You are on page 1of 32

Uniting ARCCAW members across Alberta

Summer 2013

Local 2010 includes nearly every construction trade in Alberta

In High Demand

Choose carpentry it could be your best decision ever

On the Level

Hear about an apprentices experience at the ITC in Las Vegas

Scaffolding Support

Instructors become students to master the PERI UP system

Day o fitness f Mourning; fa Union Bcility advice; uilt H Update ome

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40063788 Return undeliverable mail to 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton,AB T5V 0A3

UP TO 57% MORE RUNTIME


DEWALT brushless motor delivers up to 57% MORE RUN TIME over standard brushed motors

XR LITHIUM ION BRUSHLESS 1/2" COMPACT DRILL DRIVER


DCD790D2 20V MAX* XR LITHIUM ION 1/4" Brushless Impact Drivers also available

XR Li-Ion batteries with fuel gauge provide 33% MORE CAPACITY over standard DEWALT 20V MAX* batteries

33% MORE CAPACITY

INTRODUCING DEWALTS NEW LINE OF LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT CORDLESS TOOLS - XR. THE XR LINE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO COMBINE THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY OF A BRUSHLESS MOTOR SYSTEM AND THE POWER SUPPLY OF THE NEW HIGH CAPACITY XR LITHIUM ION BATTERY TO PROVIDE EXTREME RUNTIME ON ANY JOBSITE. GET MORE DONE. GET DEWALT XR.

GET MORE DONE

Copyright 2013 DEWALT. The following are examples of trademarks for one or more DEWALT power tools and accessories: The yellow and black color scheme; the D-shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box configuration; and the array of lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool. *With respect to the DEWALT 20V MAX*: Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.

10 Amp Compact Reciprocating Saw | DWE357

20% SHORTER* 14.5 IN LENGTH


UNIQUE SPECIAL ANGLED BODY
was designed for balance and control in tight areas.

4-POSITION BLADE CLAMP

designed for versatility in multiple applications with 2 horizontal and 2 vertical cutting positions.

10 AMPS & 2,800 STROKES PER MINUTE


make this saw powerful enough to cut through a variety of materials in tough, jobsite environments.

Copyright 2013 DEWALT. The following are examples of trademarks for one or more DEWALT power tools and accessories: The yellow and black color scheme; the D-shaped air intake grill; the array of pyramids on the handgrip; the kit box configuration; and the array of lozenge-shaped humps on the surface of the tool. * vs Milwaukee 6519

Executive Secretary Treasurers

REPORT

Just Do IT
Martyn A. Piper

ts no secret that technology is playing a greater role in our lives every year, both personally and professionally. In light of this, Ive asked Murray Ballas with Renatus, the company in charge of the information technology (IT) work for the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW), to share his companys vision with our members moving forward. From Murray Ballas, BSc, CMA: Would you like fries with that? Technology junk food can stifle the agility of any organization; a healthy balanced lifestyle always gives an organization an edge. Dont get me wrong, the occasional fast food feast isnt the end of the world, but a steady diet of it spells disaster. Technology is not a goal, but should serve a larger vision. Our organization has been guided by people with a passionate vision and our leadership team embraces that tradition. When acquiring technology, play the long game. The media abounds with the disasters of a short-game strategy; many so-called leaders quickly embrace the latest trend, mainly to achieve a quick win. True leaders travel with the crowd when appropriate, but it is vision that guides them, with an understanding that time and effort are required to achieve goals. The ARCCAW is 130 years strong, and understands the importance of the long game. The ARCCAW is making technology investments according to a clear vision, leading the industry in a number of ways. In the past, different parts of the organization only had access to the information they directly collected, creating data silos. The ARCCAW continues to create a series of systems that communicate data and information across the organization so as long as personal privacy is not being violated information updated in one part will be available across the organiza-

tion. For example, something as simple as a change of address can be communicated just once throughout the system. More sophisticated interactions are also possible. When a member registers on the out-of-work list, the system could recognize that one of their certifications is about to expire and enable the member to immediately enroll in the update course. But theres a difference between data and information. Data appears on the scoreboard at your favourite game, and has limited significance until the game is over. Information is what is in the coachs hand and head during the game so he can call the right plays, at the right time. The ARCCAW is leveraging information in the form of its new dispatch system, to launch shortly. It brings together member information, training information, contractor requirements, and third-party information to ensure the right person is on the right job. New technology is there to support members, anytime, anywhere, anyway. Great care must be taken to address these requirements cost-effectively. Anywhere: the ARCCAW systems are deliberately location agnostic. As long as there is some way to get the information there, the system can be instructed to use the appropriate delivery method for that location. Further, a member will be able to select the preferred method of communication for their needs. Anytime: the ARCCAW systems have builtin rules engines so that the system can be taught how to respond in a certain situation. For example, this rules engine is going to be used in ARCCAW to adjudicate health benefit claims, and could be taught to do so even when the administration offices are closed. Anyway: the new ARCCAW systems distinctly separate the message from the messenger. In that way we can leverage and retire

communication methods as it makes sense. Initially, the systems will handle paper, fax, email, web, telephone, text, and likely a smartphone app in the future. This organizations vision, determination and investments are being used to develop a series of systems according to its vision. It will support and strengthen the membership to meet the challenges well into the future, because of its focus on building for tomorrow.

Rules of Wise IT Investment


1. Determine what you need to build and then pick the technology, not the other way around. In this age of slick market- ing, organizations have bought the kicker before they understand that they are laying concrete and not carpet. 2. Get the right technology for the job. People can have tunnel vision and fall into a trap. It goes back to that old saying, When you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail! I cant count the number of times I get asked the technology equivalent of: Well, I can just put in screws with a hammer, right? Anyone reading this knows the answer to that question. 3. True cost/benefit is only achieved when you do it right the first time. I love this say- ing from the book Good to Great: Good enough, never is.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

Contents
PublisHeD FoR:
Undeliverable mail should be directed to ARCCAW 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Email: lhelmeczi@albertacarpenters.com Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40063788

Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters & Allied Workers 15210 123 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0A3 Tel: (780) 474-8599 / Fax: (780) 474-8910 www.albertacarpenters.com
PublisHeD by:

FEATURES
Take advantage of the unions gym By Matt Smith

10 fit@work

Summer 13

12 Down the Pipeline


Local 2010 is hard at work at Lafarges Pipe Plant in Edmonton

Venture Publishing Inc. 10259 105 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1E3 Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 Phone: (780) 990-0839 Fax: (780) 425-4921 www.venturepublishing.ca
PublisHeR

14 The Fast Track


The unions Period 1 and 2 classes help apprentices on their journey By Samus Smyth

