Youth Apprenticeship Training Plan

Training Plan Outline

There are two groups of entry-level workers that are the primary focus for this new training program:

• Post high school full-time entry-level workers
• Current high school part-time entry-level workers

This Training Plan consists of a 15-month training program that, if completed, is designed to develop
the core skills necessary to be productive and succeed in the workplace.

A core aspect of the program is that all participants must secure employment with Local 400 signatory contractors. There are several benefits to this approach:

• Participating students gain far greater skills through a combination of on-the-job experiences and
  classroom education.
• Signatory contractors gain insight into the quality and reliability of the participants, making this a
  low-risk highly attractive method for recruitment and employment.

Since participating students are designated as a Metal Trades Apprentice, they become union
members and are exposed to the wide range of membership benefits, which increases the
likelihood of long-term union membership. Participants will have a 30-day delayed union
membership. Advantages of this approach are:

• It allows participants to verify that this career path is right for them prior to committing to
  union membership. We also believe that this approach reduces possible concerns from
  parents about making a long-term commitment at an early stage.
• It allows signatory contractors to assess a participant’s skills and dedication prior to making
  significant investment in their training.

Anyone in the Metal Trades Apprenticeship program or the Youth Apprenticeship program is
considered to be in their probationary period, meaning they can be cancelled at any time for any
reason. Should the apprentice be cancelled or quit, his membership in UA Local 400 will also be
terminated.

Training Plan Curriculum and
Summary of the Training Plan

As noted below, the training plan consists of a four phased 15-month program beginning in July. It is
expected that participants will move through all four phases in sequence allowing them to complete
the program at the end of summer the following year. Flexibility will be allowed for some students
(likely older post high school) to proceed through the program at a faster pace if they can
demonstrate they possess higher level skills.

15 mo. program (June- following Aug.)
• Program I: Summer
• Program II: Fall semester (night school)
• Program III: Winter-spring semester (night school/on-line)
• Program IV: Summer – With the successful conclusion of the training program, students will receive a Certificate of Completion from UA Local 400.

Program I: Summer

The first summer program will begin with a one week 40 hour Boot Camp and will begin the week
after the July 4th holiday. The key learning objectives of the Boot Camp is to “kick-start” the core
skills necessary for these young participants to succeed. The participants will have completed their 30-day delayed union membership, and will be paid by the contractor during the training. Signatory contractors have supported this approach since they will be selecting the participants and will have 30 days to assess the skills and dedication.
• Class #1 – DOL Soft Skills (Boot Camp)
• Class #2 – Basic Science/Math – Measurements and Weights (Boot Camp)
• Class #3 – Basic Use and Care of Tools (Boot Camp)
• Class #4 – OSHA 10 – Certification (Night School)
• Class #5 – First Aid/CPR/AED – Certification (Night School)
Other than the classes that are taken during the Boot Camp, the Summer Semester training program will take place one night a week (typically 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and consist of individual 3 hour sessions for a total of 7 weeks. The summer program will usually conclude at the end of August.

Program II: Fall Semester

With the successful completion of the summer program, apprentices begin the fall semester in early September. For the initial program, it is likely that one class will be held (apprentice input will determine when to hold the class). Future fall programs (with expected enrollment increases) will
likely be held twice with one night and one day class. This approach allow flexibility for 2nd shift apprentices and student athletes. The specific training tracks for the fall semester are:

• Plumber – Soldering, Brazing, and Threaded Pipe
• Steamfitter – Soldering, Brazing, and Threaded Pipe
• HVAC Service – Soldering, Brazing, and Threaded Pipe
• Fabrication – Welding (Flat Plate)

The Fall Semester training program will take place one night a week (typically 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm) and consist of individual 3 hour sessions for a total of 10 weeks. The fall program will usually conclude mid November.

Apprentices will not need to select a specific track at this early stage, since the plumbing, steamfitter and HVAC Service programs contain the same curriculum. This allows the students sufficient flexibility to assess which trade they are best at (and which ones they enjoy) prior to making a commitment.

UA Local 400 will provide insight into the different career paths to assist students as they make track choices. We will also strongly encourage contractors to provide job shadowing opportunities to allow apprentice greater insight into each career. The only track that would require a choice is
fabrication/welding with participants likely choosing this option based on their employer.

It is recognized that the apprentice will not be utilizing all of the classroom skills on the job (welding, for example). We strongly believe however, that this approach will allow the participants to have the core skills to be productive employees and members when they gain their traditional apprenticeship.

Strong coordination will continue with employers at this time to ensure that students receive a positive, educational on-the-job experience to compliment the classroom training.

Similar to the fall semester training program, it is likely that only one class will initially be offered. Multiple classes are anticipated in future years.

Program III: Winter-Spring Semester

Identical to the earlier programs, with the successful completion of the fall semester, apprentices progress to the winter-spring program. The unique aspect of the winter-spring semester is that the majority of training will be completed online utilizing Blackboard. This approach maximizes flexibility
for the apprentice since they can complete the training whenever they have free time. It also reduces costs for UA Local 400 as no classroom or trainers are required. This approach is also highly consistent with the high schools, and thus should be easy for the apprentices to utilize. At this point,
apprentices would select a track (plumbing, steamfitter etc.) as the training is specialized for the specific skills required. The winter-spring training tracks are:

• Plumber – Basic Water Distribution (Blackboard)
• Steamfitter – Welding
• HVAC Service – Electrical Fundamentals (Blackboard)
• Fabrication – Welding

The timing of the one classroom training (welding) will be determined from apprentice feedback on what best fits their schedule. Several Welding classes will be available to the apprentices Monday through Thursday 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Afternoon classes will also be available. The Afternoon classes take place 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and are typically on Wednesdays.

Program IV: Final Summer Semester

Since it is anticipated that the majority of the apprentices have now graduated from high school and will be working full time during the day, the training classes will be held at night. The learning objectives for this final program are to provide the final skills necessary for students to be successful
in their apprenticeship classes. The classes would start in June and would be held for 3 hours one night per week. The final semester summer program tracks are:

• Class #1 – Basic Rigging – Certification
• Class #2 – Introduction to the UA and Local 400 (Blackboard)
• Plumber Class #3 – Building Plans and Specifications (Blackboard)
• Plumber Class #4 – Basic Vents and Venting Systems (Blackboard)
• Steamfitter Class #3 – Building Plans and Specifications (Blackboard)
• Steamfitter Class #4 – Basic Pipe Math (Blackboard)
• HVAC Service Class #3 – Building Plans and Specifications (Blackboard)
• HVAC Service Class #4 – Refrigeration Fundamentals (Blackboard)
• Fabrication Class #3 – Basic Blueprint Reading for Welders (Blackboard)
• Fabrication Class #4 – Accelerated Welding – Certification

As noted, the majority of the classes and certifications will be completed via Blackboard.

VI. Pay Schedule and Apprenticeships

Upon completion of the 15-month program, it is anticipated that the majority of the successful participants will be offered an apprenticeship by their signatory contractors. This is likely, as the contractor has invested 15 months into the participants’ development. As noted earlier, UA Local 400
will also provide a Certificate of Completion demonstrating the student’s success. If an employer chooses to not offer an apprenticeship, the successful student can seek an apprenticeship at any UA Local 400 signatory contractor.

Contractors will be required to pay program participants no less than the minimum level. Contractors will have the flexibility to pay above the minimum levels based on the student’s skill and employee status. Contractors will also have the ability to promote students to a Building Trades apprentice at any time during this program. Please see the information on wages and job duties.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the UA Local 400 Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, Scott Krejcarek at (920) 462-0407.