Steel Erectors’ Craft Training and Assessments are Flexible, Affordable
March 3, 2021 - The Steel Erectors Association of America has continued to expand its network of member companies that deliver SEAA/NCCER ironworker craft training and related programs.
Since late 2020, three more companies now offer SEAA/NCCER training and assessments. They are Wennersten Construction, Inc., Mesa, Arizona, SCW Contracting Corp., Fallbrook, California, and Hamilton Tree Service Inc., Martinez, California.
“The SEAA/NCCER training program affords companies access to premium training and workforce development tools that otherwise might be out of reach for small and medium sized contractors,” said Tim Eldridge, president of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA’s craft training and assessment administrator.
Whereas many SEAA members use the ironworker curriculum, others also employ NCCER’s crane operator and rigger programs. “Training units and assessment sites are not limited to a single craft area. More than 60 crafts are available through NCCER,” said Eldridge.
“The assessment and evaluation program enables us to determine the individual level of trade knowledge and skill each team member has, so we can focus on the areas where we can provide additional training and educational support,” said Kirt Bjoin of SCW Contracting.
Chase Wennersten, owner of Wennersten Construction, said that participation in the program does more than just qualify employees. “This takes it to the next level by enabling our employees to get certified,” he said.
The network now includes 26 active accredited training units and assessment sites.
“To encourage members to establish SEAA/NCCER craft training, the Safety & Education Committee funds grants to help start new programs. Since 2014, approximately $27,000 has been awarded to companies,” said Bryan McClure, chairman of the Safety & Education Committee.
Financial support for grants is funded primarily through an annual golf tournament. The 2021 Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament, supporting safety, training, and education, will be held Oct. 12, 2021 in Orlando, Florida.
For more information on the craft training program, visit: https://www.seaa.net/craft-training.html.