18 A PeRi good Day


Instructors spend a day mastering the PERI UP scaffolding system By Tricia Radison

Ruth Kelly

AssociATe PublisHeR

Joyce Byrne

ARccAW eDiToR

Martyn A. Piper Mifi Purvis


eDiToR

20 build your Future


There has never been a better time to enter the construction trades By Scott Rollans

DiRecToR oF cusTom conTenT

23

Jordan Wilkins
ART DiRecToR

29 union built Home


Brothers and Sisters volunteer their time and skills

Charles Burke

AssociATe ART DiRecToR

Andrea deBoer Colin Spence

AssisTAnT ART DiRecToR PRoDucTion cooRDinAToR

DEPARTMENTS
note From the executive secretary Treasurer
By Martyn Piper

Betty-Lou Smith

Brent Felzien, Brandon Hoover Tricia Radison, Scott Rollans, Robin Schroffel, Matt Smith, Samus Smyth
conTRibuTing PHoTogRAPHeRs AnD illusTRAToRs conTRibuTing WRiTeRs

PRoDucTion TecHniciAns

10

site lines
Skills Canada; Third Years Visit ITC; Day of Mourning; Trade Winds to Success

Buffy Goodman, Kelly Redinger


Vice-PResiDenT, sAles

22 instructor update 23 meet the Apprentice 24 Training & Apprenticeship Report


By Len Bryden

Anita McGillis David Frazier

ADVeRTising RePResenTATiVe sAles AssisTAnTs

Karen Crane, Jenn Rush


Contents 2013 by ARCCAW Inc. No part of this publication should be reproduced without written permission.

25 KidZone
Birdhouse blueprint

Important Phone Numbers Edmonton Fort McMurray Calgary Carpenters Training Centre Carpenters Health and Welfare Carpenters Pension Industrial Workers Millwright Local 1460 Local Union 1325 and 2103 Dispatch 780-471-3200 780-743-1442 403-283-0747 780-455-6532 780-477-9131 780-477-9131 403-283-0747 780-430-1460 1-888-944-0818

26 local 1460 millwrights Report


By Bob Hugh

27 on the level 28 Around the nation 30 Parting shot 31 Training & events; in memoriam
on THe coVeR: Lafarges Pipe Plant in Edmonton is home to 55 Local 2010 union members PHOTO: Kelly Redinger
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

Site Lines
Go Mobile

News in Brief

A roundup of news and events from around the region

Its a sign of the times. The website of the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers will soon be accessible from anywhere, on smartphones or tablets. The website will feature a responsive design that reconfigures each page to fit the screen of any device. This will make www.albertacarpenters.com easier to navigate and more user friendly for Brothers and Sisters who want to see the site on their mobile devices. Recent statistics show that more than 55 per cent of the websites views come from iPhones alone. With the plethora of options available, its fair to assume that the percentage of total mobile views is much greater than that. As with the carpenter website, the millwright website will be upgraded with the same technology and have a new look in the months to come. The Local 1460 website, www.albertamillwrights.com, will receive a completely modernized redesign that also incorporates the same userfriendly system for mobile devices.

Gone, But Never Forgotten


Building Trades of Alberta leaders attended the annual Workers Day of Mourning event at UA Local 488 on April 28. They paid their respects to workers who were killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace hazards and incidents. Its important that we honour and remember the Brothers and Sisters who have suffered injury, industrial disease or lost their lives on the jobsite, says Martyn Piper, executive secretary treasurer, Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers. Their legacy will help ensure that the building trades are a safer industry for our Brothers and Sisters moving forward. At the event were: (from left) Doug Dory, UA Local 488 plumbers and pipefitters; Jack Hubler, UA Local 488; Larry Matychuck, UA Local 488; Tom Bailey, Local UA 488; Warren Fraleigh, Building Trades of Alberta; Martyn Piper, Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers; Doug Worobetz, Sheet Metal Workers Local 8; Jack Takaberry, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 177 and Building Trades of Alberta; and Gerry Donnelly, Building Trades of Alberta.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

From the Ground Up


From April 16 to May 4, high school students from around the province showcased their talents at various trades during the annual Regional Skills Canada competitions. In Edmonton, the carpentry event was held at the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre on April 20. The centre provided all the necessary materials, tools, and judges for the competition. This year, the 16 students who participated each constructed a miniature garden tool shed. The judges looked for measurements that matched the drawings, correct cuts and joins as well as the overall esthetics of the completed projects. They selected four winners to move on to the Provincial Skills Canada competition, held at the Edmonton Expo Centre on May 15 and 16, competing against other qualifying students from around the province. At provincials, high school students competed alongside post-secondary students who were selected for the event by Skills Canada Alberta, apprenticeship and industry training or their technical institute. The event had high school participants build a potting bench alongside the post-secondary students, who were constructing a gardeners shed. Winners of this event will move up to represent Alberta in the National Skills Canada competition in Vancouver later this year. As a demonstration of the unions commitment to creating interest among a pool of future workers in the building trades, the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre had an active role in both the regional and provincial Skills Canada competitions. In addition to providing the facility and several resources for regionals, the training centre set up its annual Try-a-Trade display during the provincial competition. Our Try-a-Trade demonstration went very well this year, says Len Bryden, director of training and apprenticeship at the centre. The hands-on display gave curious students the opportunity to try basic carpentry under the supervision of training centre instructor. We had well over 1,000 students go through the booth, Bryden says. It was a great opportunity for us to showcase our trade.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

Site Lines

News in Brief

A roundup of news and events from around the region

Winds of Change

Bob Hugh is quick to point out the changing demographic in the current Trade Winds to Success millwright program at the Alberta Millwright Training Centre (MWTC). Of the five participants in the eight-week training course, three are female. As the senior business agent of Local 1460, Hugh knows that the Trade Winds to Success program has produced numerous union members over the years, and he says that it is particularly exciting to see the uptick in numbers of future Sisters. Trades Winds to Success is a really good program that we are very proud of. Weve seen a lot of our Brothers and Sisters come through the course, he says. Its great to know that well see even more in the future. Trade Winds to Success is a 16-week Aboriginal pre-apprenticeship training program that provides students with the skills and knowledge to start a trades career in several of Albertas most popular trades, to become carpenters and millwrights. The program consists of three stages. The first stage is a two-week trades orientation to ensure the student has made an informed career choice and selected the career path best suited to them. The second stage is a four-week upgrading course to confirm the student has the knowledge to pass the Alberta Industry Trade

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

Exam. Once completed, the students can start the third stage, an eightweek shop training course at a facility like the MWTC to learn the basic skills needed to become an apprentice. On the completion of the course the students have the chance to become the unions newest Brothers and Sisters. The Trade Winds to Success program started in 2005 after discussions between the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) and the federal and provincial governments. BTA was seeking the governments support to find a way to provide training to more people through existing training facilities, with the ultimate goal of increasing the skilled labour available to the industry. The federal government guided BTA to consult with the Aboriginal community as a potential partner for the initiative. This created a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and the Aboriginal communities to dramatically increase the number of Aboriginal people in Alberta working in the trades. The Trade Winds to Success program is non-profit organization that provides the skills and knowledge to Aboriginals in Alberta who are interested in pursuing a career as a boilermaker, carpenter, electrician, ironworker, millwright, plumber, steam/pipe fitter, or welder. For more information on Trade Winds to Success, or to see a full schedule of future intakes for the program, visit www.tradewindstosuccess.ca.

