Serving LIUNA Locals 89, 220, 300, 585, 652, 783, 1184, 1309 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA / ARIZONA Fall 2023
Labor Chair Jon P. Preciado Management Chair Chuck Poss Executive Director David Espinoza TABLE OF CONTENTS Co-Chair Message Skilled and Trained Workforce Building a Brighter Future: Presenting Director David Espinoza Introducing New Chief of Staff, Lisa Becerra Congratulations Certified Instructors Navigating Our Website Skilled and Trained Workforce (Cont.) Apprenticeship Spotlight: Cesar Gomez OQ - Operator Qualfications Safety Corner with Mark Solano, CHST New ID Card IAS Accreditation 1 2 5 6 8-9 10-11 13-15 1 6 1 7 1 8 1 9 2 0
A MESSAGE FROM THE CO-CHAIR 2023 has been the year to hint at normalcy and in that spirit, we are proud to announce that we will be recognizing our 2023 apprenticeship graduates in an in-person graduation ceremony. Mark your calendars! 2023 Graduation Ceremony to be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 12pm at the Laborers Training School in Azusa, Ca. Our annual alumni dinner will be held as breakfast (instead of a dinner) and will be also on January 20, 2024, at 7am at the Laborers Training School. Invitations with details will follow. We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you for your attention to this address. Let’s move forward together to make 2023 an impactful year and a strong start to 2024. We have overcome so much, made excellent advances since the pandemic and I am certain we can overcome all obstacles. Let’s embrace the challenge of our general president and our collective efforts will ripple across the nation. Jon P. Preciado Labor Co-Chair Statistics The last couple of years have brought a whirlwind of challenges including an unprecedented pandemic, economic uncertainty, and an unstable political climate. Despite these challenges, our LIUNA members have continued to thrive even in uncertain times. In 2021 training numbers reached normal levels and in 2022 training statistics and graduation numbers were back at record levels. I am optimistic that this trend will continue into the end of the year and new year. With that said, I hope this message finds all our LIUNA members and affiliates well. New Executive Director On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to use this newsletter edition to provide you with several exciting updates and share upcoming events. First and foremost, I would like to announce that the Laborers Training & Retraining Trust Fund’s Board of Trustees have appointed a new Executive Director, David Espinoza. David served as a Management Trustee for over 10 years. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, with a degree in Civil Engineering and has over 30 years of experience working with signatory contractors such as CC Myers and Sully Miller in various capacities including Operations Manager. Given his background and experience in managing high performing companies, we are confident that David will bring much needed change and structure to the training fund. Please take the opportunity to introduce yourself, welcome him and share your needs and visions. LIUNA Challenge In mid-August I participated in the annual 2023 LIUNA Leadership Conference. I was enthused to see our new LIUNA General President, Brent Booker. As a third-generation laborer, he is now overseeing the most dynamic union in the nation with half a million members. His message was loud and clear…we need to double in size. He challenged all LIUNA affiliates to increase our membership to 1 million. This challenge extends to all the training funds in the nation. So, my ask to you is to take advantage of our training, continue to educate yourself even after graduating from our apprenticeship programs and utilize our expedited apprenticeship to fulfill skilled and trained workforce requirements on jobs. Our general president’s ask is big. We must do our part to make healthy strides. Mark your calendars
A Note to Contractors: To help meet the skilled and trained workforce requirements, Union and Management members of the Laborers Joint Apprenticeship Committee have established a procedure where Employers can sponsor Journeypersons into the Laborers Apprenticeship Program. Under this procedure, Journeypersons who are registered as Apprentices with the Laborers Apprenticeship Program will be given credit for past experience and training and may be able to graduate from the program in six months. In addition, the Union and the Contractors have agreed that while the Journeyperson is in the Apprenticeship Program for this short time, the Employer will continue to pay the Journeyperson wage and fringe benefit rates. How to Sponsor A Journeyperson Skilled and Trained Workforce Under Public Contract Code section 2601 a “skilled and trained workforce” means employing skilled journeypersons and indentured apprentices on the Project. Skilled Journeypersons include graduates of a state approved Apprenticeship Program and employees with as many hours of on-the-job experience that is required to graduate from the Program, provided that a certain percentage of the Skilled Journeypersons must be graduates of the applicable state approved Apprenticeship Program. Normally, the law requires at least 60% of the Skilled Journeypersons to be graduates of an Apprenticeship Program (with some exception for certain crafts). However, because the Southern California Laborers Apprenticeship Program was approved after 1995, Public Contract Code section 2601(d) (3) allows one-half of this percentage to be satisfied by Skilled Journeypersons who started work as a Laborer before the Chief’s approval on the Apprenticeship Program on October 7, 1999 and approval of its expansion to San Diego on July 1, 2002 Employers must comply with the skilled and trained workforce requirements and make monthly reports showing their compliance, under the threat of awarding agencies withholding 150% of its monthly payment under Public Contract Code section 2602 and other enforcement procedures by the DLSE under Public Contract Code section 2603. The Laborers Apprenticeship Program will provide the contractors with the required forms (enrollment application, State Indenturement Form and Federal Indenturement Form) to request enrollment of its Journeypersons in the Apprenticeship Program. The Apprenticeship Program regional staff, Apprenticeship Coordinators and/or Local Union will be in communication with contractors regarding required paperwork, review/ approvals and course scheduling. Chuck Poss Management Co-Chair “The Laborers Training & Retraining Trust Fund is committed to assisting our contractors in meeting legislative requirements for a skilled and trained workforce. Included in this newsletter are steps we have taken to help our contractors meet these requirements.” California now has 20 different statutes that authorize a public entity to require a contractor to use a skilled and trained workforce to complete a contract or project, and require that the commitment to use a skilled and trained workforce be made in an enforceable agreement. Most of these statutes refer to the definition of a skilled and trained workforce contained in Public Contract Code section 2601. 2 SKILLED AND TRAINED WORKFORCE Continued on Page 13...
