at use in the construction industry. Members that complete our apprenticeship program and members completing the journey level skill enhancement courses offer the contractors the highest skills a crafts person can possess.