Students on the Strip


A group of third-year carpentry and scaffolding apprentices spent a weekend in Las Vegas this past April, but it wasnt all fun and games for the students. The group of 11 was there to take in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Center (ITC) and learn more about the construction industry beyond Albertas borders. The students, who were joined by around 200 Brothers and Sisters from across Canada during their visit to the ITC, had the opportunity to tour the 345,000-square-foot facility and meet many of the top-notch instructors at the training centre. During their stay, the apprentices met with a panel of major contractors from across Canada to discuss the vital role that the union plays in the construction industry. And the president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Douglas J. McCarron, also spent time with the students answering questions and sharing the goals of the union. McCarron was also interested in hearing feedback from the apprentices, which he called the future of the union. The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW) has sent a group of third year apprentices to the ITC every year since 2008 in order to allow future journeymen to be more involved with the union at an earlier stage in their careers. The ARCCAW plans to send every third-year and journeyman apprentice to the ITC in the years to come.

Retirement Ready
Its fitting that Dan McCarthys official retirement ceremony was held in conjunction with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) annual leadership convention in Toronto earlier this year. McCarthy, a lawyer by training, is known as a great leader within the UBC since he joined as the Canadian director of research and special programs in 1996. In that time he has worked closely with district vicepresident Jim Smith on the restructuring that created in the strong and streamlined regional council system that the union enjoys today. One of McCarthys most notable achievements is his work on training with the National Apprenticeship and Training Advisory Committee (NATAC). Under his guidance, training centres previously operating in isolation developed into a national network that communicates, shares curriculum and best practices, and aligns training standards for the betterment of the membership. McCarthy was also on the forefront of the UBCs shareholder activism where the UBC used union investments to leverage and promote proper accounting practices and to reign in excessive executive compensation in corporations. This initiative brought the UBC to national attention in the press. Officers and staff of the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW) were heavily involved in attending corporate annual general meetings and boardroom discussions involved with the shareholder activism. ARCCAW would like to congratulate Dan McCarthy on his retirement and his great contributions to the UBC.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

fit @ work

PHOTO: Buffy GOOdman

TrAInInG DAyS G
The unions gym facility should be viewed as a fitness resource instead of as just another weight room
By MATT SMITH
10
HArDHAT SUMMER 2013

iant health clubs have tens of thousands of paying members who sign up to use their facilities. The interesting thing is, between the New Years resolution crowd and people who cant find the time to go to the gym, only a portion of these members actually trains at the facility on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this is exactly what these large health clubs want; it comes down to a numbers game where they want as many paying members as possible with the least amount of wear and tear on their equipment. The unions gym facility is different. At the training centre, we want wear and tear on our equipment and we love to see our members living active and healthy lifestyles. There are no profit margins or membership requirements to hit each month. Our only goal is a well-maintained

if they just bought a membership that was in close proximity to their house. But, ask yourself this: how much time would you save if you received all the right information handed to you on a silver platter before you started in the gym? How much stress would this save you in the long run and how motivated and confident would you feel when entering any facility? How much would this information and instruction normally cost you if you went to see a trainer at your local health club that may or may not have the experience you need? A gym is a gym is a gym, but the accessibility of proper resources can be invaluable. Your union supplies both. The benefit of the The benefit of the union gym is not just being union gym is not just able to use a free facility once in a while, but being able to use a the idea that you can save massive amounts free facility once in of time, money and progress by learning from a while, but the idea that you can save an experienced trainer familiar with all the massive amounts physical demands of industrial work. of time and money, and make progress by learning from an experienced trainer opportunity for great careers to support busy familiar with all the physical demands of lifestyles. Although important, staying in shape is a secondary priority. Thats not to say industrial work. This trainer can teach you all the basics and set you up with a program our facility cant help you get in shape. Is our that you can take with you wherever you go, facility filled with top tier equipment? Yes. Is whether its another gym, your home or the gym used by our membership? Absolutely. while staying in camp. But, do all the members in our union get to Basically, you dont need to come to the fitexperience the benefits as much as theyd ness centre every day for months on end just to like? No. This is of course the obvious dilemtry and take advantage of it being part of your ma with our facility. Im going to put a differmembership. Instead, think about how it can ent spin on how this health centre can be a help you reach your overall goals. Maybe what more effective resource instead of just a desworks best for you is to stop by once in a while tination to lift weights. and get your program pumped up or ask any If I were to sit down with a new client or questions you need answered from someone give advice to someone wanting to start a whos been there and knows exactly how to workout program, my first piece of advice help you. I can only meet you halfway but am would be to find a gym as close as possible willing to put forward as much effort as youre to their home or work. This is extremely willing to. If you have any suggestions on how important as it removes a common excuse for to create a stronger resource everyone can avoiding exercise. When we know our gym is benefit from, feel free to contact me. I receive just down the street, its much easier to stay emails all the time and Im open to answering compliant with our fitness goals. With that any and all questions regarding your fitness in mind, I wouldnt expect someone to drive challenges. No matter which way you slice it, from the opposite side of the city through health and fitness continues to grow in imporrush hour traffic and spend copious amounts tance in our society and is quickly becoming a of money on gas to use a free gym. Frankly, major part of almost every industry. At some theyd probably save money, time and stress health centre that benefits our Brothers and Sisters. Unfortunately, Im not sure everyone sees the gym in this way. I feel like we were all expecting the gym to run like a large commercial fitness centre where members have it in place for their daily routine. The reality is its an entirely different beast than your typical gym, and this is not bad or good just different. Unlike the large fitness facilities whose membership consists strictly of people wanting to stay fit, our membership consists of hard-working individuals whose main focus is to be part of a strong union that allows for fair wages, safety of its workers and an

Matt Smith, CSEP-CPT, NASM-CES

point, we need to step back and appreciate being part of a union that supports the health and well-being of its members. If youd like more information, please contact Matthew at matt@smithtrained.com . Working with all types of trades and athletes, Matthew is a Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, National Strength and Conditioning Association and National Academy of Sports Medicine.