ALUMNI BREAKFAST Join us for an inspiring breakfast where our distinguished alumni gather to share their wisdom and stories LIVE AND IN PERSON We’re ecstatic to announce that our graduation ceremony is back in person! Join us as we gather once again to celebrate our graduates. GRADUATION CLASS OF 2023 January 20, 2024 Alumni Breakfast: 7 AM - 10 AM Graduation: 12 PM - 3 PM
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Laborers Training & Retraining Trust Fund for Southern California and Arizona (LTRT). I have over 32 years of direct, hands-on project and construction management, field supervision and coordination experience. My experience has spanned from public and private clients and included a multitude of capital and infrastructure projects. Prior to this role, I served as a management trustee for LTRT board for over 10 years. I understand LTRT’s operation in general and I am actively assessing our operations and getting to know all the staff and training sites. In my first few months as Executive Director, I dedicated a lot of time to reviewing LTRT’s budget and maximizing efficiency throughout the organization. This will be an ongoing process that aligns with the mission of the Board of Trustees. My focus is also on ensuring that our training and apprenticeship program thrives in Phoenix, Arizona. Timely construction of the Arizona training center and equipping the site with the proper manpower to promote and execute our training will be key. Another area that I am passionate about and will place great efforts in is increasing women participation in training and apprenticeship. One method will be to develop a pre-apprenticeship pathway, where women can better prepare themselves for our apprenticeship entry assessment (formally known as our bootcamp) and familiarize themselves with the career opportunities in the construction industry. My long-term goals consist of expanding our training venues to better accommodate specialized training such as tunnel work to meet the needs of our signatory contractors. The LTRT has a clear mission; to create pathways to empower people to discover their true potential and live a purposeful life. This is executed through the work of dedicated instructors who deliver quality training to our customer base, the preparation of course material and equipment by the logistics team, the processing of school records by the administrative staff, the mentoring and monitoring of apprentices by apprenticeship coordinators, surveillance and security of our IT staff and the upkeep of all 13+ training sites by our maintenance team. As a team, we will continue to uphold our core values, challenge ourselves to work effectively, be accountable for our actions and produce quality training and services for our membership and contractors. I thank the Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity to lead this dynamic organization. I am committed to its growth and continual improvement. My door is open for my team and our customers throughout Southern California and Arizona. I welcome you to my new home! David Espinoza Executive Director Building a Brighter Future David Espinoza 5
Lisa Becerra Chief of Staff Introducing Our New Chief of Staff One of my proudest moments was when the school became recognized and accredited by an independent agency in 2011. Accreditation requires that we implement a Quality Management System in which we are constantly measuring performance, reviewing and auditing ourselves. The rigorous accreditation process took two years, it tested our drive and perseverance, but it bolstered our confidence and commitment to quality assurance. As an accredited training school, one of the many notions embraced is that no organization is perfect and therefore we must continue to learn and improve. There is nothing more fitting for an organization like ours than to strive for continual learning and growth. It is a notion that can be applied to every aspect of our lives and is personally a belief I hold dear to my heart. In my new capacity, I will be supporting the Executive Director in carrying out the business plan and key objectives with the help of the management team. This encompasses challenging our managers to uphold our Core Values with courage and tenacity (our Core Values can be found on the next page of this newsletter). Aligned with our Core Values, we intend to foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. We will challenge each manager to embrace leadership wholeheartedly; to treat this organization, its customer base and our counterparts as we would treat our own family. Afterall, this is our home away from home. Change is a constant in life and embracing it can lead to remarkable personal and professional development. I am excited about the opportunities my new position holds. With determination, hard work, and a commitment to learning, I am confident that I will thrive in this new role and make a meaningful contribution to my organization. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey of growth and discovery. Greetings! As the newly appointed Chief of Staff for the Laborers Training School, I would like to express my gratitude for being able to continue to serve this organization but in a different capacity. I have been with the Laborers Training School for a little over 15 years; starting off as part of the data entry personnel, then as an Executive Assistant and Quality Control Manager. I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of this school. I am very much a part of the organization’s successes and its shortcomings. “There is nothing more fitting for an organization like ours than to strive for continual learning and growth.” -Lisa Becerra 6
WELDING PROGRAM LOS ANGELES • RIVERSIDE • OC • LONG BEACH • SAN DIEGO APPLY AT YOUR LOCAL UNION! Learn Basic Welding Techniques, Oxy-fuel Cutting and Plasma Cutting or take our Pre-Test Training Sessions for experienced Welders to improve their skills before taking the certification test. At the Laborers Training School, you can develop the skills to succeed! SIGN UP TODAY! CONTRACTORS HIRING NOW! WELDING FENCING PIPELINE UTILITY FILTRATION GEO THERMAL DEMOLITION TILT-UP
