The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA), based in Winston-Salem, NC, has announced that two additional companies have joined its Ironworker Training Unit and Assessment Site (TU/AS) network, with three additional companies scheduled to come on board in early 2016.
The initiative builds on the high-quality Ironworker craft training curriculum the association developed several years ago in partnership with NCCER, and expands its availability to a wider marketplace. The SEAA/NCCER Ironworker TU/AS program provides industry-recognized credentials to Ironworkers and helps employers develop a qualified skilled labor pool.
Atlas Manufacturing Inc., Washington, D.C., completed the SEAA/NCCER certification training in early December. They join Eastern Constructors Inc., Gonzales, La., which became accredited in August.
“As SEAA members, these companies participate under NCCER’s SEAA sponsorship, cutting their costs and administrative requirements, and providing opportunities for collaboration in developing training curriculum,” said Tim Eldridge, C\craft training and assessment coordinator for SEAA and president of Education Services Unlimited.
With the addition in 2016 of Steel Fab Enterprises LLC, Lancaster, Pa., Garrison Steel Inc., Pell City, Ala., and Shelby Erectors Inc., Davie, Fla., SEAA will sponsor Ironworker training and assessment sites in eight states.
“Several other member companies have expressed an interest as well. We hope to double the number of participating companies in 2016,” said Eldridge. To assist members with startup costs, the SEAA Education Committee will award a Craft Training Grant, not to exceed $4,500, to a member company at the 2016 SEAA Convention and Trade Show. The 44th Annual meeting will be held April 27-29 in Concord, N.C. Grant applications are due Jan. 30, 2016. For more information, visit the Craft Training tab at www.seaa.net.
Participating companies also have access to SEAA’s U.S. Department of Labor-approved Apprenticeship Program, which allows members to create formal training that meets standards recognized by Federal and State governments.