A quarterly newsletter from the Northern California Laborers’ Training Center Issue No. 60 Winter 2007

INSIDE: Schedule of Classes

Training NewsTraining Center Update By Edward Campiotti, Executive Director

uite a bit has been happening at the LTC since our last newsletter, and events are moving very quickly.

Let me start with Richard Rocha our Facility Coordinator/Safety Officer and our facility crew Cody and Willie. They have been working diligently to get the Training Center in shape. All the apartments have new interior paint, lockers, mattresses, and we are replacing the linens. Our union contractors have completed the exterior painting as well as replacing the roof on the corporation yard building and classrooms. They have completed three instructor offices in Building C and Cody and Willie are working on each of the Building C classroom interiors. Richard and some of the staff have just completed revamping the bookroom and bulk storage areas to make inventory and material control much easier and efficient. In the meantime, they have been keeping the day-to-day maintenance on schedule. I could go on about their efforts, but you can see it for yourself on your next visit, as it is very apparent.

Your Instructors deserve our commendation for their role

in keeping the Training Center at the top of its game. With the passing of Instructor Ted Payne and the retirement or career change of three other instructors, a void has been left for us to ultimately deal with. All of your instructors and staff have stepped up to the plate to cover whatever needs to

be done, so there has been no interruption in training. Our newest instructors, Mike Roark and Ollie Hurd have moved right into training members under the watchful guidance of Senior Instructor Jerome Williams, and from all indications they are doing great. All of this and the instructors have been attending additional training to upgrade their skills and add new classes. We now have two ACI certified concrete instructors, Dave Petrosky and Jesse Mireles. Jerome Williams attended Train-the-Trainer sessions for the Clock Spring pipe repair system and American Fence Association Training Center in order to serve our member and contractor needs. They have been busy.

Q

See “Training Center Update” on Page 5

Instructor Dave Petrosky’s Scaffold Builder class demonstrates skills during the Job Fair at the

Training Center.

Job Fair facilitators (L to R) Richard Rocha, Jeff Armstrong, Edward Campiotti, Dublin School

District Superintendent, Dr. Stephon Hanke, & Vic Macias

Training News - Page 2

Apprenticeship Initial Apprenticeship Initial

Apprenticeship Follow-Up

Advanced Air Track DrillingAdvanced Clock Spring Pipe Repair

Advanced Concrete Finishing

Basic Air Track Drilling OrientationBilingual Const. Com. (Asphalt)

Bilingual Const. Com. (Concrete)Bilingual Const. Com. (Pipe Laying)

Blueprint ReadingBrick/Plaster Tender/Hod CarrierConcrete Coring & Saw Cutting

Concrete TechniquesDirectional Drilling Orientation

Fence Building TechniquesFundamentals of Construction

Grade CheckingPipe Fusion Techniques

SandblastingShotcrete Techniques

Aerial Work PlatformAerial Work Platform

Forklift Certification (Advanced)Forklift OrientationRigging & Signaling

Skid-Steer/ Bobcat (Beginner)Skid-Steer/Bobcat (Advanced)

Asbestos Recertification (English)Asbestos Recertification (Spanish)Asbestos Worker Initial (Spanish)

Hazardous Waste RemovalHazardous Waste Recertification

Hazardous Waste Recertification (5PM)Lead Worker Initial (Spanish)

January 22, February 12March 5 & March 26

February 5, 26 & March 12

December 4February 26

March 21

March 26

February 20January 9

January 23March 8

February 26January 29January 4

January 22Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3 & 10

March 26February 12

March 20March 1

January 30January 8

Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 8 & 22 March 13 & 22

Jan. 2, 16, Feb. 6, 21, March 12January 8 & February 12

January 15January 15 & February 26

Jan. 5, Feb. 1, 23 & March 14

Jan. 4, 30, Feb. 28 & March 29Jan. 11, Feb. 6, 21, March 1 & 27

January 15 & March 12Jan. 15, Feb. 12 & March 5

Jan. 8, 23, Feb. 27 & March 26February 1

January 3 & March 5

3 Weeks Each3 Weeks Each2 Weeks Each

3 Weeks2 Days

2 Weeks

4 10-Hr. Days2 Days2 Days2 Days3 Days

3 Weeks2 Days

2 Weeks4 Saturdays

1 Week2 Weeks4 Days2 Days1 Day

2 Weeks

1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each5 Days Each

1 Week1 Week Each1 Day Each

1 Day Each1 Day Each

1 Week Each1 Week Each1 Day Each

2 Days3 Days Each

Registered ApprenticesRegistered ApprenticesRegistered Apprentices

Basic Air Track OrientationPipe Laying Techniques or experience in pipe work Concrete Techniques or Fundamentals of Const.

