Apprenticeship Program Responds To Contractor Needs
The Sheet Metal JATC program continually evaluates and flexes its curriculum to meet evolving construction industry needs. When possible, apprenticeship leaders also work with contractors to accommodate specific requests.
Two examples of this partnership occurred recently in the North Bay. When Rob Connor looked into additional training for his journeyworkers and technicians, Tim Myres and Pat Pico set up virtual training through Interplay to enable them to refresh and learn more about service work. Rob’s group of four union employees from Fairview Heating and Air learned how to safely perform lockout/tag out, check voltage properly, rooftop work and many other tasks.
“It was a great way to refresh procedures for residential and commercial service tasks when work was a bit slower,” Rob said.
Board member Scott Peterson also asked the Bay Area SMACNA office about pending journeyperson training for A2L/A3 certifications. BAS coordinated with JATC administrators, and existing A2L classes for apprentices were expanded for journeypersons and service technicians.
Peterson Mechanical quickly took advantage of this opportunity and enrolled several Local 104 members in the training. JATC leaders promptly added seven classes throughout March and April, with more forthcoming at the time of this publication. These classes provide an opportunity for ESCO HVAC excellence certifications in addition to A2L/A3 certifications.
Contractors who would like a small group certification class are encouraged to contact their local JATC training coordinator. See the article A2L certifications on page 12 for more information.