Apprentice Newsletter
The first semester of Apprentice school is coming to a close and all things considered, it wasn't too painful. Unfortunately, the work outlook continues to be very bleak. Currently we have only 45 or so apprentices working out of 115. I really wish I could change that because I know quite a few of you are struggling to make ends meet. I would like to say that as a Journeyman Ironworker and a member of local 44, I am incredibly proud of each one of you. The fact that in bad times like these you have worked so hard to be at school, to do what is asked of you and to invest so very much of your time for this trade and this local union, it is a real credit to your character and commitment.
During these past couple of months I have gone through a fairly heavy learning process. Problems have cropped up with schedules, with books and with general planning oversights on my part. I do apologize for any personal inconvenience that you have had to deal with, but I do hope you can continue to bear with me as I will, no doubt, continue to make mistakes. One thing I hope all of you have learned from me is that I am not afraid to change, or at the very least, try something different. Again, not everything works out perfectly and some ideas are going to be completely unsuccessful. Please keep in mind that the intent to adapt and make changes is based on just a few personal goals I have.
1. I want to develop this program in a way that will best keep the Apprentice informed, educated, involved and interested in the classroom subject matter.
2. I want to make the schooling process simple, fair and easy for all of you involved.
3. I want to do my best and help produce Journeyman Ironworker members who understand that their future is based on each and every one of us putting out the effort and commitment that you have, or will, give out over your first four years as a Union Ironworker.
In order to see that these goals grow from expectation to reality I need the help of all those around me. If any apprentice has a suggestion or idea I will always listen. We are all working toward the same end. In the coming weeks and months we will be working toward further changes to accomplish these goals.
1. Informing, Educating, Involving and Interesting. Gradually we will be redirecting many of the classes into one and two class segments or topics. Some of this will begin to occur over the second semester with the bulk of the work to go on in the summer. Your class subjects may not change much but they will become more focused on some of the more prevalent and common functions local Ironworkers participate in. You may still be involved in a class for 4 weeks, but by prioritizing the subject matter and bringing the typical roles to the forefront we can be better able to train you on tasks that require a more in depth knowledge and skill. We need to increase the focus on what your roles may be out on the jobsite as we cover the information. Over the coming year we hope to work toward more hands on activities and likewise more classroom work for the shop. We need to focus on preparing each of you for the tasks you will encounter on the Job.
2. Simple , Fair and Easy. This year we have taken a different approach to absenteeism issues as you have no doubt seen. At this point, each one of you to needs to regroup and evaluate where you are and where you are going. I have always found that when Christmas time comes around people tend to get lazy and complacent. This time of year it becomes easy to set yourself up to miss school for next to no real reason. As we are all aware each missed class will be made up. There are a handful of apprentices who will make up all 8 classes for missing 3. There are also apprentices who have a lot of work to do on their own time to catch up to where they need to be. I understand that things can happen. Many time you or I may really need to miss school. One thing I can appreciate is a person who understands what is import in life. Many times, being at school may be secondary to some other responsibility that we have but, I also understand that, sometimes a small group of people will take advantage of situations. To this point very few opportunities have been given to make up those missed classes. As the second semester comes around again each of you will get a schedule. All of your make up dates will be included on that schedule. From that time on, any missed classes will be made up after regular school year ends in April and May. We obviously don't want people to miss school but I also can't have the classes half full or have people feel as though they can participate whenever they like. In the event that over the next 4 months you miss major portions of school, that missed time will be made up next year. I have tried to work with those people who have worked nights and missed school or those who have taken outside jobs that have put them behind the rest of their class. I will continue to do whatever I can in order to keep people working but, keep in mind, in order for you to catch up to the remaining class making up the missed class time is up to you. I will do my best to help you with anything I can.
3. Putting out the Effort and Commitment. As you may have heard, beginning Jan, 2009, each apprentice will be required to complete 6 hours per year of community service time. This will not be general community service. This is part of a structured and ordered program designed to be our own marketing campaign to get out the name Cincinnati Union Ironworkers. This service is mandatory. You will be able to volunteer to assist but every other week participants will be pulled randomly from a list to participate in a group function. The goal is to have a group of 10 Ironworkers or more in places around the Tri-state area each weekend either helping groups and charities within the community or just letting people see that we are an organized labor group of local people. If you are unable to be there it is your responsibility to find a replacement. This program is to support Ironworkers. You need to see this as a real responsibility. There are zero exceptions. What we need to do locally is to show the people in and around our own communities that we are here. We live in your neighborhood. Our kids go to their kids schools. The work that is done in our town should be done by people in our town and at a fair rate. Someone else has sold Union Ironworkers as loud, uneducated, and drug addicts. If you don't change that who will.
The Apprentice Committee has chose to implement the following policies that are to take effect immediately.
1.All apprentices will be allowed to take welding certification tests per their instructors recommendation either in the evening during classes or on Wednesdays during the day. The first test is free of charge per the local policy. If an apprentice fails a test the JAC will pay for a second test. If an apprentice fails a second test then they shall not retest until they pay $50.00 of the $100.00 testing fee (the JAC) shall pay the difference. If this results in a failure the apprentice must pay the $100.00 on their own to test. If you feel like you haven't had enough practice, you can come in during the day and practice on weekdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. So, don't test until you are ready.
2. The second policy to go into effect immediately is that following the regular class, two different apprentices will be required to sweep out and empty the trash nightly prior to leaving school. Please put all chairs on the desks and throw trash in the can and empty the cans. These names will be posted for each room by date.
3. Over the coming months we will be organizing and building displays and mock ups for school. If you are interested and able to come in during the daytime hours and work on the projects and the Union Hall it would be immensely appreciated. The following people have donated their time to make this facility nicer for you: Aeramis Brigner, Mike Ryan, Robert Bales, Nicole Campbell, Jacob Ingles, Zack Fisher, Josh Chitwood, Amanda Abner, Joey Jackson, AJ Boyce, Pat Philhower, Wes Stanley and Eric Bunner.
4. If you have not returned a book that was issued to you for class you must do so immediately. If those books are not returned by January 1st, or all payments for books you wish to keep, are not made by January 1st. Effective January 2nd, each apprentice shall be required to pay a $60.00 book fee. I have only purchased enough books to conduct each class. If you would like to buy a book. Notify the Apprentice Coordinator and pay for the book ASAP. This transaction has nothing to do with your class instructor. Come see me!
Jason Mullins
Apprentice Coordinator
Ironworkers Local 44