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Must attend four SaturdaysN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

N/AN/A

Experience requiredN/AN/AN/A

Experience required

Valid Certificate RequiredValid Certificate Required

N/A200 Hours Worked

Valid Certificate RequiredValid Certificate Required

N/A

TERENCE J. O’SULLIVAN LABORERS’ TRAINING CENTER Schedule of Courses, SAN RAMON CAMPUS (Horario de Clases)

January 2 through March 30, 2007

COURSES START DATES LENGTH PREREQUISITEAPPRENTICESHIP

CONSTRUCTION START DATES

EQUIPMENT START DATES

ENVIRONMENTAL START DATES

Training News - Page 3

TERENCE J. O’SULLIVAN LABORERS’ TRAINING CENTER Schedule of Courses, SAN RAMON CAMPUS (Horario de Clases)

January 2 through March 30, 2007

COURSES START DATES LENGTH PREREQUISITE

Lead Recertification (English)Lead Recertification (Spanish)Lead Worker Initial (English)

Mold Remediation

BATC (Refinery Safety)Confined Space

Fire WatchFirst Aid/ CPR

Flagging CertificationFlagging Certification

Flagging Certification (5PM)OSHA 10-Hour Orientation

OSHA 10-Hour Orientation (5PM)Scaffold UserTraffic ControlTraffic Control

Oxy Torch Cutting

January 11, March 1 & 27January 25, Feb. 8 & 22

February 5 January 24

Jan. 10, Feb. 8, 28 & March 21January 9 & February 21

Jan. 19, Feb. 9, 16 March 2 & 23Jan. 2, 12, Feb. 9, 22 & March 15

Jan. 5, 11, 26, Feb. 9 & 23March 2, 16 & 23

January 31Jan. 3, 25, March 19 & 29

January 29February 20

Jan. 3, 12, Feb. 7 & 23March 21 & 28

January 3 & 9

1 Day Each1 Day Each

3 Days1 Day

1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each2 Days Each2 Days Each

1 Day1 Day Each1 Day Each

1 Day Each

Valid Certificate RequiredValid Certificate Required

N/AN/A

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

N/A

WELDING START DATES

SAFETY START DATES

ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPORTANT REMINDER: All trainees/apprentices are expected to be on time for all courses and to be suitably attired with work clothing and work boots. NO shorts, tank tops, or tennis shoes will be allowed in class or in the dining area. NO head gear will be allowed in the dining room. Registration for all courses is from 6:00 a.m. to 7 a.m. the first day of classes. After the first day, classes begin at 6:30 a.m. Classes end at 3:00 p.m. Those arriving late will NOT be accepted.

RECORDATORIO IMPORTANTE: Se les requiere a todos los estudiantes y aprendices el llegar a tiempo a todos los cursos y venir vestidos apropriadamente con ropa y botas de trabajo. Pantalones cortos, camisetas sin manga, o zapatos de tenis no serán permitidos en ninguna de las clases o en el comedor. No es permitido entrar al comedor con sombrero. La registración para todos los cursos es de las 6:00 a las 7:00 de la mañana. Despues del primer dia de clases, las clases empiezan puntualmente a las 6:30 de la mañana y terminan a las 3:00 de la tarde.

Please note that courses of one week or longer in length require drug testing. Cursos de una semana o más tiempo de duración requieren exámen de drogas.

