Green Labor Journal - Working for a Substainable Future

Green Construction for Ironworkers

Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) provides wind turbine erection training

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The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers, through its labor management organization Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) and the National Ironworkers and Employers Apprenticeship Training and Journeyman Upgrading Fund, has developed a new Green Construction for Ironworkers training package. 

At the recent Ironworker/IMPACT Annual Conference the Reference Manual (shown here) for this package was given to all of the participants as a way to unveil the new training package.  Also at the Conference, during one of the breakout sessions, this training package was discussed and the content briefly explained.  The reference manual was very well received by all in attendance.  Since green construction is being discussed at every turn in this market, the Ironworkers expect that there will be a lot of interest from its affiliated local unions, local training centers and signatory contractors.

There are seven Modules in the Manual:

1.    Introduction
2.    Green Energy vs. Green Building
3.    USGBC and the Building Life Cycle
4.    Green Building Standards
5.    LEED Accreditation
6.    LEED Certification
7.    Take it Home

The purpose of this awareness training is to give the apprentice or journeyman Ironworker a broader understanding of what is meant by the term “green construction” and the implications for the ironworking trade.  This course is the first step in learning about green construction. It is hoped that the overview provided by these training materials will lead to more ideas and perhaps more training in how to thrive in this growing and important sector of the construction industry. 

In July 2010, the Ironworkers will be holding their 26th Annual Instructor Training Program on the campus of Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Green Construction for Ironworkers materials will be the basis for a new course for instructors. Given the focus on green construction, it is anticipated that this course will be very popular.

The new Green Construction for Ironworkers training package (which consists of a reference manual and an instructor DVD) should be available to the Ironworker affiliates this spring.

For more information on the Green Construction for Ironworkers training package, contact The National Training Fund at (202) 383-4889

IMPACT Provides Wind Turbine Erection Training  
Ironworkers have been erecting wind turbines for many years and, as this sector continues to grow, there is an increasing need for worker certifications in several areas including tower climbing/rescue and torque and tension training. IMPACT is now making training in these areas available.

In order to provide just-in-time training for Ironworker local unions and signatory contractors, IMPACT has established an agreement with the Francis Tuttle Technology Center (FTTC) in Oklahoma City. FTTC is a member of the Wind Energy Training Consortium (WETC). The WETC is a group of training institutions which is recognized by the American Wind Energy Association as promoting skill training recognized as essential for wind turbine technicians.

If a local or signatory contractor has up to 10 Ironworkers who require this training in order to work on a wind turbine erection project, IMPACT will arrange for the course to be conducted within 45 days of the request.

This course focuses on the two major areas of tower safety/rescue and of torque/tension certification.

Tower Safety
This part of the course focuses on the different forms of fall protection, rescue and evacuation techniques and types of equipment. Participants will also learn the proper use, care and maintenance of height safety equipment used in the wind energy workplace. Upon successful completion of this part of the course the participant will receive a nationally recognized Capital Safety (DBI/SALA) Competent Tower Rescuer Certificate.

Torque/Tension Certification
This part of the course certifies the participant in all aspects of torque and tension ─ from basic fasteners and safety to mechanical, electronic and hydraulic torque. This part of the course is very intense and provides participants with a tremendous amount of hands-on learning, application and certification from two industry leaders in torque: Snap-on Tools and Hytorc. The participant will receive three industry recognized certificates upon successful completion of this part of the course.

For more Information on Wind Turbine Erection Training for Ironworkers contact IMPACT at (800) 545-4921     

Harvey Swift is Assistant Director of Education and Training of the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust. IMPACT is a labor management partnership designed to provide a forum for Ironworker Local Unions and their Signatory Contractors to address mutual concerns and encourage reasonable balanced solutions. IMPACT’s regional and national programs extend this approach, creating a national labor-management network, which promotes discussion of issues affecting the industry as a whole and enables the creation of effective strategies for resolving concerns to create opportunities for the union ironworking industry.