New GyM TiMeS


Please make note of the new times for the fitness centre at the Provincial Training and Administration Centre in Edmonton. It will now be open: Tuesday and Thursday: 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

11

PiPeline

Down the

L
12

ocal 2010 workers at the Lafarge Pipe Plant in Edmonton have been working hard to keep up with demand recently, but the 55 union members at the plant have exceeded expectations according to Rick Orrell, the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW) business representative for industrial shops. Since its construction five years ago the Lafarge plant has been staffed strictly by Local 2010 union members (with the exception of the administrative team, who are employed by Lafarge). Because of the complex process involved with manufacturing concrete pipe at the plant, Local 2010 isnt only comprised of carpenters and millHARDHAT SUMMER 2013

wrights like most of the other unions represented by the ARCCAW. Pipefitters, electricians, plumbers and just about every other construction trade is represented by Local 2010. Logistically, Local 2010 makes it easier for shops that include workers from multiple trades to make the smart choice and unionize. Orrell says that, since the union was created over a decade ago, shops from all corners of Alberta have joined, increasing from the original 7 industrial shops to a total of 11 in that time. Still, Orrell says that Local 2010 is always looking for more shops to join the union and encourages anyone looking for more information to visit the ARCCAW website at www.albertacarpenters.com.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

13

Fast Track
By SAmuS SmyTH

The

ACTCs Period 1 and 2 classes are the way to go for carpentry apprentices

he Alberta Carpenters Training Centre (ACTC) offers first and second year apprentices the opportunity to skip the usual lengthy wait period accompanying postsecondary training courses and attend equivalent classes at the Edmonton facility. While many carpentry apprentices are often forced to wait as long as a year to finally be accepted into a class at one of the primary postsecondary institutions in the province, there is currently no waiting list for the ACTCs upcoming Period 1 and 2 programs. This has left many at the training centre scratching their heads over why more union members arent taking full advantage and jumping to the front of the line to finish their first and second year apprenticeships.

14

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS: As a final project, each Period 2 student constructed a childrens playhouse. The project was selected because it incorporates a lot of the basic carpentry skills, just on a smaller scale.

Instructor Wilf Pipke admits that more advertising may be the key to ensuring union members are aware that the Period 1 and Period 2 classes are available. Nonetheless, he continues to endorse the programs highly as he sees many apprentices benefit from the substantially smaller classes and experienced instructors. There is more individual time for students because we want to give them a great education, explains Pipke. We can take the time to go through everything because of the low volume of people in our classes. The centre follows essentially the same format a student would receive at SAIT or NAIT, but with a student-teacher ratio that encourages greater access to the instructor. While SAIT and NAIT classes will generally have about 20 students per class, the centres Period 2 class never has more than 12 students at one time. Drew Godberson, a 27-year-old Brother, is currently enrolled in this intimate learning environment. He, too, has a hard time understanding why more carpenters arent taking advantage of the Period 1 and 2 programs that the centre offers and says that the ability for carpenters to gain their first and second level apprenticeship training at the centre is a great opportunity that his fellow Brothers and Sisters should look into. Godberson also knows how frustrating it can be to put your career on hold due to a lack of class availability. After successfully challenging his first-year exam, he contacted NAIT to inquire about registering for his Period 2 training. He originally asked in January 2013 and was disappointed to hear that there was no room available until the following December. Disappointed but not discouraged, Godberson signed his union papers shortly thereafter and was ecstatic to hear of the opportunity to complete his second-year training through the union and at a fraction of the cost of the NAIT program. Youd pay $1,000 at NAIT for this course, says Colin Belliveau, another instructor at the training centre. Here, you pay $10. That low price does not come with low expectations, says Pipke, adding that the unions courses cover the same basic curriculum as the post-secondary equivalents. Its a heavy load. When you come for those eight weeks, youre going to work, believe me. You dont just sit

in class for a couple of hours. If you want to succeed and do well, youre going to be doing some homework every night. Godberson agrees that the program is no walk in the park but says that it has been vital in honing his skill set as a carpenter. I wish I would have done this when I was 18 years old, he says. Godberson has been enrolled at the ACTC since May 13, and he credits the small class size as a great attribute to his overall learning experience thus far. Everybody gets to know each other really well. We are all helping each other out somehow, and you get more one-on-one time with the instructor, he explains. It makes for a nice atmosphere to work and study in. To assure his own success in the program, Godberson took the advice of his instructors and started visualizing every project as early as possible in the construction stage. This technique has made him a better carpenter because he now has an inherently better understanding of every project before he even begins. You have to find a way that the project can relate to you, he says. Find a way that you can visualize what you are learning and then picture it in your head and apply it to a real-life situation. This sort of creativity is a vital characteristic to the program. Pipke assigned his students, who recently completed the Period 2 program, a final project where each one had to construct a playhouse completely from scratch. A childrens playhouse is ideal because they learn everything, just on a smaller scale, Pipke explains. We incorporated everything into these houses and it has worked quite well. We had them do the siding, the roofing; they got to touch on almost everything except the foundation. The next Period 1 class will begin October 1. Period 2 will be open for January 6. Complete schedules are available online at www.abcarptc.ab.ca . Besides apprentices, Pipke recommends that Brothers and Sisters of all skill levels take advantage of the courses available as the union continues to build upon having the most skilled labour force in the industry. You can never have too much knowledge, says Pipke. I have yet to meet a man who is too smart.
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

15

Always Wear Safety Goggles. Copyright Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

TRADITION. PRODUCTIVITY . INNOVATION.


These words are everything you know Stanley Tools represents. This is the kind of variety, quality and innovation professional contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike have come to expect from Stanley, and those characteristics are clearly thought of for every tool we offer. We work continually to design products with real-world benefits that will see you through to the end of job after job. Whether you are doing your first home project or completing a full room renovation, Stanley has the tools you need for the job. STANLEY . TOOLS THAT GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT. www.stanleyhandtools.ca

Good Day
By TRICIA RADIson

A PERI

Instructors become students for a day and master the PERI UP scaffolding system with help from PERI representatives

hange is a constant in construction. Its essential to know about the latest technologies, techniques and equipment, and that means instructors have to return to the classroom every now and again. Recently, industry leader PERI Scaffolding Services Inc. paid a visit to the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre to spend a day teaching instructors how to work with the PERI UP scaffolding system. Based in Germany with offices around the world, PERI is the largest manufacturer and provider of formwork and scaffolding on the planet. The PERI UP system is modular and highly flexible, and scaffolders employed by PERI are exposed to a variety of different components that they need to know how to use. Scaffolding is a massive component of the industry in Alberta, especially in the oil sands, where workers must comply with some of the highest standards in the world. Len Bryden, director of training and apprenticeship at the training centre, thought that training apprentices on the PERI UP system would benefit those who will be working with the system in the future, helping to ensure that they are able to set up the systems safely. And, to ensure that the apprentices are up to par on the system, its imperative that the training centres instructors are as well.
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