Training News - Page 2

Apprenticeship Initial Apprenticeship Initial

Apprenticeship Follow-Up

Advanced Air Track DrillingAdvanced Clock Spring Pipe Repair

Advanced Concrete Finishing

Basic Air Track Drilling OrientationBilingual Const. Com. (Asphalt)

Bilingual Const. Com. (Concrete)Bilingual Const. Com. (Pipe Laying)

Blueprint ReadingBrick/Plaster Tender/Hod CarrierConcrete Coring & Saw Cutting

Concrete TechniquesDirectional Drilling Orientation

Fence Building TechniquesFundamentals of Construction

Grade CheckingPipe Fusion Techniques

SandblastingShotcrete Techniques

Aerial Work PlatformAerial Work Platform

Forklift Certification (Advanced)Forklift OrientationRigging & Signaling

Skid-Steer/ Bobcat (Beginner)Skid-Steer/Bobcat (Advanced)

Asbestos Recertification (English)Asbestos Recertification (Spanish)Asbestos Worker Initial (Spanish)

Hazardous Waste RemovalHazardous Waste Recertification

Hazardous Waste Recertification (5PM)Lead Worker Initial (Spanish)

January 22, February 12March 5 & March 26

February 5, 26 & March 12

December 4February 26

March 21

March 26

February 20January 9

January 23March 8

February 26January 29January 4

January 22Jan. 20, 27, Feb. 3 & 10

March 26February 12

March 20March 1

January 30January 8

Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 8 & 22 March 13 & 22

Jan. 2, 16, Feb. 6, 21, March 12January 8 & February 12

January 15January 15 & February 26

Jan. 5, Feb. 1, 23 & March 14

Jan. 4, 30, Feb. 28 & March 29Jan. 11, Feb. 6, 21, March 1 & 27

January 15 & March 12Jan. 15, Feb. 12 & March 5

Jan. 8, 23, Feb. 27 & March 26February 1

January 3 & March 5

3 Weeks Each3 Weeks Each2 Weeks Each

3 Weeks2 Days

2 Weeks

4 10-Hr. Days2 Days2 Days2 Days3 Days

3 Weeks2 Days

2 Weeks4 Saturdays

1 Week2 Weeks4 Days2 Days1 Day

2 Weeks

1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each5 Days Each

1 Week1 Week Each1 Day Each

1 Day Each1 Day Each

1 Week Each1 Week Each1 Day Each

2 Days3 Days Each

Registered ApprenticesRegistered ApprenticesRegistered Apprentices

Basic Air Track OrientationPipe Laying Techniques or experience in pipe work Concrete Techniques or Fundamentals of Const.

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

Must attend four SaturdaysN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

N/AN/A

Experience requiredN/AN/AN/A

Experience required

Valid Certificate RequiredValid Certificate Required

N/A200 Hours Worked

Valid Certificate RequiredValid Certificate Required

N/A

TERENCE J. O’SULLIVAN LABORERS’ TRAINING CENTER Schedule of Courses, SAN RAMON CAMPUS (Horario de Clases)

January 2 through March 30, 2007

COURSES START DATES LENGTH PREREQUISITEAPPRENTICESHIP

CONSTRUCTION START DATES

EQUIPMENT START DATES

ENVIRONMENTAL START DATES

Training News - Page 3

TERENCE J. O’SULLIVAN LABORERS’ TRAINING CENTER Schedule of Courses, SAN RAMON CAMPUS (Horario de Clases)

January 2 through March 30, 2007

COURSES START DATES LENGTH PREREQUISITE

Lead Recertification (English)Lead Recertification (Spanish)Lead Worker Initial (English)

Mold Remediation

BATC (Refinery Safety)Confined Space

Fire WatchFirst Aid/ CPR

Flagging CertificationFlagging Certification

Flagging Certification (5PM)OSHA 10-Hour Orientation

OSHA 10-Hour Orientation (5PM)Scaffold UserTraffic ControlTraffic Control

Oxy Torch Cutting

January 11, March 1 & 27January 25, Feb. 8 & 22

February 5 January 24

Jan. 10, Feb. 8, 28 & March 21January 9 & February 21

Jan. 19, Feb. 9, 16 March 2 & 23Jan. 2, 12, Feb. 9, 22 & March 15

Jan. 5, 11, 26, Feb. 9 & 23March 2, 16 & 23

January 31Jan. 3, 25, March 19 & 29

January 29February 20

Jan. 3, 12, Feb. 7 & 23March 21 & 28

January 3 & 9

1 Day Each1 Day Each

3 Days1 Day

1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each1 Day Each2 Days Each2 Days Each

1 Day1 Day Each1 Day Each

1 Day Each

Valid Certificate RequiredValid Certificate Required

N/AN/A

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

N/A

WELDING START DATES

SAFETY START DATES

ENVIRONMENTAL

IMPORTANT REMINDER: All trainees/apprentices are expected to be on time for all courses and to be suitably attired with work clothing and work boots. NO shorts, tank tops, or tennis shoes will be allowed in class or in the dining area. NO head gear will be allowed in the dining room. Registration for all courses is from 6:00 a.m. to 7 a.m. the first day of classes. After the first day, classes begin at 6:30 a.m. Classes end at 3:00 p.m. Those arriving late will NOT be accepted.

