Iron Worker Apprentice Addresses CII Annual Conference
Indianapolis (PRWEB) July 25, 2014 -- The Construction Industry Institute (CII), a highly regarded organization dedicated to best practices in the construction industry, hosted their 2014 Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 20-23, 2014. The conference was attended by over 500 of the construction industry’s most respected leaders.
Among the highlights was the appearance of third year Iron Worker apprentice, Eli Ward. Mr. Ward, along with three other young construction professionals, participated in a panel on youth outreach in the skilled craft industries – Survey Says: Recruitment Requires Commitment – detailing the growing opportunities for young people in the construction industry.
Mr. Ward received welding training in high school at the Calvert Career & Technology Academy, located in Prince Frederick, Maryland. During his tenure at the CCTA he was recruited to a career in the construction industry by Mr. Dave McNair, the Ironworkers Local Union 5 Coordinator of Apprenticeship and Training, which services the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Since applying and being accepted into the training program, he has served for the past two years as an apprentice.
During his apprenticeship, the 22 year old Mr. Ward has earned certifications in welding, rigging and signaling through a combination of classroom and on-the-job experience. Mr. Ward also carries a number of safety related credentials, including CPR, First Aid and the OSHA 30 Hour certificate. Mr. Ward noted in his comments that the Iron Workers’ new Membership Card is a virtual resume of all his training credentials and work experience and can be accessed by utilizing a QR reader.
“I was so proud to be able to tell this audience of super high-powered construction executives about the training opportunities available across North America offered by the Ironworkers and our good contractors, like mine, Extreme Steel,” said Mr. Ward. He added, “I’m grateful to IMPACT for making this possible.”
CII, based at The University of Texas at Austin, is a consortium of more than 130 leading owner, engineering-contractor and supplier firms from both the public and private arenas, dedicated to enhancing the construction industry’s business effectiveness and sustainability through its research and industry alliances. The goal of their annual conference is to “bring research findings, committee initiatives and member case studies” for the benefit of its members.
About the Iron Workers Union: 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 (IMPACT) is an independent labor-management partnership designed to create work opportunities in the North American ironworking industry. Our primary mission is to provide a forum for Ironworkers and signatory contractors to discuss effective strategies to expand job opportunities through innovative labor-management cooperative programs. IMPACT provides expertise in training, construction certifications, marketing, construction project tracking and bidding, insurance and Davis-Bacon compliance efforts. IMPACT also administers a world-class substance abuse program to ensure that Ironworkers are safe, drug-free and ready to work.
Susan Avery, IMPACT, http://www.impact-net.org, +1 (202) 383-4801, [email protected]
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