The Terence J. O’Sullivan Laborers Training Center Graduates 278 Journeymen
Laborer Apprentices Earn Journeyperson Status
March 10, 2015 08:00 AM
SAN RAMON, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Northern California’s construction industry has been strengthened, thanks to the Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program of the Laborers Training and Retraining Trust Fund for Northern California (Terence J. O’Sullivan Training Center). In 2014, 278 men and women earned their Construction Craft Laborer Journeyperson credentials after completing the same apprenticeship program that has graduated more than 1,200 safe and skilled construction craft laborers over the past ten years.
“The men and women who attained journeyman status have made many sacrifices and put in a lot of hard work,” said Oscar de la Torre, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Vice-President and Northern California District Council of Laborers (NCDCL) Business Manager. “They have shown proficiency in a wide array of skills performed by laborers with a focus on safety that enables them to make significant contributions to the Laborers’ Union, our signatory contractors, and the entire Northern California construction industry.”
To attain journeyperson status, each apprentice must complete 240 hours of classroom instruction and log at least 4,000 hours of on-the-job training. Incoming candidates must attend orientation, pass a drug test, participate in a hands-on skills assessment, and an interview to ensure they are able to meet the physical demands of the industry.
“Apprentices gain valuable experience in every segment of the construction industry and receive Cal/OSHA required certifications and equipment endorsements,” said Jeff Armstrong, Director of Apprenticeship. “These graduates have shown exceptional commitment and ability to complete this program because graduating from it isn’t easy. Nearly 30% of apprentices don’t even make it past the orientation and skills assessment. In fact, about 250 apprentices were terminated from the program in 2014.”
Contractors also commend the Laborers’ Training Center and its apprenticeship program. “The apprenticeship program is incredibly valuable for construction companies and the industry as a whole in Northern California,” said Bill Risso of DeSilva Gates Construction. “The program’s emphasis on safety, relevant knowledge, being on-time and ready to work creates a reliable and highly sought after employee.”
The Laborers Training and Retraining Trust Fund for Northern California is a partnership between the Laborers’ Union and their signatory contractors. The Laborers’ Training Center provides more than 125,000 hours of training every year. The Laborers’ Training Center also offers:
– Mobile training that brings training to any work site or location
– More than 75 courses that meet or exceed industry standards
– Four California-Apprenticeship-Council-approved apprenticeship programs
– Construction Craft Laborer
– Brick Tender
– Plastic Tender
– Parking & Highway Improvement
– Instructors credentialed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
“I can’t thank these recent graduates enough,” said Rocco Davis, LIUNA Vice President and Pacific Southwest Regional Manager. “The personal dedication they have shown to become a journeyperson and the skills they have received during their apprenticeships show that the Laborers are serious about creating the workforce that the industry demands.”
