The 26th annual Ironworker Instructor Training Program will be held July 13 - 23, 2010 at its new home in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the Washtenaw Community College.

There will be a few new and revised courses offered this year. Note that enrollment in these courses is on a first come basis - so register early.

New Apprenticeship Coordinator Course (APCOR2)
This 20-hour course is designed to help new Apprenticeship Coordinators and Directors manage an apprenticeship program. Topics covered in this course include administering the program, managing the training facility, maintaining finances, meeting fiduciary responsibilities, managing apprenticeship instructors, protecting instructor liability, providing for effective on-the-job learning, and preparing for the Ironworker Apprenticeship Certification Program (IACP). Participants will receive a copy of Ironworker Apprenticeship and Training Programs: A Guide for Coordinators and Directors.

Advanced Business Manager Training Course (BMT1)
This 40-hour course is designed to prepare Ironworker Business Managers to carry out their job duties and responsibilities. Topics include conducting effective union meetings, managing local union finances, managing public perceptions of the Ironworkers, using the online local union membership system, maintaining communications with members, speaking effectively in public, being familiar with the process of estimating and bidding contracts, managing a crisis, and handling grievances and jurisdictional disputes. Participation in this course is by invitation only.

Green Awareness Training for Ironworkers (SDC17)
This 10-hour course is designed to provide the apprentice instructor with an introduction to the new "Green Construction Awareness Training for Ironworkers" materials - focusing primarily on teaching techniques and strategies. The delivery of the course material will focus on green energy, green buildings, green building standards/rating systems, USGBC, and LEED.

Teaching Vocational English as a Second Language (SDC15)
This 20-hour course introduces the new Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) curriculum for Ironworkers with limited English proficiency. Participants will explore the characteristics and needs of adult English language learners and the many important considerations in offering VESL as part of a training program. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to practice key instructional techniques for VESL classes or mixed classrooms. This course is ideal for instructors and directors who face challenges in successfully incorporating and training immigrant union members.

The following three courses will be using new training packages for the first time:

Operating Layout Instruments (SDC3)
This 20-hour course will provide the necessary skills to use layout equipment during the erection of all facets of the ironworking trade (e.g. structural steel, precast concrete, curtain wall/window wall, metal buildings, and rebar). The course will consist of hands-on training using several different types of instruments. Classroom instruction will be based the new Layout Instruments for Ironworkers training package.

Mathematics for Ironworkers (SDC11)
This 10-hour course is designed to provide the participant with techniques and strategies to teach basic numerical processes including whole numbers, common and decimal fractions, percentages, averages, exponents, roots, ratios and proportions, linear, area, circular and volume measurements and their Ironworker applications. The course will also include an introduction to geometry and trigonometry and their Ironworker applications. The focus of this course is on how to teach math. Classroom instruction will be based the new Mathematics for Ironworkers training package.

Conveyor Installation and Industrial Maintenance (STC 7)
This 20-hour course will provide the participant with an overview of the installation of, and theory behind various types of conveyor equipment used in the manufacturing sector. It will also cover the theory and practice behind industrial maintenance techniques on various mechanical installations in this sector. Hands-on participation will also be a component of this course. Classroom instruction will be based the new Conveyor Installation and Industrial Maintenance training package.

For more information on the 26th annual Ironworker Instructor Training Program, contact the National Training Fund at (202) 383-4800.