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Training Center Closed, Apprentice Classes Resume

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Although the Training Center is still closed, Apprentice Classes to Resume in June

All Spring apprentice classes that were delayed due to the COVID 19 Executive Order in March 2020 have been rescheduled for the Summer Quarter.   The opening of classes are within the requirements of the Governor’s Emergency Order and BOLI guidelines.  These classes will start during the week of June 22.  All Summer classes that would have been scheduled will be delayed until Fall.  Additional schedule information is forthcoming.

The Training Center will be resuming classes with many new policies and procedures in place to assure that training can occur in a safe manner.  Social distancing protocols will be followed.  Additionally, due to the COVID 19 social distancing requirements, all summer term classes have been balanced by number of students and no class day changes will be allowed.  

Scheduled apprentices will receive additional notifications describing the appropriate doorways to use while accessing the building, entry protocols and screenings and acknowledgement procedures.

Apprentices who have furloughed or received a layoff under the NECA/IBEW National Disease Emergency Response Agreement (NDERA) can request to have their related training delayed if the conditions of that furlough/layoff still exist.

It should be noted that the Training Center will otherwise continue to be closed to the public.  No activities other than apprentice classes will be starting.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience during this quarantine and look forward to resuming classes in June.  Be safe and stay tuned for additional information.

Rod Belisle

Director

Limited Online Course Available

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We are currently offering a 2017 Significant Changes course based on the 2017 NEC. This is an online class that will be accessed through the Zoom app from your home computer. You will be able to communicate directly with the instructor and other students, see the board as material is presented, raise your hand, ask questions and interact in a virtually normal fashion. Computer requirements are: ability to access the web with Google Chrome (recommended) or Firefox, another browser, or a tablet such as an iPad, with a camera and microphone. You’ll need to access the Zoom website or app on your tablet and register for a free account at https://zoom.us. Attendance will be verified by our ability to see you and interact with you during the course; therefore, you’ll be required to have a working camera and be present during the entire training session.

Class size is limited, see the “Class Schedule” for more details and dates.

crane building lowering new wall of Training Center

Training Center Addition

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Growth of the electrical industry in the NW has had an incredible impact in all things electrical, everything from the technology of using iPads to read building drawings and GPS for outlet location layout to growth of the apprenticeship program, tipping the scale at the 1000 student mark. All of this impact has created struggles as well, one in particular being square footage. The current Training Center footprint takes up just over 54,000 square feet providing 17 classrooms and 3 large labs. Many of the classrooms are designed for specific topics such as Fire Alarm, Motor Controls, PLC’s, Instrumentation, 3D Modeling, Building Automation, Copper and Fiber Networking, Security and Access Control, leaving just a few left for random topics of almost anything electrical.

This presents a conflict when the need arises for meeting spaces, aptitude testing, applicant interviews, Continued Ed classes and other industry-related functions. We have recently had to say “No” to requests to use our space, but that will soon change.

Our NIETC has employed the expertise of Schommer & Sons Inc., to assist us in adding approximately 8500 sq. feet of additional building space, providing 3 new classrooms, an additional multi-use lab, and additional men, women and gender neutral restrooms.

The addition will also add required landscape areas, an outdoor picnic shelter and sidewalk, and access improvements.

We look forward to a ribbon cutting ceremony some time in April 2020 so stay tuned.

NIETC Industrial Athlete sweatshirt

Industrial Athlete

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We are industrial athletes. We make our living performing physically and mentally demanding work that requires skill, strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance…just like athletes. Unfortunately, many construction workers do not think of themselves as industrial athletes and instead choose poor habits that promote an unhealthy lifestyle.

It’s no secret that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The Industrial Athlete program puts focus on physical health and nutritional health. The construction industry is partnering with the American Heart Association to create a cultural change within our industry so we may live long, healthy lives and enjoy retirement.

 

Physical Health

  • Blood pressure management. Many people have a form of high blood pressure and don’t know it. When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked?
  • Improving physical activity. While our work is tiring, it doesn’t provide the cardio workout our heart needs to stay healthy.

Nutritional Health

  • Reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and energy drinks which contribute to high blood pressure.
  • Our industry is working with food truck vendors to increase availability of healthy foods and beverages. More workers are wanting choices for quick, healthy meals.

Let’s not forget about mental health – the pathway to physical and nutritional health

Got stress? The American Medical Association reported studies showing stress as the underlying cause of 60% of all illness and disease making stress the number one proxy killer.

Stress affects the entire body and can cause health problems such as insomnia, asthma, ulcers, nervousness, paranoia, or depression.

The Centers for Disease Control reported that male construction workers have the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. In a male-dominated “tough guy” industry, workers with mental health issues are often overlooked or fail to seek help. Fatigue and work pressure are known to be contributing factors. We can learn to recognize the signs of stress before they develop into depressive thoughts. Look for changes in appetite, unexplained joint pain, tight chest, anxiety, loss of motivation, increased smoking or drinking, withdrawal or aggression, or difficulty concentrating.

Resources for Wellness: 

  • Harrison Health and Welfare (Health Plans, Flex Benefits, Retirement)
  • Harrison Trust EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • 211 (Dial Toll Free) for Oregon and Southwest Washington communities to help people identify, navigate, and connect with the local resources they may need

Contact

NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center
16021 NE Airport Way
Portland, OR  97230
503-262-9991
Fax: 503-262-9920

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