RECORDATORIO IMPORTANTE: Se les requiere a todos los estudiantes y aprendices el llegar a tiempo a todos los cursos y venir vestidos apropriadamente con ropa y botas de trabajo. Pantalones cortos, camisetas sin manga, o zapatos de tenis no serán permitidos en ninguna de las clases o en el comedor. No es permitido entrar al comedor con sombrero. La registración para todos los cursos es de las 6:00 a las 7:00 de la mañana. Despues del primer dia de clases, las clases empiezan puntualmente a las 6:30 de la mañana y terminan a las 3:00 de la tarde.

Please note that courses of one week or longer in length require drug testing. Cursos de una semana o más tiempo de duración requieren exámen de drogas.

Training News - Page 4

Directions to the West Sacramento Training Center:Take the HARBOR BOULEVARD exit off U.S. 50/Business 80 towards Harbor Boulevard/Port of Sacramento. Continue on Harbor Boulevard for approximately 1/2 mile. At the Industrial Boulevard intersection at the entrance to the Port, make a right and continue a half mile on Industrial. The entrance to the Training Center is on your left at a yellow pole gate. Follow the signs to the Administration Building.

West Sacramento Training Center address is:2901 Industrial BoulevardWest Sacramento, CA 95691-3419Phone: (916) 375-0191; Fax: (916) 375-0227E-mail: training@norcalaborers.org

Directions to the San Ramon Training Center: Take the ALCOSTA BOULEVARD exit off Highway 680. From Northbound 680 head west on Alcosta Boulevard. From Southbound 680, make a left (south) at top of ramp onto San Ramon Valley Boulevard. Turn right (west) on Westside Drive. Stay in the straight-ahead lane and look on your left for the large sign and gate leading to the Training Center. Proceed up the hill to the Administration building (on the left).

San Ramon Training Center address is: 1001 Westside DriveSan Ramon, California 94583-4098Phone: (925) 828-2513; Fax: (925) 828-6142E-mail: training@norcalaborers.org

TERENCE J. O’SULLIVAN LABORERS’ TRAINING CENTER Schedule of Courses, WEST SACRAMENTO CAMPUS (Horario de Clases)

January 2 through March 30, 2007

COURSES START DATES LENGTH PREREQUISITEAPPRENTICESHIP

Apprenticeship Follow-UpApprenticeship Initial

Blueprint ReadingConcrete Techniques

Directional Drilling Orientation

Forklift Certification (Advanced)Forklift Orientation

Aerial Work PlatformBobcat (Advanced)

Confined SpaceFire Watch

First Aid/CPRFlagging Certification

OSHA 10-Hour OrientationTraffic Control

Oxy Torch Cutting

Hazardous Waste Recertification

January 29 & March 5Feb. 26 & March 19

January 3January 8

March 3, 10, 17 & 24

Jan. 22, Feb. 6, 20 & March 19January 29

Jan. 24, Feb. 8, 21 & March 20Jan. 25, Feb. 9, 22 & March 21

March 26March 16

Jan.26, Feb.13, 23, March 22 & 30February 16 & March 23February 14 & March 28

March 27

January 23 & February 7

February 12

2 Weeks Each3 Weeks Each

3 Days2 Weeks

4 Saturdays

1 Day Each1 Week

1 Day Each1 Day Each

1 Day1 Day

1 Day Each1 Day Each2 Days Each

1 Day

1 Day Each

1 Day

Registered ApprenticesRegistered Apprentices

N/AN/A

Must attend 4 Saturdays

Experience requiredN/AN/A

Experience required

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

N/A

Valid Certificate

CONSTRUCTION START DATES

EQUIPMENT START DATES

SAFETY START DATES

WELDING START DATES

ENVIRONMENTAL START DATES

Training News - Page 5

High school students enjoy a classroom display of construction techniques.

“Training Center Update” from page 1

One serious note, on November 1st, I learned that Instructor Jesse Mireles needs knee replacement surgery and is out for the season. He will be out of action for sometime, and I ask that you keep him in your prayers for a successful operation and speedy recovery.

