IMI Instructor Certification Sees Gains with Economic Rebound

JOURNAL: ISSUE 4 - 2014

Despite cutbacks in recent years due to a faltering economy, one of IMI’s most essential programs, the Instructor Certification Program (ICP), saw a strong resurgence in 2014 with almost 100 instructors attending.

1st year instructors

 “Training the next generation of BAC members in all of our crafts is going to be a top priority as we move out of this recession,” said BAC President James Boland, who also co-chairs IMI.  “One of the biggest problems we face in construction with the ups-and-downs of the market is that not only do you lose some of your craftworkers in the recession, but you also lose the opportunity to take in apprentices when you don’t have work for them.”
 

President Boland went on to point out that he hopes the work of the BAC Apprenticeship and Training Taskforce will lead to greater emphasis on the types of instructors needed and on making sure all instructors are trained to the same standard, which is a key goal of the ICP.

“The ICP program ensures that we have experienced instructors with present-day knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the BAC signatory contractors,” said IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training Robert Arnold. He added that some 650 individuals have attended ICP over the years, with more than 200 graduating.

Twelve instructors will graduate this year having completed the 200 hours of required coursework.  Not only do ICP graduates have to be subject matter experts, they need to have the skills to teach the subject matter to others. The courses are taught by IMI staff as well as University of Maryland University College professors.

Some of the required courses include computer classes, teaching trade math, blueprint reading, and teaching in a multicultural setting. Instructors also study the adult learner, coaching/mentoring and communication skills.

For more information about ICP, contact barnold@imiweb.org.

2nd year instructors

3rd and 4th year instructors