(International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers)
During the weekends of May 31 - June 1, 2003 and June 7, 2003 – 8, 2003 the Ironworkers National Training Fund and the Department of Ornamental, Architectural and Miscellaneous Metals facilitated two-day classes relative to architectural and ornamental work. These classes were conducted at the request of 7th General Vice president Walter Wise, president of the Mid-Atlantic States District Council.
The National Fund provided instructors Bill Moon, member of Local 5 in Washington, DC, and Eric Dean, General Organizer of DOAMM, both of whom are well versed in the ornamental and architectural fields and have been instructors at the University of San Diego for its annual Instructors Training Program for many years. They also provided training to help secure work for our members in the future.
The first class was held at Local 28 in Richmond, Virginia, whose FST/BM Larry Patterson has been working closely with Harmon, Inc. Harmon, Inc., signatory contractor to our International, currently employs approximately 22 members from Local 28. Having worked with Harmon, General Vice President Wise and FST/BM Patterson decided to incorporate the ornamental and architectural curriculum into their apprentice programs, as well as facilitate journeyman-upgrading classes.
The following weekend, General Vice President Wise worked in conjunction with FST/BM George Hancock of Local 79 in Norfolk, Virginia, and facilitated similar classes in anticipation of the upcoming Virginia Beach Convention Center Project, which has been awarded to Permasteelisa Cladding Technologies, who is also signatory to our International Agreement.
These two classes were attended by both journeymen and apprentices who came out on Saturday and Sunday on their own time. This shows the dedication these two locals have to a commitment of training and providing the best workers to our contractors.