Abraham Guerrero Eric Dominguez Ezekiel Rodriguez Jaime Jimenez James Smith Richard Iniguez In a celebration of excellence and dedication, LIUNA Training and Education Fund has acknowledged a group of instructors who have achieved LIUNA Instructor Certification. These educators have not only demonstrated their unwavering commitment to excellence but have also elevated the standards of education within our organization. The LIUNA Instructor Certification process is a challenging journey that demands a deep understanding of best practices for adult education. This includes the ability to execute student-centered, activity-based teaching techniques, convey trade information with professionalism, and meet proficiency standards in reading, math, and computer skills. Each of these instructors have met these rigorous standards, demonstrating their passion for education and their craft. On June 8, 2023, the LIUNA Training & Education Fund proudly recognized the following instructors for their outstanding dedication and accomplishments: Their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to enhancing the quality of education within LIUNA are truly remarkable. These newly certified instructors represent the future of our organization, ensuring that our members receive the highest level of education and training. CONGRATULATIONS CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS 8
Joe Armendariz Robert Canales Tim Carrillo Paul Gonzalez Antonio Murillo Al Paredes Joel Ramirez Instructor Certification in previous years. These educators continue to serve as beacons of excellence: This is the begining of a career-long journey of continual professional growth, education and developement. LIUNA Certifed Instructors are required to maintain their certification status by continued education and practical experience. These instructors are not just educators; they are the cornerstone of our mission to empower our members with knowledge and skills. They are shaping the future of LIUNA, and for that, we extend our sincere gratitude. Together, let us celebrate their accomplishments and eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of our education programs under their guidance. Congratulations to all our certified instructors for their unwavering commitment to excellence! 9
Applicants - First Come, First Serve! For our new applicants, they can learn what it means to become a Laborer (“It’s More Than a Job!”), requirements to join, the application process and what to expect from the Laborers Training School and you can apply directly on the website to start! No matter your race, sex, orientation or identity, what matters is that you are put in a queue as soon as you register, and you will be invited to our Mandatory Orientation in the order you apply. If you are able to complete it, you are on your way to being a Laborer! Find Your Resources! With easy to find links right on the front page, your information is a click away! Navigating Our Website This spring we launched our NEW website to serve our members. Whether you are a person who wants to apply, an apprentice with the Laborers Training School or a Contractor, there are new resources for you to use! Come visit us at www.LaborersTrainingSchool.com today and see the NEW resources we have to offer. We an eye towards accessibility and ease of use, we aim to keep growing our website into a resource center for anyone who interacts with us at the Laborers Training School, whether you’re an applicant, apprentice or contractor, this website is for YOU! 10
Contractors For our Contractors, both signatory and non-signatory, we have new resources to make your life easier. All necessary documents and processes are covered including submitting your DAS 140 form online, Requesting to Indenture an Experienced Journey Person, and information about how our signatory contractors can schedule classes with us. For Contractors interested in our Phoenix Project, we invite you fill out our interest form which will give you access to our “Board Room” where you will get additional information. Apprentices For our Apprentices, we provide resources from calendars to classes, local and coordinator information to logging into MyLTS where they can see their personal and class records while making their way through the program. And more... Along with resources for Applicants, Apprentices and Contractors, we have featured our apprentices, graduates and alumni in our media page. Please explore our page and discover more about the Laborers Training School 11
Do you have questions? Contact Lu Snyder at the JATC by phone or email (626)610-1708 - [email protected]
REQUEST TO INDENTURE FORM This form, also known as our “sponsor form” can be completed directly on our website: https://www.LaborersTrainingSchool.com To sponsor Journeypersons with at least 4,000 hours of construction experience that do not have a graduation certificate from the Apprenticeship Program, please complete the following: • Request to Indenture form – can be completed electronically on our website. • Sponsorship Letter from Sponsoring Contractor (our program will provide a sample sponsor letter). • Enrollment application (our program will provide this form) • State Indenturement Form (our program will provide this form) • Report of total hours, if not verifiable by Pacific Southwest Administrators • Federal Indenturement Form (our program will provide this form) • Journeyperson hours and training will be reviewed by the regional subcommittee. If approved, our program will indenture/register the Journeyperson with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and the Department of Labor. • During the six months, the Journeyperson will need to complete First Aid/CPR and an OSHA 30. *You can call our office to review this process if needed. SKILLED AND TRAINED WORKFORCE 13 Continued from Page 2...
