Jeffrey Hughes, Director of National Training Services
Boot camps took center stage in a report on new Boilermaker training initiatives. Jeffrey Hughes, Director of National Training Services, discussed successful boot camps in Hartsville, Tennessee, and the Northeast Area, and he noted a boot camp coming up in the Western States at Local 627 (Phoenix). The program is churning out solid results.
"The boot camp program has a 90% national average success rate of participants completing the program certified with contractors,” Hughes said. “We encourage those who aren't successful to supplement their training and come back. We have a lot who come back."
Hughes said that like military boot camps, the Boilermaker program begins by “breaking down” any existing habits participants might have so instructors can build them up with the skills they need. Participants are motivated to improve. He pointed out that although participants are given Sunday off to handle any personal needs or rest, instructors and others remain in the facility to take care of maintenance and such. Participants are invited to continue working on their skills on their “day off” if they so choose.
“Of 20-26 participants, usually 17 or so will show up on Sunday without getting extra per diem or taking the day to do their laundry or rest,” he said. “They come because they want to.”
Hughes reminded everyone that boot camps are not held on set dates or locations, but rather are scheduled when and where they’re requested. If a local lodge wants to sponsor a boot camp, Hughes just needs to know a month in advance to set one up.
Mark Garrett said that safety remains a top priority in boot camps and other trainings.
“It’s a very positive safety culture,” he told the conference, reporting on his findings at a boot camp safety check. “They’re not just learning to weld. Rest assured they’re getting a positive safety environment right from the beginning.”
Hughes said that in addition to boot camps and practice at local lodge halls, the Boilermakers union has built and outfitted a 48-foot trailer with six weld booths, ventilation, electrical and everything needed to be used as a mobile training center. Once the trailer is wrapped in Boilermaker branding, it will go out in operation where it is needed.