Ironworkers using slow time to hammer out new skills

The construction slowdown, especially of steel erection, brings rising enrollment in training programs for the Ironworkers Local 118 at its new $3.5 million training facility in Stead.

Ironworkers Local 118 Business Agent Danny Costella says journeymen are using layoff time to upgrade their welding certifications or to take the state-mandated OSHA 10- and 30-hour safety classes.

"Once it gets busy again, it's hard to find guys to come in," Costella says. "It's hard to find much extra time to do that kind of training."

Enrollment in Local 118, which also encompasses Sacramento, dipped with the construction slowdown. A few years ago, Costella says, Local 118 had more than 500 members in northern Nevada. Today enrollment is down to about 400 members, with about 260 working.

An infusion of green-energy projects, such as geothermal plants and wind turbines, may help the union grow, he says. However, Ironworkers Local 118 can't take on any new apprentices until it has jobs to place them on.

"We are used to meeting the demand for manpower," Costello says. "When you get demand, you have unlimited manpower. We just put the call out and guys will travel from wherever they are to go to work. We don't have a problem manning jobs with quality people."

Local 118 is in the process of moving its training modules and furnishing its new training facility at 14295 Mount Bismark St. directly across from the Stead airport.

The 10,000-square-foot training center was built by Q&D Construction and was designed by Don Mackay Architect Ltd. The training center has a permanent staff of three. Reggie Brantley oversees teaching while Jimmy Lee supervises welding instruction. Both are 32-year members of Local 118.

The facility provides a focal point for career advancement, such as upgrading welding certifications, but it also serves to train workers on mockups of complicated jobs, Costella says. Construction of a curtain wall built at the former Washoe Medical Center, for instance, was dummied at the Local 118's previous facility before workers hit the field.

"Any type of project that comes up, we can meet demand for training," Costella says. "We have guys familiarize with a mockup provided by the manufacturer. Whatever type of training we need we can get on a moment's notice so we never are caught short."