HOW TO FIND THE REQUEST TO INDENTURE FORM 1 Go to www.LaborersTrainingSchool.com You can find the ‘Contractors’ page on the toolbar under ‘Apprenticeship’, in the ‘Menu’ drop down menu or on the front page of our website. 2 Find the ‘Contractors’ page By scrolling down or clicking ‘Skilled and Trained Workforce’ on the left, you will be directed to the section with the “Request to Indenture Experienced Journeyperson Form” button. Once clicked - you will fill out complete the form and submit! Locate the ‘Skilled and Trained Workforce’ section; Click “Request to Indenture Experienced Journeyperson Form” 3 14 SKILLED AND TRAINED WORKFORCE
Your online Request to Indenture will be reviewed by our staff. Within a week we will email the Local Union for verification of membership and hours reported to the Trust Fund. Staff Review The contractor email noted on the Request to Indenture form will be CC on the Local Union email so they can assist in having the employee complete and sign the required apprentices paperwork - application, State, Fed, sponsorship letter. There will be instructions on how to return the paperwork. Apprentice Paperwork Once membership and hours are verified, and all required apprenticeship paperwork is received, they will be reviewed and approved by subcommittee. Subcommittees meet monthly. The journeyperson will be indentured effective the date of the subcommittee meeting. The contractor and journeyperson will be mailed a letter. Subcommittee Approval The contractor is encouraged to work closely with the apprenticeship coordinator to have the journeyperson scheduled for the required training so they can graduate in 6 months. 1 2 3 4 Keeping in Contact WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? For additional questions or clarification on the process you can contact: Lu Snyder - Administration Manager 626-610-1708 [email protected] SKILLED AND TRAINED WORKFORCE 15
Apprenticeship Spotlight: Faces of the Future In the heart of the Laborers Training School, where dreams are molded and futures are built, Cesar Gomez’s story stands as a testament to the power of determination and the opportunities that await those who choose the path of apprenticeship. For Cesar, our apprenticeship represents much more than a job opportunity; it’s a chance to provide a better life for his children. His passion for the program, the knowledge it imparts, and its alignment with his life goals have been the driving force behind his journey. Currently, Cesar excels in concrete labor, specializing in all aspects of preparation for pouring concrete. Yet, for him, the essence of apprenticeship goes beyond titles. It’s about learning, applying knowledge in the field, ensuring safety for all, and fostering unity among his fellow workers. In the coming years, Cesar envisions himself as a foreman or running his own company. His motivation is simple yet profound: success for the people he loves, a dream that often remains distant in the neighborhood he hails from. Cesar’s message to prospective apprentices is succinct: “Join the apprenticeship and pay attention, so you can be all that you can be. I guarantee that it will pay off.” His journey mirrors this promise - a testament that the Laborers Training School can be a transformative gateway to a better future. Cesar Gomez’s story is a shining example of hope and achievement, rooted in the Laborers Training School’s nurturing environment. It reminds us that with dedication, hard work, and the support of a strong union, individuals like Cesar can realize their dreams, not only for themselves but for their loved ones too. His journey is a source of inspiration for all who aspire to change their lives through apprenticeship and union membership. “Join the apprenticeship and pay attention, so you can be all that you can be. I guarantee that it will pay off.” 16 Cesar Gomez Laborer Apprentice
APPRENTICESHIP HOURLY RATES Work Processes are due on the 1st of each month. Email to: [email protected] (Original must still be mailed in) FIRST PERIOD SECOND PERIOD THIRD PERIOD FOURTH PERIOD FIFTH PERIOD SIXTH PERIOD CONSTRUCTION CRAFT LABORER* SAN DIEGO COUNTY (BUILDING) SAN DIEGO COUNTY (ENGINEERING) OJT RSI LABORERS LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION FITTERS OJT RSI $22.19 $21.20 $21.52 600 Hours 50 Hours $22.00 $24.71 $26.02 700 Hours 72 Hours $20.34 667 Hours 48 Hours $24.41 $23.32 $23.67 600 Hours 50 Hours $24.20 $26.77 $28.19 700 Hours 72 Hours $24.30 667 Hours 48 Hours $26.63 $25.44 $25.82 700 Hours 50 Hours $26.40 $28.83 $30.36 700 Hours 72 Hours $28.27 667 Hours 48 Hours $31.07 $29.68 $30.13 700 Hours 50 Hours $28.60 $30.89 $32.53 700 Hours 72 Hours $32.24 667 Hours 48 Hours $35.50 $33.92 $34.43 700 Hours 50 Hours $30.89 $32.95 $34.70 700 Hours 72 Hours $36.22 666 Hours 48 Hours $37.72 $36.04 $36.58 700 Hours 50 Hours $33.09 $37.07 $39.03 700 Hours 72 Hours $40.20 666 Hours 48 Hours REQUIRED HOURS 4,000 OJT 304 RSI REQUIRED HOURS 4,200 OJT 432 RSI REQUIRED HOURS 4,000 OJT 288 RSI LABORERS CEMENT MASON* SAN DIEGO COUNTY (BUILDING) SAN DIEGO COUNTY (ENGINEERING) OJT RSI *11 COUNTIES