Greg Smith is one of the instructors who attended PERI Day. He worked in the scaffolding industry in the oil sands for 31 years before becoming an instructor and he says that PERI UP systems have been designed to overcome some of the problems related to traditional scaffolding in the area. In particular, they make it much easier to get around obstacles. Scaffolding in those big plants has to go around all kinds of obstacles. This system is so modular that it makes doing that a lot easier. For example, you can just create an opening and put a smaller component in. Everything works in increments too; you can increase or decrease the size and everything will still work together, explains Smith. Rod Skelton, western regional manager, and Dave Lawrence, western resource manager, were the PERI representatives who provided the training for PERI Day. The session began with a PowerPoint presentation that included photographs of some of the many projects around the world where PERI UP has been used. There were also images of the various components of the system. Because the images could be rotated 360 degrees, the instructors got a comprehensive view of each piece. PERI shared engineering data with the group as well. Smith says that he was pleased to discover that PERI has this kind of data, particularly

18

SKY HIGH: The modular PERI UP system provides the flexibility workers in the oil sands need

really important. And if we didnt have a certain tool, either they did to prove that its scaffolding can be used as a fall arrest anchor. With other systems, people are tying off to the scaffolding but they or they could get it quickly and easily from PERIs yard in Edmonton, he explains. are not always sure if its strong enough. The only way you can really It took the instructors most of the afternoon to set up the system trust that its strong enough is to have something in writing to back it and they now feel prepared to teach apprentices to do the same. The up. Otherwise its just hearsay, he says. system will remain assembled to give students the opportunity to see Along with providing training, PERI donated a PERI UP system to what it is supposed to look like and the training centre, complete with Scaffolding is a massive component of the to visually examine how its put a stair system, vertical ladders and together before they take it apart cantilevers. This is the second sysindustry in Alberta, especially in the oil and rebuild it. tem the company has generously sands where workers must comply with Having industry provide given the training centre. After some of the highest standards in the world. resources the way PERI has done is studying written material about the important to instructors like Smith and to the union as it helps ensure donated system, the instructors headed to the shop to put their new future apprentices have the best education possible. theoretical knowledge to the test. We want our apprentices trained and able to take on any companys The system they provided has the kind of layout where PERI can product, safely and efficiently, says Smith. Its important for the incorporate a lot of different components. Its a good instructional companies too and it helps us make sure our union membership is able scaffolding with a bit of everything you might see, says Smith. to obtain work in the future. Smith adds that having Skelton and Lawrence with the group while The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers they set up the system was another huge benefit of PERI Day. would like to thank PERI Scaffolding Services, Rod Skelton and Dave Many of the instructors didnt have a lot of experience with PERI Lawrence for providing PERI Day. UP. Having PERI representatives there to answer questions was
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

19

Build Your
By ScoTT RollAnS

Future
Now is the right time to pursue a career in the construction trades
20

or young people today contemplating university, but worried about student debt and uncertain job prospects Wilf Pipke offers a suggestion. Carpentry has always been a solid, satisfying career choice, and these days, learning the trade makes more sense than ever. Through an apprenticeship, any capable and determined young person can emerge from the training process not just debt-free but with money in the bank, says Pipke, an instructor at the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre in Edmonton. When you finish off your apprenticeship, you really shouldnt be in any debt at all, as far as student loans or anything else. And every time you go to school, you get an increase in your salary. After four years as an apprentice, an emerging journeyman should never have to fret about finding work in a construction-mad province like Alberta. But, job security like this may not be available for those taking the university path, Pipke points out. Sometimes, you come out [of university] and are not really guaranteed a job. Thats not to say youre not qualified to do something, but youre maybe a little less employable. With demand for carpenters currently outstripping supply, governments and employers offer plenty of incentives to make apprenticeship even more appealing. The latest example of this is the

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

Canada Job Grant, a system of matching federal, provincial and employer Public Schools Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) had funding that can provide up to $15,000 per person towards accredited drifted away from carpentry before taking a second look at the training programs in skilled trades. The program will be launched in 2014, trade in his 20s. Now re-indentured as a carpenter apprentice with full implementation planned for 201718. By that time, the federal by PCL, hes simultaneously pursuing his ticket in scaffolding government says the program will provide funding support for nearly through courses offered at the Edmonton training centre. Im 130,000 Canadians each year. a third year scaffolder, and Im doing my The starting qualifications for a beginning In other jobs, you can work second year as a carpenter now. So, Ill be carpenter are pretty straightforward, says for months on a project, and a third year after this assuming I pass! Colin Belliveau, who also instructs at the he laughs. when youre done you might training centre. Attitude would be the big Beauchamp enjoys the hands-on have nothing to show for it. For nature of the work, and the feeling of one, he says. If youre willing to learn, you can go a long way. us, we have something to show accomplishment you enjoy when you And you have to be responsible enough to for it. When were done, theres produce a tangible result. I just like what come to work every day, adds Pipke. To be you can do with wood, he says. You have a house, and somebodys going the creativity to build things. You can think, there on time, and to take pride in your work. to live in that house. If youve got those things and most people Oh, I want to build a house, or I want to do, if they think about it youre going to be a build some furniture. good carpenter. Youre going to be in demand all the time. Belliveau sees a similar sentiment in many of the students. Pipke encourages young people to start with the union and to stay In other jobs, you can work for months on a project, and when with the union. Weve got people that stick together and look out for youre done you might have nothing to show for it. For us, we have each other it really is a brotherhood, he says. Our benefits package something to show for it. When were done, theres a house, and is second to none, and weve got a great pension package. somebodys going to live in that house. Young people with little or no carpentry experience can contact Adds Pipke, Ive been at this game for over 40 years. I can drive the union for advice on finding entry-level work in the trade. Once all around the city, and say, I worked on that job or I worked on you become indentured with an employer, the union offers excellent that building. If theres a building there, and its still standing, then training opportunities for its members. I guess we did it right! Levi Beauchamp is one member taking advantage of the unions For information on training as a carpenter, visit training opportunities. The 24-year-old graduate of the Edmonton www.abcarptc.ab.ca.
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

