VETO SF603!

We urge Governor Reynolds to veto this bill!

It is unbelievable that a group of legislators has forced legislation through the Iowa House and Senate in approximately 24 hours which will have a dramatic and not yet fully understood effect in every corner of the state and says to every would-be tradesperson out there that adequate training is not important. The amendment to Senate File 603 which was passed in the Iowa Senate today takes away the ability for cities, counties, school districts and other public entities to consider whether developers, including developers seeking millions of dollars in tax incentives, will utilize contractors and subcontractors with training programs and properly trained employees to work on projects subsidized by taxpayers.

Further, it puts millions of dollars of grants at risk and threatens to dismantle some of the work-based learning programming that Governor Reynolds and a bipartisan group of legislators has prioritized as good workforce development policy. Union and non-union contractors, along with schools and community colleges, operate registered apprenticeship programs across Iowa. Registered apprenticeship is the model that is used to train tradespeople; it has been for hundreds of years. We must ask again: What is so wrong with requiring would-be developers who are asking for millions of dollars in incentives to make commitments to safety and workplace training when it comes to the projects they want subsidized by the public? Some legislators would ask that we hand over our tax dollars without any questions simply because they assume that union workers might gain an edge if training and qualifications are allowed to be considered. This certainly is no reason to send our communities in a race to the bottom when we are facing a severe workforce crisis.

Please call the Governor and ask her to veto this bill (SF603)!

CALL NOW - 515-281-5211

Careers Overview

Apprenticeship is a time-honored training system that involves a combination of classroom and hands-on training.

It is an opportunity to earn while you learn. Apprenticeship training enhances your economic security. In the short term, you are assured of an increasing wage level through the term of the apprenticeship. Long term, an apprenticeship graduation will enhance your professional career opportunity and promotability. The Iron Working Trade has been in existence for over 100 years. It is rich in tradition and heritage, where self-esteem, good work ethic and attitude is promoted.

APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:

Must not be less than 18 years of age.
Must possess sufficient physical fitness in order to perform the duties of the trade.
Must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. certificate.
Must be a U.S. citizen or in the process of naturalization.

Prior to placement with a contractor, each selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a drug screen and have the related tools of the trade being performed. Prior to final acceptance into the apprenticeship program there is an application, interview, and drug screem that will be done.

Applicants selected for job placement must be able to furnish their own transportation, pay school tuition, purchase tools, be agreeable to a certain amount of travel, and be aware of periods of unemployment due to the lack of construction activity.

This is a four year program of on the job training, plus no less than 204 hours of related classroom and shop training per year. Related training classes are held on Saturdays, to not interfere with your regular work week, November through March. Class fees are explained durning the application process.

Earn While You Learn

We have an 'Earn while you learn' approach to our program. Apprenticeship classes are generally conducted after normal working hours to allow apprentices to gain on-the-job experience and bring home a respectable wage while they are in training. Some areas, however, provide classes during working hours.

You immediately become a member of the Union Ironworkers Local 67. You immediately begin earning all of the benefits of the Ironworkers, pension, annuity, job placement, and after an hour requirement insurance as too! You will be required to pay monthly dues, and when employed, working dues are required. Union meetings are held monthly and participation by all members is encouraged.