Operator Qualification (O.Q.) Training Contractor/Local Union submits an OQ Evaluation Request Form. A minimum of 2 years of underground construction work is strongly recommended LTS Staff contacts the contractor/local union to verify the information on the form, request student information (names and DOB) and schedule training. *Advance notice is crucial for timely scheduling! OQSG: LTS staff enrolls student in their master database to begin training & evaluation process. Veriforce: LTS staff requests student credentials from LIUNA Training & Education Fund (LTEF). Credentials are used to access Veriforce training per student. Accessing student credentials from LTEF is a 1 day process at minimum. Students participate in computer based training and pass exit exam. Students have 2 opportunities to pass Students must pass an oral evaluation. Some tasks require a skills assessment NO YES Students must pass evaluation for task recognition NO Student signs a record evaluation form and these records/documents are submitted to Veriforce/OQSG. A sample skills card with tasks evaluated is provided to the student. YES Student will be referred to their local union to update their skills card. Company/Local Union/Organization Name: Contact Person: Email: Desired Dates: Desired Dates: Student Information: Please provide student information below. DOB Last 4 Digits of SS# Phone No OQ Request Form Rev. 09.23.21 742 - Temporary Isolation of Service Lines and Service Discontinuance 903 - Directional Drilling and/or Boring 905 - Lowering Steal Pipe in a Ditch Questions/Feedback please contact: Andres Hernandez, Ph: 626.327.6099, Email: [email protected] Please refer to the task list below and check off the tasks that need to be evaluated. These are tasks commonly requested by contractors for their laborer workforce. IMPORTANT NOTE: To avoid job interferences, please refer to Pipeline Operator/owner for the required tasks. If the tasks are not listed above, list them below. 608 - Damage Prevention for Blasting Near a Pipeline 611 - Hot Tap - Steel Pipe 613 - Purge Pipeline Facilities with Gas 614 - Purge Pipeline Facilities with Air or Inert Gas 619 - Damage Prevention During Vacuum Excavation and Backfilling Activities 427 - Inspection of Above or Below Ground Coatings 428 - Pin Brazing to Install CP Leads on Pipeline 480 - Apply Approved Coating by Hand Application 482 - Apply Approved Coatings by Mechanical Spray and Hand Application Methods 484 - Apply Approved Coatings by Wrap Application 502 - Conduct Pressure Test on Pipe that is to be Operated at a Pressure <100 psig 605 - Locate Line/Install Temporary Marking of Buried Pipeline 607 - Damage Prevention: Observation of Excavating and Backfilling 331 - Installation of Plastic Pipe in a Bore 401– Examination of Buried Pipelines When Exposed 404 - Protection of Coating When Backfilling & From Below Ground Supports 405 - Protection of Coatings From Above Ground Structures 412 - Install CP Leads on Pipeline Using Exothermic Weld 426 - Inspect Pipe Coating with Holiday Detector 330 - Installation of Plastic Pipe in a Ditch 007 - Operate Valves 016 - Purging Hazardous Liquids 208 - Plastic Pipe Joining: Butt Fusion 209 - Plastic Pipe Joining: Mechanical Joining 211 - Perform Plastic Fusion Inspection 213 - Joining of Steel Pipe: Threaded and Flanged Connections 214 - Joining of Steel Pipe - Threaded Connections 301 - Install Tracer (Electrically Conductive) Wire First Name Last Name Valid Email Operator Qualification Evaluation Request Form Phone Number: Location: The OQ Request form can be found at www.LaborersTrainingSchool.com under the ‘Documents’ link. When requesting, it is recommended that you refer to the tasks required by the Owner or Pipeline Operator. Please print and send OQ Request Form via Email to: [email protected] Help us help you! There is an increasing demand for Operator-Qualifications. To effectively meet this demand, we ask that you work with us in planning ahead and scheduling ahead. Complete a request form, submit it to our Operator Qualifications Instructor, Justin Martin, and he will contact you to verify all information. Our procedure is listed in the flow chart below. Justin Martin OQ Evaluator Available Training Classes: - Poly Socket/Saddle Fusion - Manual Butt Fusion - 2”- 4” - Hydraulic Butt Fusion - 4”-12” - Electrofusion** - HDPE Fusion 1/2” - 12” - Pressure Control** - Veriforce Expiration Requals - New Hire/Apprentice Basics Operator Qualifications (O.Q.) Please be aware that verification of Veriforce Operator Qualifications requires some time, as our fund is NOT the housing entity for these qualifications. OQSG/IS Networld qualifications are easily accessible and can be verified. **Contractor Equipment 18