21

Instructor Update

By ROBIN SCHROFFEL

Millwright Mentor F
rom large-scale turbines, refineries and coal mines to breweries, package handling and printing presses, theres not much Dave Knight hasnt done during his 46 years as a millwright. Not all of it, but Ive seen pretty well the whole outlay of the millwright world, he says. Knight is not just the president of Local 1460 a role hes held since 1988hes also the Alberta Millwright Training Centres coordinator and an instructor at the facility. His career started in a machine shop in Vancouver just after high school. In 1967, he headed to Alberta to take a job with Great Canadian Oil Sands at the companys first oil sands plant. Knight joined the millwright union in 1969, and when he got his ticket, spent the next 35 years travelling around Western Canada doing turnaround work, specializing in turbines. By chance, Knight was working for a contractor installing the large Peter Brotherhood compressor at the then-new training centre when Bob Hugh approached him about sticking around to set things up, install the props and develop the curriculum. Knight accepted. Since that time, hes developed and refurbished training tools such as various pumps and a small seven-stage General Electric turbine that was originally used in a pulp mill. In September, well have been at the training centre here for five years, he says. Before that, we had nothing we had to work out of an office. Knight enjoys mentoring the millwright apprentices and passing down the knowledge hes gained from all his years in the field. Mentorship is key to the success of the millwright apprentices, a concept hes also worked hard to instill in the journeymen. Mentorship is something that was very hard to come by many years ago. When I started out, the apprentices werent all that well thought of. We usually just picked things up as we went along, he says. Under Knights leadership, the number of millwright apprentices has exploded from about 15 a decade ago to around 350 today. I did rally the troops to say, Listen, you guys,

we have to hire apprentices here, otherwise this trade is going to go the way of the dodo bird. At the training centre, he and colleague Jim Archer have customized the curriculum, often going over and above even what the International Training Centre in Las Vegas provides. Theyve added elements like laser alignment and different procedures for turbine inspection, better preparing apprentices for work in the Alberta oil and gas industry. We work on an Alberta standard, Knight says. And, as those the industry know, there is none higher.

DavE KNIgHt
22
HaRDHat SUMMER 2013

PHOTO: BUFFY GOODMAN

Meet the Apprentice

By ROBIN SCHROFFEL

Saw the Light F


or the two years that Nick Zetterberg worked in a Whitecourt sawmill operating machinery, it was the work of the millwrights that really fascinated him. Things would break down and youd call the millwright on the radio and theyd come out. Theyre in there stripping a shaft, lifting stuff with a crane and fixing chains and conveyor systems. You walk into one of their fab shops and theyve got motors apart and theyre welding and cutting and refabricating, and theres a machinist making parts. I was exposed to all kinds of really good stuff, he says. Working side by side with the sawmill millwrights inspired the 23-year-old Nanaimo, B.C., native to dive into the trade himself. When Zetterberg heard about the Trade Winds To Success Aboriginal pre-apprenticeship program, he applied. When he found out hed been accepted, he left the sawmill and moved to Edmonton. After two months of upgrading through the program, he landed at the Alberta Millwright Training Centre for eight weeks of pre-apprenticeship training. Four weeks in, Zetterbergs enthusiasm for his new trade hasnt dampened. The course gives students a taste of many aspects of the trade, from classroom book work to experience with the overhead crane and rigging to taking apart pumps. The hands-on part here is awesome, he says. It gives us a heads-up for what were going to do in the field, and it goes a little bit beyond that. Like many of the students, hes excited to get to the part of the course where the class works with the General Electric steam turbine housed at the training centre. Zetterberg looks forward to joining the union and, later on in his apprenticeship, working with gas-fired turbines. Theres a lot of precision parts and fine-tuning and precision measurement. That strikes an interest in me for sure, he says. Zetterberg describes himself as mechanically inclined, and so its fitting that his path led him to the millwright

apprenticeship program. He attended culinary school back on Vancouver Island, intending to become a cook, and headed out to Fort Nelson to find a cooking job in one of the camps. But, he arrived at a bad time and, broke and unemployed, his luck turned and he found himself with a job offer from the sawmill. He was on the bus to Whitecourt that very day. It was there where I started working with the millwrights and, like I said, thats when I knew I wanted to become one myself. Now, here I am.

NICk ZEttERBERg
HARDHAt SUMMER 2013

23

PHOTO: Buffy GOOdman

REPORT

Training and Apprenticeship Helping Hands

n the previous issue of Hard Hat, I mentioned our training schedule, some upcoming offerings and how busy the construction industry continues to be in Alberta. Once again, I encourage all of our Brothers and Sisters to contact the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre (ACTC) in Edmonton and continue to look for openings in our programs. We offer a wide range of courses and programs that are valuable to all skill sets. Since our last issue, we have continued to train hundreds of members every month with various courses in our centres around Alberta, as well as fund hundreds more for our members in all corners of the province. In addition, we have promoted ourselves and our various skills during events like Skills Canada, our annual Carpenters Apprenticeship Contest (as well as the more recently added Scaffolder Games) and other similar events. These events and meetings take effort for everyone involved and Id like to thank anyone who helped out. Our involvement during these events is imperative in order to promote the future apprentices in our trades. The Provincial Skills Canada Competition was a two-day event that saw over 1,000 young people go through our Try-A-Trade booth and learn exactly what a carpenter does. I want to thank the Period 2 Carpentry class, as well as the two different scaffold classes I recruited to help with the setup, for their involvement with the event. They did a great job manning the occasion and then dismantling the equipment once the day was over. There was a fair amount of work involved, and Im proud to say that our members pulled more than their fair share of the workload. I also recruited Sister Crystal Bowen who did a great job as a Skills Canada ambassador. We look forward to working with the Skills Canada group next year, which will mark our fifth year of doing so. As I write this report, tens of thousands of people are struggling to deal with the massive flooding in Alberta that occurred in June. I urge all members to do what they can to assist and help rebuild these destroyed and damaged areas of our province. Be warned though: these are times when the predators come out of hiding; the unscrupulous businesses and contractors that see an opportunity to make a buck off of others misfortunes. This is when our union principles of fair play, fair work and justice should

Len J. Bryden, Director of Training and Apprenticeship Alberta Carpenters Training Centre

be most apparent. It angers me greatly to know that this unfortunate disaster can bring out the worst in some people when it should be a time for everyone to come together. Use your talents and your skills to make sure your neighbours are not scammed by some fly-bynight contractor that promises the world. They usually expect money up front and disappear immediately after their shoddy job is finished; thats if they even show up at all after they receive payment. Be careful. That being said, I want to thank all the good businesses and various contractors that have stepped up and really shined during this difficult time. Lets not forget all of the union workers, from emergency responders, to doctors and nurses, police, and our military, for the work they do for all of us during unforeseeable events like this. Good luck to everyone affected by the flood; my thoughts are with you all.