On October 12th the LTC hosted a job fair in cooperation with the Alameda County School District, the Alameda County Apprenticeship Collaborative and schools in Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin. Over 100 seniors that had been prescreened for their interest in a career in the trades attended. What a success! Several applied for the apprenticeship program on the spot and many others took informational material away with them. We are planting seeds that some day will bear the fruit of young new laborers.

I learned something during this experience, I learned that approximately 350,000 seniors will graduate in Northern California this coming June and that over 70 percent of them will not go on to college for one reason or another. My point, why not a career, not just a job, but a career in construction? With good wages, excellent benefits and the best training, the Laborers Union can give these young people the opportunity for success and a piece of the American dream.

I’ll get off my soapbox and end for now with one more thought. Go out there and work safely, because our ultimate goal is to get back home to our families at the end of each day!

”Un Reporte” Continúa en la página 6

astantes acontecimientos han estado sucediendo en el Centro de Entrenamiento desde la última publicación de nuestro boletín de noticias, y más

están ocurriendo rápidamente.Permítanme comenzar con Richard Rocha, nuestro

Coordinador y Oficial de Seguridad de nuestra Facilidad, y con nuestro equipo de mantenimiento Cody McCormick y Willie Robinson. Ellos han estado trabajando diligentemente en poner al Centro de Entrenamiento en buenas condiciones. El interior de todos los apartamentos ha sido pintado, se han comprado armarios y colchones nuevos, y estamos reemplazando las colchas de las camas. Nuestros contratistas de unión han terminado la pintura exterior y han instalado un nuevo techo en el Edificio C y salones de la Yarda de la Corporación. Han terminado tres oficinas para los instructores en el mismo edificio, y Cody y Willie están trabajando en cada uno de los interiores de los salones del Edificio C. Richard y parte de nuestro personal acaban de terminar de renovar el almacén de los

libros y las áreas de almacenamiento de materiales para que el inventario y control del material sea mucho más fácil y eficiente. Mientras tanto, también han estado atendiendo a tiempo el mantenimiento de la facilidad. Podría yo seguir mencionando todos los esfuerzos de Richard, Cody y Willie, pero ustedes pueden ver por si mismos en su visita siguiente, ya que es muy evidente.

Nuestros Instructores también merecen nuestro reconocimiento por su papel en mantener el Centro de Entrenamiento en la cabecera de su juego. Con el fallecimiento del Instructor Ted Payne y jubilación o cambio de carrera de tres Instructores, nos hemos quedado con un espacio vacío que ultimadamente tenemos que llenar. Todos nuestros instructores y personal han intensificado sus esfuerzos para cubrir el trabajo que se necesita hacer, y por lo tanto no ha habido interrupción de entrenamiento. Nuestros Instructores nuevos, Mike Roark y Ollie Hurd ya están impartiendo clases de entrenamiento independientemente

Un Reporte Del Centro de Entrenamiento De parte de Edward Campiotti, Director Ejecutivo

B

Training News - Page 6 Training News - Page 7

Continuación de la Página 5

Ed Campiotti, Director Ejecutivo (a la izquierda) junto con Jeff Armstrong (a la derecha) les

explican a los estudiantes los beneficios del Programa de Aprendizaje, mientras que Jesus

Vargas of V.S.C.E. escucha atentamente.

bajo la supervisión de nuestro Instructor mayor, Jerome Williams, y de acuerdo a todas las indicaciones están haciendo un trabajo excelente. Aparte de todo esto, nuestros Instructores han estado atendiendo clases adicionales para mejorar sus calificaciones y añadir nuevas clases. Dos de nuestros Instructores, Dave Petrosky y Jesse Mireles, han obtenido su certificación de concreto por medio del Instituto Americano de Concreto. Para responder a las necesidades de nuestros miembros y contratistas, Jerome Williams atendió recientemente dos sesiones de entrenamiento para maestros, una para un sistema especial de reparar pipas por medio de la Compañía

Clock Spring y la otra por medio del Centro de Entrenamiento Americano de la Asociación de Cercas. Nuestros Instructores han estado muy ocupados.

El Primero de Noviembre, Aprendí que nuestro Instructor, Jesse Mireles, va a necesitar cirugía para reemplazarle una de sus rodillas. Jesse estará incapacitado por algún tiempo. Yo les pido a todos ustedes que lo mantengan en sus oraciones para que tenga una operación exitosa y una recuperación rápida.