The Dangers of Falls Falls can lead to severe injuries or even loss of life. Even a fall from a relatively low height can result in broken bones, head injuries, and long-term disabilities. The consequences of such accidents extend beyond physical harm, affecting a worker’s quality of life and the emotional well-being of their families. It’s essential to recognize that falls are preventable, and by taking the right precautions, we can significantly reduce the risks associated with working at heights. Fall Prevention Measures: Fall protection measures encompass a range of strategies and equipment designed to keep workers safe while working at elevations. These include: guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), and secure scaffolding as well as appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like harnesses and lanyards.. Regular inspections of equipment and thorough training for all workers are essential to ensure that fall protection measures are effective. With Mark Solano, CHST, Safety Officer When working at heights, whether it’s on a construction site or while performing maintenance tasks, fall protection should always be a top priority. Falls from elevated surfaces are among the leading causes of construction-related injuries and fatalities. That’s why understanding and implementing effective fall protection measures is crucial for every worker’s safety. Safety Corner Staying Safe at Heights: The Importance of Fall Protection Safety Culture Ensuring fall protection requires more than just equipment and procedures; it requires a strong safety culture. This means that everyone on the job site, from management to laborers, should prioritize safety above all else. Encouraging open communication about safety concerns, conducting regular safety meetings, and empowering workers to stop work if they identify unsafe conditions are all critical components of a safety-first mindset. Training and Compliance Adequate training is fundamental to fall protection. Workers should be educated about the specific fall hazards they might encounter on the job and how to mitigate those risks. Additionally, they should be trained on the correct use of fall protection equipment and procedures. Compliance with safety regulations and best practices is not just a legal requirement; it’s a moral obligation to protect the lives and well-being of every worker. Fall protection is not just a box to check on a safety checklist—it’s a commitment to the well-being of everyone involved in construction and maintenance work at heights. By understanding the dangers of falls, implementing effective prevention measures, fostering a strong safety culture, and providing comprehensive training, we can work together to ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day. Remember, when it comes to working at heights, safety should always come first. 19
What does it mean to be an Accredited School? In 2011, the Laborers Training and Retraining Fund (LTRF) was accredited by a third-party agency, International Accreditation Services, Inc. (IAS) as a training provider adhering to accreditation criteria AC 371. In 2016, the LTRF achieved accreditation as curriculum developers adhering to accreditation criteria AC372. As of 2021, both types of accreditations (training provider and curriculum development) will be combined under one accreditation criteria AC371. Through these accreditation achievements, it is the LTRF’s pledge to provide transparency and quality services that benefit our customers and industry at large. As an accredited fund, we have implemented a Quality Management System (QMS). A QMS consists of, and is not limited to, standard operianting procedures, internal audits, process monitoring, benchmarking and setting quality metrics. A QMS ensures that we are constrantly review ourselves to ensure we are performing according the set standards. What is Accreditation? How does it help? Accreditation is defined as a status which shows the public that a school has met and is maintaining a high level of standards set by an independent accrediting agency, according to Colleges and Degrees (2021).* Through regular audits and reviews, the school has to continuously meet or exceed minimum quality standards. • Mitigates risk and decreases liability • Identify gaps in programming and processes • Fosters a culture of quality • Promotes continual improvement of services This is to attest that THE LABORERS TRAINING & RETRAINING TRUST OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1385 WEST SIERRA MADRE AVENUE AZUSA, CALIFORNIA 91702, U.S.A. Training Agency for Work Force Qualification Programs QPT-104 has met the requirements of the applicable provisions of AC371, IAS Accreditation Criteria for Training Agencies for Work Force Qualification Programs. This organization is accredited to provide adult work force qualification training services specified in the scope of accreditation maintained on the IAS website (www.iasonline.org). This certificate is valid up to July 1, 2024 Effective Date January 25, 2021 President 20