24

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

KidZone

By ROBIN SCHROFFEL

Easy Bird Feeder


Early on summer mornings, the air is filled with the songs of birds. In Alberta, you can find more than 400 different species of birds, some that only live here for part of the year and others that stay year-round. Would you like to see and hear more of these beautiful birds? Whether you live out in the country or in the big city, its easy to bring more birds to your own backyard by making an easy bird feeder. See how many different kinds you can attract! Materials: small, plastic jar with a lid, like a peanut butter jar 3-inch-long stick, about 1/8 in diameter 8 inches of string or wire waterproof glue birdseed (different kinds will bring different birds!) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Wash your container with warm, soapy water and remove the label. (It will come off easier if you soak it for a while.) Ask an adult to help you cut a 1-inch round hole in your jar, about 1.5 from the bottom. Get them to make a small hole just below the 1 hole, big enough to fit the stick. Poke the stick into the small hole and glue in place. Let the glue dry! With an adults help, poke another small hole into the middle of the jars lid. Fold your string in half so it makes a loop, and poke the loop through the hole in the jar. Make sure the looped end comes out the top of the lid. Tie the loose ends in a big knot on the lids bottom side so the string wont pull out. Pour some birdseed in the jar, and screw the lid on. Hang the jar in a safe place outside, like a tree, and watch for the birds!

Matching Game
Have you seen these backyard birds? See if you can match each birds photo to its name.

r r r r r

Robin Chickadee Sparrow Red-winged blackbird Magpie

6.

Word Search
Birds of Alberta Hidden in this puzzle are the names of just a few of the many birds found in Alberta. Can you find them all? BLACKBIRD BLUEJAY CHICKADEE CROW DUCK FALCON FINCH GOOSE LOON MAGPIE NUTHATCH OWL PARTRIDGE ROBIN SEAGULL SPARROW SWALLOW THRUSH WOODPECKER WREN
MATCHING GAME ANSWERS: Red-winged blackbird-1; Robin-2 ; Magpie-3; Sparrow-4; Chickadee-5;

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

25

REPORT

Local 1460 Millwrights

Online Upgrade

fter five years with our current website, Local 1460 has decided to take a step in the right direction by incorporating a new look for our online presence. Our website is currently undergoing an upgrade that will come with plenty of enhancements and a large scope of future improvements. Our first website was commissioned back in 2008. We were content to conserve money and were pleased that the little money we spent resulted in a well-designed site that was, at the time, good enough for what we needed. However, as the amount of content and the number of users grew, we became aware of its limitations, both in terms of flexibility of content display as well as in terms of the processes involved in updating the site. We commissioned Parcom Online, the company that produced the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW) website, www.albertacarpenters. com, to redesign our site and to incorporate a new content management system that will make the site a dream to update with new content. During the upgrade, Parcom is focusing on several key aspects of our site. It is being redesigned in a way that will present our content in a more contemporary and refreshing way. We hope to look quite professional, yet keep it exciting at the same time. Parcom is applying whats known as a responsive design to the website. This means that whether you look at it on a laptop, an iPad, or a smartphone, the layout of the pages will neatly adjust to the proportions of the screen youre viewing it on. Finally, Parcom is using a platform for the site called Drupal, which is an entirely open-source platform. Im told that this means the programming of all of the sites components and functions is freely available on the web. No one owns and no one sells it. This gives us tremendous future control of our site, one of the reasons, we suppose, that the White House recently switched all of its web sites over to the Drupal platform as well. The new site will enable us to create new pages and sub-pages quite easily. Well be able to show more photographs. We think youll be impressed with the user-friendly presentation of the dispatch list. We also plan to add a lot of detail to the training

Bob Hugh, Senior Business Representative Local 1460 Millwrights

section, including bullet points that will outline the content of each training program. There will be direct links to the training office so you can express your interest in specific courses. And, of course, in time it will be easy to link our new-look website to a future live, online job-bid system, a project thats regrettably behind schedule. On the positive side, our new website should be up and running by the end of July, and once its up, thats just the beginning; www.albertamillwrights.com will continue to be upgraded and improved in the future to ensure it meets all of your needs.

26

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

on the level

MY Three-DaY immeRsioN
I knew Id gain a lot of knowledge that wouldnt stay in Vegas
By Nique BRuce, Third Year Scaffolder

ttending the third year apprenticeship program in Las Vegas was truly an inspiring experience. The program was very motivating for me, not to mention extremely informative. The instructors and other union members treated everyone with amazing hospitality, and I know I can speak for the entire group when I say that our expectations were well exceeded. I am very glad to have this opportunity to share the experience with my Brothers and Sisters because this was an amazing weekend and the messages behind this program are for everyone. Throughout the weekend, we learned about the industry and also the Brotherhood. We had the opportunity to meet a panel of major contractors from across Canada as well as the general president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Douglas J. McCarron. Douglas was also very keen to hear our feedback from Canada and assess any of our concerns. We had the chance to ask any questions we wanted and we quickly learned that the contractors need and respect us just as much as we need and respect them. An

interesting fact we learned is that a contractor only makes an average of three to six per cent profit from each job. The goal of the program is to achieve 70 per cent of the market share. In other words, to have 70 per cent of the work in North America signed to the union. This would mean less competition with non-union companies, more work for union members and, ultimately, increased job security and more money in our pockets. We were also reminded that a good attitude, efficient mentoring skills and a positive work ethic will make this goal attainable and will make life easier on the job. Because this goal is so important to the union, the UBC wants to share this message with all members. With that in mind, the union is working hard toward bringing every third year and journeyman apprentice to the training centre in the coming years to share this message. I believe this is an important note because it displays that the program is intended for each and every one of us. It was an amazing experience and I am very excited for the apprentices who will be attending in the future.
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