El 12 de Octubre, el Centro de Entrenamiento de los Obreros patrocinó una feria de trabajo en cooperación

con el Distrito de las Escuelas del Condado de Alameda, El Centro de Aprendices Colaborativo del Condado de Alameda y escuelas de Livermore, Pleasanton, y Dublín. Más de 100 estudiantes, que habían sido seleccionados con anterioridad por su interés en carreras de construcción, atendieron este evento. El mismo día, varios estudiantes aplicaron para el programa de aprendizaje, y muchos otros pidieron material informativo. ¡Que buen éxito! Estamos plantando semillas que en un día futuro llevarán la fruta de nuevos obreros jóvenes de nuestra Union.

Durante esta experiencia aprendí que aproximadamente 350,000 estudiantes se van a graduar de la preparatoria en el Norte de California en Junio del año que viene, y mas del 70 por ciento de estos estudiantes no van a ingresar a la universidad ya sea por una razón u otra. Mi punto, ¿porqué no una carrera, no nomás un trabajo; pero una carrera en la construcción? Con buenos salarios, beneficios excelentes, y el mejor entrenamiento, la unión de los obreros puede darles a estos jóvenes la oportunidad de un éxito y un pedazo del sueño Americano.

Por último quiero terminar con un pensamiento. Vayan a trabajar con cuidado y seguridad, ¡porque hay que recordar que nuestra meta es regresar a nuestros hogares con nuestras familias al final de cada día de trabajo!

North Bay/North Coast Apprentice Coordinator, Valerie Eterovich contributed to this article.

Training News - Page 7

ny Laborer who has worked on a freeway widening project will have a story or two to share with you. And more often than not, the story will involve a

motorist who wasn’t paying attention to what was going on around him and, therefore, putting the lives of Laborers at risk – serious stuff. Now imagine you’re the one responsible for closing lanes, rerouting traffic, and making sure the rest of the workers are out of harm’s way. Oh, and one more thing – the work is being performed at night. Would you want that responsibility? Do you think you could handle it? It’s crucial to everyone involved that you know exactly what you’re doing. There is too much at stake if you don’t. They don’t wear all that reflective clothing for nothing.

A project like the one described above is going on right now in Santa Rosa. General Contractor MCM Construction is in the midst of widening Highway 101 to ease congestion and improve the overall flow of traffic. Playing an important part in this project is Apprentice Brian Ferris.

Brian came to us after working a variety of different jobs supporting his family of seven. He knew it was time to switch gears and start thinking about a long term career with a future and benefits he and his family could use. He visited several job sites in the area searching for a break when, after numerous visits to MCM, the company decided to give him a chance and hired him as an entry level Laborer. With little experience in the construction industry, Brian switched over to the Apprenticeship Program to take advantage of the structured training curriculum the Program offers.

After attending the three-week initial class, Brian put his training to work pouring concrete for retaining walls for the bridge decks. Since Brian had also earned his Traffic Control Certification, he was able to carry out night lane closures as well. Of the training he received, Brian said “The Instructors took the time to show you ‘step by step’ and everyone was just awesome.” Paul Greenwald, Brian’s Foreman, stated that Brian is extremely conscientious and is aware how important safety is when working around traffic on a freeway.

Joining Brian on this project is Apprentice Dirk Caviglia. Dirk came to us after he realized that working for various non-union contractors was getting him nowhere in life. His pay was low, and his benefits were non-existent. After attending a presentation about the Laborers’ Union and its Apprenticeship Program, Dirk attended an orientation and was later invited to join our ranks. After completing

the initial class, Dirk was dispatched to Lane Safety doing night lane closures. He has worked on several high profile projects from San José to the Bay Bridge to Santa Rosa. One of Dirk’s many duties is placing pylons from the back of a truck and then patrolling the “cone zone” for any fallen or knocked-over cones. “You have to keep your wits about you” Dirk says, “Because this type of work is more mental than physical.”

Dirk is now able to provide a stable life for his son and himself. He also said how much he enjoyed working for Lane Safety because as a small company everyone is treated like family. Brian Pritchard, Dirk’s Foreman, stated that the type of work Lane Safety does is not for the “weak hearted” and due to the risks, “you need to be alert at all times.”