NEW ID CARD For your convienience, all indentured apprentices will get a Laborers Training School ID Card. By scanning the QR code on the back of the ID, you can pull up your apprentices information on the go, including upcoming classes, Mandatory to Attend letters, course completion forms and more! The Laborers Training School 1385 W. Sierra Madre Avenue Azusa CA 91702 Phone: (626) 610-1700 Johnny Appleseed ID#: 0000 Union: 3333 -Front- -BackSCAN HERE FOR ACCESS Find class history here - including the expiration dates of all certifications. My Classes: Find personal information here - including apprentice period, RSI hours and a downloadable course completion form and upgrade letter. My Info: Find where and when apprentices scheduled classes are and download the “Mandatory to Attend Letter”. Upcoming: 21
CALTRANS RECOGNIZED COURSES Flaggers that are part of a traffic control system must be certified by an authorized flagger training provider. The authorized flagger training provider list is available at the Caltrans Division of Construction website: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/safety-traffic/safety-training-courses . The Laborers Training School is one of three approved providers. for the following courses: Traffic Control Safety & Flagging - 8 Hours, 3 year expiration This courses covers the following objectives: • Describe 3 – 5 hazards found in a roadway work zone • List 3 – 4 PPE items used by flaggers • List 4 – 5 pieces of equipment used by flaggers • Demonstrate methods to signal traffic to Stop / Proceed / and Slow Down • Describe 1 - 2 effective methods of communication with another flagger • Describe 2 – 3 methods of controlling one-way traffic • Describe the procedure for dealing with emergency vehicles in the work zone • Describe how to deal with hostile drivers • Identify 3 – 4 parts of the traffic control zone • Identify and discuss automated flagging assistance devices • Participate in the mock layout of a work zone and flagger station Traffic Control Technician - 16 Hours, 3 year expiration Prereqrisite: Traffic Control Safety & Flagging. This courses covers the following objectives: • Identify equipment needed for lane closures • Demonstrate the ability to safely and efficiently set up Arrow and Message Boards • Demonstrate the ability to properly program a message board • Describe and demonstrate sign and cone spacing for freeway and expressway closures • Describe and demonstrate taper lengths and set up for freeway and expressway closures • Demonstrate proper set-up of required sings • Demonstrate proper set-up and removal of lane closures • Demonstrate the proper maintenance of a lane closure • Demonstrate the ability to drive a traffic truck in a safe smooth manner Students receive a school issued certification card at the end of each course Please contact the Laborers Training School for scheduling and questions: 626-610-1700 Please contact the Laborers Training School for scheduling and questi ons: 626-610-1700 Traffi c Control Safety & Flagging - 8 Hours, 3 year expirati on This courses covers the following objecti ves: • Describe 3 – 5 hazards found in a roadway work zone • List 3 – 4 PPE items used by fl aggers • List 4 – 5 pieces of equipment used by fl aggers • Demonstrate methods to signal traffi c to Stop / Proceed / and Slow Down • Describe 1 - 2 eff ecti ve methods of communicati on with another fl agger • Describe 2 – 3 methods of controlling one-way traffi c • Describe the procedure for dealing with emergency vehicles in the work zone • Describe how to deal with hosti le drivers • Identi fy 3 – 4 parts of the traffi c control zone • Identi fy and discuss automated fl agging assistance devices • Parti cipate in the mock layout of a work zone and fl agger stati on Flaggers that are part of a traffi c control system must be certi fi ed by an authorized fl agger training provider. The authorized fl agger training provider list is available at the Caltrans Division of Constructi on website: htt ps://dot.ca.gov/programs/constructi on/safety-traffi c/safety-training-courses The Laborers Training School is one of three approved providers for the following courses: GET YOUR FLAGGER TRAINING TODAY! CERTIFIED FLAGGER COURSES Traffi c Control Technician - 16 Hours, 3 year expirati on Prerequisite: Traffi c Control Safety & Flagging. This courses covers the following objecti ves: • Identi fy equipment needed for lane closures • Demonstrate the ability to safely and effi ciently set up Arrow and Message Boards • Demonstrate the ability to properly program a message board • Describe and demonstrate sign and cone spacing for freeway and expressway closures • Describe and demonstrate taper lengths and set up for freeway and expressway closures • Demonstrate proper set-up of required sings • Demonstrate proper set-up and removal of lane closures • Demonstrate the proper maintenance of a lane closure • Demonstrate the ability to drive a traffi c truck in a safe smooth manner STUDENTS RECEIVE A SCHOOL ISSUED CERTIFICATION CARD AT THE END OF EACH COURSE!