27

around the nation

News and events from across Canada

Ucal Powell Hangs Up His Hard Hat


Regional Council of Carpenters (CORRC). In 2010, in the aftermath of a merger between the CORCC and the Greater Ontario Regional Council of Carpenters, Ucal was appointed, and subsequently elected, to serve as executive secretary-treasurer of the Carpenters District Council of Ontario. Today, the organization he heads is an affiliation of 16 local unions representing approximately 23,000 Brothers and Sisters and has a staff of more than 100. He also serves as the chairman of the Employee Bargaining Agency, which holds bargaining rights for the industrial-commercial-institutional and heavy construction sectors throughout the province. Ucal is a trustee of the Carpenters Local 27 Health & Welfare and Pension Funds and a former trustee of the Local 27 Resilient Floor Health & Welfare and Pension Funds. Formerly, Ucal was a member of the Provincial Advisory Committee for General Carpentry and the Provincial Advisory Committee of Apprenticeship Training for Resilient Flooring. Ucal currently serves as a director of the Humber River Regional Hospital Foundation and Build Toronto, and he is a member of the board of governors for Ontarios College of Trades. Ucal and his wife Deslin live in the city of Vaughan with their sons. Congratulations Ucal on a career well done. One of the Brotherhoods most distinguished members is getting ready to call it a career. Ucal Powell, a carpenter by trade, is officially hanging up his hard hat for good on December 31, 2013. His retirement comes almost two years after receiving Ontarios most prestigious official honour, the Order of Ontario, in January 2012. The award celebrated both his history with the Brotherhood as well as his philanthropic track record. In keeping with the long and proud tradition of active community involvement that has been the hallmark of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Ucal has provided strong support to a number of charitable causes including Mens Sana, the Good Shepherd Ministries, the Vitanova Foundation, the Hospital for Sick Children, and the Childrens Aid Foundation. Ucal immigrated to Canada from Jamaica in 1969 and became a Canadian citizen in 1975. He first joined the union in 1970 and, since then, he has ascended through its ranks to become a driving force behind the success it enjoys as one of Ontarios most progressive and modern labour organizations. Ucal was first elected as a full-time business representative for the union in 1989 and was appointed to serve as business manager in 1992. In 1996, following the amalgamation of a number of local unions, he was appointed (and subsequently elected) to the position of executive secretary-treasurer of the Central Ontario
28
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

Brotherhood Says Goodbye


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Doug Urquhart on February 24, 2013. For over 30 years, Doug was a stalwart for the B.C. Regional Council of Carpenters (BCRCC), organizing hundreds of carpenters into our union. Doug was integral to the success of BCRCC and his work ethic will long be remembered. BCRCC scaffold apprentices built a wheelchair ramp for Doug during his illness. Regrettably, the ramp was only put to use for a very short time. Few Brothers achieve the respect that Doug appropriately earned. His passing is a great loss to his family and the BCRCC.

Home
L
ast summer, Habit for Humanity Edmonton (HFHE) proudly unveiled the first ever Union Built Home for an Edmonton family. It was the first time that one of the organizations houses was built completely by volunteers from Building Trades of Alberta unions. This year union members are once again showing their philanthropic attitude by volunteering their time and skills to build another home for another family in need. The project officially started at HFHEs pre-fabrication shop on May 2 and work will wrap up this November. Since this is a non-jurisdictional build, project organizers have invited members of building trades unions to lend a hand throughout

Union SkillS bUild a

Brothers and Sisters are pitching in to make a difference to Edmonton families


the entire build, regardless of the stage and their particular trade. Shifts are from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All tools and equipment are supplied along with lunch. Union members are encouraged to bring their spouse and children over the age of 16 with them when they sign up. This is a time for members of all trades to come out, have some fun and do some good for the community, says Len Bryden, director of training and apprenticeship at the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre. For more information or to sign up for the Union Built Home project, visit www.hfh.org/volunteer/unionbuilthome.
HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

29

Parting Shot

Dawn of the Machine Age

For as long as machines have been a driving force behind industry, millwrights have been there to ensure the machines were properly assembled and meeting maximum capacity. The beginning of the 1880s saw the dawn of the machine age; a particularly important time for millwrights, especially in the emerging industrial societies around the globe. The millwright trade had come a long way from its roots in the construction of flour and paper mills; the trade had evolved to incorporate the important machines of the day such as turbines, purifiers and mechanical belts.

30

HARDHAT SUMMER 2013

UPCOMING

Training + Events
May 12 to May 23, 2014 June 23 to July 6, 2014 OSSA Confined Space: July 20, 2013 July 26, 2013 August 4, 2013 (Calgary) August 8, 2013 August 9, 2013 August 17, 2013 August 23, 2013 August 31, 2013 OSSA Fall Protection: July 13, 2013 July 16, 2013 July 19, 2013 July 23, 2013 July 27, 2013 July 30, 2013 August 2, 2013 August 3, 2013 (Calgary) August 6, 2013 August 10, 2013 August 16, 2013 August 20, 2013 August 24, 2013 August 24, 2013 (Calgary) August 27, 2013 August 30, 2013 Period 1 Carpentry: May 20 to July 11, 2014 Period 2 Carpentry: January 6 to February 28, 2014 Pre-Employment Carpentry Program: July 29 to September 20, 2013 March 10 to May 2, 2014 Rigging: December 9 to December 13, 2013 Standard First Aid & CPR: July 20 and July 21, 2013 August 3 and August 4, 2013 August 17 and August 18, 2013 August 31 and September 1, 2013 UBC Builders Level and Transit: July 22 to July 26, 2013 December 16 to December 20, 2013 Millwrights training Centre Visit www.albertamillwrights.com for a current listing of training courses available.

In Memoriam
ARCCAW notes with sorrow the passing of the following members.

Meetings First Wednesday of each month: Local 1325 meeting Third Thursday of each month: Local 2103 meeting Fourth Tuesday of each month: Local 1460 meeting training alberta Carpenters training Centre The following is a sampling of training courses that are open for registration at the time of publication of this edition of Hard Hat. For full listing or more information on training courses, visit www.abcarptc.ab.ca or phone the Edmonton office at 780-455-6532 or toll-free at 1-877-455-6532. All courses are at the Edmonton location unless otherwise indicated. Aerial Work Platform: July 15 and July 16, 2013 July 27 and July 28, 2013 August 17 and August 18, 2013 October 7 and October 8, 2013 October 26 and October 27, 2013 November 4 and November 5, 2013 Blueprint Reading 1 & 2: July 15 to July 19, 2013 December 9 to December 13, 2013 Commercial Door Hardware Installation Course: March 10 to March 14, 2014 (Calgary) April 7 to April 11, 2014 May 26 to May 30, 2014 (Calgary) Forklift / Zoom Boom (Power Industrial Truck Operator): July 13 and July 14, 2013 July 17 and July 18, 2013 September 28 and September 29, 2013 October 10 and October 11, 2013 November 7 and November 8, 2013 November 21 and November 22, 2013 H2S Alive (Enform Certified): July 14, 2013 July 21, 2013 July 28, 2013 August 4, 2013 August 11, 2013 August 18, 2013 August 25, 2013 Industrial Technical Training: January 27 to February 9, 2014 March 24 to April 6, 2014 May 5 to May 18, 2014

lOCal 1325 Gary Cooper April 2013, Age 62 Theodore Langner May 2013, Age 87 Walter Maslanko May 2013, Age 91 Charles Morris May 2013, Age 51 local 1460 Robert Namor April 2013, Age 62 Sam Yarrow April 2013, Age 86 local 2103 Art Loude May 2013, Age 60

HARDHAT SUMMER 2012

31

You might also like