There are all sorts of opportunities available within the Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program. If you’re a journeyman reading this, and you think the Program would be a great place to start for someone you know, give us a call for more information. If you’re a contractor who has yet to hire an apprentice, call us to find out how you can participate. Or, if you’re looking to follow in Brian’s and Dirk’s footsteps, and you’re ready to contribute, give us a call. We can be reached at (925) 556-0858.

Apprentice Coordinator, Valerie Eterovich (left) talks with Apprentice Brian Ferris (center) and

his Foreman Paul Greeenwald (right).

Finalmente los estudiantes disfrutan de un buen almuerzo proveido por el Centro de

Entrenamiento de los Obreros.

Si usted conoce a personas que esten interesadas en ingresar al Programa de Aprendizaje, por favor comuniquense directamente a nuestras oficinas al número (925) 556-0858 para obtener una

aplicación e información del programa.

Sometimes you gotta “go with the glow” By Jeff Armstrong Director of Apprenticeship

A

Training News - Page 6 Training News - Page 7

Continuación de la Página 5

Ed Campiotti, Director Ejecutivo (a la izquierda) junto con Jeff Armstrong (a la derecha) les

explican a los estudiantes los beneficios del Programa de Aprendizaje, mientras que Jesus

Vargas of V.S.C.E. escucha atentamente.

bajo la supervisión de nuestro Instructor mayor, Jerome Williams, y de acuerdo a todas las indicaciones están haciendo un trabajo excelente. Aparte de todo esto, nuestros Instructores han estado atendiendo clases adicionales para mejorar sus calificaciones y añadir nuevas clases. Dos de nuestros Instructores, Dave Petrosky y Jesse Mireles, han obtenido su certificación de concreto por medio del Instituto Americano de Concreto. Para responder a las necesidades de nuestros miembros y contratistas, Jerome Williams atendió recientemente dos sesiones de entrenamiento para maestros, una para un sistema especial de reparar pipas por medio de la Compañía

Clock Spring y la otra por medio del Centro de Entrenamiento Americano de la Asociación de Cercas. Nuestros Instructores han estado muy ocupados.

El Primero de Noviembre, Aprendí que nuestro Instructor, Jesse Mireles, va a necesitar cirugía para reemplazarle una de sus rodillas. Jesse estará incapacitado por algún tiempo. Yo les pido a todos ustedes que lo mantengan en sus oraciones para que tenga una operación exitosa y una recuperación rápida.

El 12 de Octubre, el Centro de Entrenamiento de los Obreros patrocinó una feria de trabajo en cooperación

con el Distrito de las Escuelas del Condado de Alameda, El Centro de Aprendices Colaborativo del Condado de Alameda y escuelas de Livermore, Pleasanton, y Dublín. Más de 100 estudiantes, que habían sido seleccionados con anterioridad por su interés en carreras de construcción, atendieron este evento. El mismo día, varios estudiantes aplicaron para el programa de aprendizaje, y muchos otros pidieron material informativo. ¡Que buen éxito! Estamos plantando semillas que en un día futuro llevarán la fruta de nuevos obreros jóvenes de nuestra Union.

Durante esta experiencia aprendí que aproximadamente 350,000 estudiantes se van a graduar de la preparatoria en el Norte de California en Junio del año que viene, y mas del 70 por ciento de estos estudiantes no van a ingresar a la universidad ya sea por una razón u otra. Mi punto, ¿porqué no una carrera, no nomás un trabajo; pero una carrera en la construcción? Con buenos salarios, beneficios excelentes, y el mejor entrenamiento, la unión de los obreros puede darles a estos jóvenes la oportunidad de un éxito y un pedazo del sueño Americano.

Por último quiero terminar con un pensamiento. Vayan a trabajar con cuidado y seguridad, ¡porque hay que recordar que nuestra meta es regresar a nuestros hogares con nuestras familias al final de cada día de trabajo!

North Bay/North Coast Apprentice Coordinator, Valerie Eterovich contributed to this article.

Training News - Page 7

ny Laborer who has worked on a freeway widening project will have a story or two to share with you. And more often than not, the story will involve a

motorist who wasn’t paying attention to what was going on around him and, therefore, putting the lives of Laborers at risk – serious stuff. Now imagine you’re the one responsible for closing lanes, rerouting traffic, and making sure the rest of the workers are out of harm’s way. Oh, and one more thing – the work is being performed at night. Would you want that responsibility? Do you think you could handle it? It’s crucial to everyone involved that you know exactly what you’re doing. There is too much at stake if you don’t. They don’t wear all that reflective clothing for nothing.