*Aerial Boom Lift Air Tools Air Tools Awareness Anthrax Remediation *Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Refresher *Asbestos Abatement Worker Asbestos Abatement Worker Refresher +Asbestos Awareness Asphalt R&R Basic Blue Print Reading Basic Clay Pipe Awareness *Basic Construction Math *Basic Emergency Response Awareness Blue Print Reading Brazing & Soldering Brick Tending Duties Brick Tending Forklift Brick Tending Scaffold CA Class A Prep Class B License Commissioning Agent Competent Person Awareness Concrete Placement Concrete R&R +Confined Space Awareness Construction English 101 Construction Math +COVID19 Preparedness Qualification Disaster Site Worker *Drilling Operations Employability +Environmental Hazards of Highway Work Facility Systems & Maintenance Worker: - (FSMW) Shop Power Tools Certfications - (FSMW) Basic Weatherization - (FSMW) Array Maintenance +Fall Protection Fence Installation & Repair Fire Watch First Aid / CPR Foreman Training *Forklift Safety Fundamentals of Petroleum Refining *General Construction Geothermal Energy Green Construction Awareness +*Hazard Communication *Hazardous Waste Worker *Hazardous Waste Worker Refresher Heat Illness Heat Stress *Hoisting & Rigging Hoisting & Rigging Advanced *Hoisting & Rigging Advanced Math *Hoisting & Rigging Refresher *ICRA for Occupied Facilities Worker *ICRA for Occupied Facilities Worker Refresher *Indoor Air Pollution Intro to MSE Walls Intro to OSHA Intro to Photovoltaic Landscape 1: Planting & Maintenance Landscape 2: Construction Math, Irrigation & Low Voltage Lighting Systems Landscape 3: Erosion Control, Grading & Draining Landscape 4: Chain Saws, Retention Walls, Pavers & Dividers Landscape Laborer Laser/Transit/Building Level Basics Lead Abatement Supervisor (California) Lead Abatement Worker (California) *Lead Abatement Worker Refresher (California) +Lead Awareness LCM Concrete Placement & Finishing Tech 1 LCM Concrete Placement & Finishing Tech 2 LCM Concrete Repair LCM Decorative Concrete LCM Epoxy & Epoxy Injection LCM Form Setting Techniques LCM Machine Operations & Concrete Sawing Mandatory Orientation Mini Excavator Mixing Motar & Silica Awareness MSE Wall MSHA Nuclear Power Plant Worker Operator Qualifications *OSHA 10 *OSHA 30 Paver Installation *Permit Required Confined Space Entry Pipe Laying Pipeline Technology Pipeline Procedures: Polyethylene Pipe Fusion Plasma Arc & Oxy Acetylene Cutting Plasma Arc & Oxy Gasoline Cutting *Process Piping 1 Process Piping 2 Process Piping 3 Process Piping 4 Process Piping 5 Process Piping Blue Print Reading Process Safety Management Process Waste Management PV Racking Systems PV Service & Maintenance Quality Electrical Worker *Reducing Silica Exposure Refinery Excavation & AQMD 1166 Awareness Refinery Safety Attendent Worker 40hr Refinery Safety Overview *Residential Construction Landscape +Respiratory Awareness +Rigging & Signaling Awareness *Rough Terrain Forklift Sandblasting Saw Cutting Scaffold Builder +Scaffold User Sexual Harassment Prevention for Employees *Signal Person *Signal Person Refresher *Silica Awareness *Skid Steer 1 Skid Steer 2 Skip Loader Superintendent Training SWPPP Awareness Thermal Solar Awareness Tilt-Up Track Worker Traffic Control 2 +*Traffic Control Safety & Flagging Treated Wood Waste Awareness Trench Plate Protection Trench Safety Trencher Tube and Clamp Scaffold Tunneling *Underground Storage Tank Program Utility Trailer +Valley Fever Awareness *VESOL 1 Water Truck Operation and Safety Weatherization Basics Weatherization Energy Auditor Weatherization Supervisor *Weatherization Tech & Installer Welding 1: Oxyfuel Cutting Welding 2: Intro to Arc Welding Welding 3: SMAW Welding 4: GTAW Welding 5: TIG Work Area Prep & Remediation Techniques * Indicates Accredited Courses + Indicates Online Courses CURRICULUM
9WE CREATE PATHWAYS TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO DISCOVER THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL AND LIVE A PURPOSEFUL LIFE 9WE CREATE PATHWAYS TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO DISCOVER THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL AND LIVE A PURPOSEFUL LIFE