A project like the one described above is going on right now in Santa Rosa. General Contractor MCM Construction is in the midst of widening Highway 101 to ease congestion and improve the overall flow of traffic. Playing an important part in this project is Apprentice Brian Ferris.

Brian came to us after working a variety of different jobs supporting his family of seven. He knew it was time to switch gears and start thinking about a long term career with a future and benefits he and his family could use. He visited several job sites in the area searching for a break when, after numerous visits to MCM, the company decided to give him a chance and hired him as an entry level Laborer. With little experience in the construction industry, Brian switched over to the Apprenticeship Program to take advantage of the structured training curriculum the Program offers.

After attending the three-week initial class, Brian put his training to work pouring concrete for retaining walls for the bridge decks. Since Brian had also earned his Traffic Control Certification, he was able to carry out night lane closures as well. Of the training he received, Brian said “The Instructors took the time to show you ‘step by step’ and everyone was just awesome.” Paul Greenwald, Brian’s Foreman, stated that Brian is extremely conscientious and is aware how important safety is when working around traffic on a freeway.

Joining Brian on this project is Apprentice Dirk Caviglia. Dirk came to us after he realized that working for various non-union contractors was getting him nowhere in life. His pay was low, and his benefits were non-existent. After attending a presentation about the Laborers’ Union and its Apprenticeship Program, Dirk attended an orientation and was later invited to join our ranks. After completing

the initial class, Dirk was dispatched to Lane Safety doing night lane closures. He has worked on several high profile projects from San José to the Bay Bridge to Santa Rosa. One of Dirk’s many duties is placing pylons from the back of a truck and then patrolling the “cone zone” for any fallen or knocked-over cones. “You have to keep your wits about you” Dirk says, “Because this type of work is more mental than physical.”

Dirk is now able to provide a stable life for his son and himself. He also said how much he enjoyed working for Lane Safety because as a small company everyone is treated like family. Brian Pritchard, Dirk’s Foreman, stated that the type of work Lane Safety does is not for the “weak hearted” and due to the risks, “you need to be alert at all times.”

There are all sorts of opportunities available within the Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program. If you’re a journeyman reading this, and you think the Program would be a great place to start for someone you know, give us a call for more information. If you’re a contractor who has yet to hire an apprentice, call us to find out how you can participate. Or, if you’re looking to follow in Brian’s and Dirk’s footsteps, and you’re ready to contribute, give us a call. We can be reached at (925) 556-0858.

Apprentice Coordinator, Valerie Eterovich (left) talks with Apprentice Brian Ferris (center) and

his Foreman Paul Greeenwald (right).

Finalmente los estudiantes disfrutan de un buen almuerzo proveido por el Centro de

Entrenamiento de los Obreros.

Si usted conoce a personas que esten interesadas en ingresar al Programa de Aprendizaje, por favor comuniquense directamente a nuestras oficinas al número (925) 556-0858 para obtener una

aplicación e información del programa.

Sometimes you gotta “go with the glow” By Jeff Armstrong Director of Apprenticeship

A

PRSRT STRD U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCONCORD, CA

PERMIT NO. 473

LABORERS’ TRAINING AND RETRAININGTRUST FUND FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA1001 WESTSIDE DRIVESAN RAMON, CA 94583-4098

Training News is published quarterly by the Laborers’ Training and Retraining Trust Fund for Northern California. It is intended to provide information concerning training for members of the Laborers’ International Union of Northern California and signatory contractors. Please submit your comments and/or suggestions by mail to:

Laborers’ Training Center1001 Westside DriveSan Ramon, California 94583(925) 828-2513E-mail: training@norcalaborers.org

NEWSLETTER STAFFContributors:

Ed Campiotti Vic MaciasJeff Armstrong

Editing & Layout: Chave Groh

Training News INSIDE: • Winter 2007

course schedules (Horarios de clases)

Pages 2 & 3 (San Ramon)

Page 4

(West Sac.)

• Training Center Update (English/Spanish)

Pages 1, 5 & 6

• Sometimes you gotta “go with the glow”

Page 7

Apprentice Dirk Caviglia prepares for another night of lane closing and traffic control on

Highway 101.