IMTEF Unveils Online Member Learning Opportunities, Including Foreman Training
Whether you want to become a foreman, you are new to the job or ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation’s (IMTEF’s) popular foreman/supervisor training, now available online, is a vital resource.
The 12-hour online course features interactive discussions, exercises and breakout sessions to help keep the class engaging, enabling students to learn from one another’s experiences. Topics covered include:
- Roles and responsibilities of a foreman
- Effective communication, team development and worker motivation
- Maintaining labor-management relations
- Planning and scheduling work
- Ensuring worker safety and productivity
Since the September and October sessions filled quickly, IMTEF is currently working to make the program broadly available to more BAC members.
“It’s really neat to have the opportunity to network with regional training directors, instructors and other members from across the country,” says Joshua Burns, BAC Local 3 IA member and superintendent at Seedorff Masonry.
Despite having more than 14 years’ experience leading job sites, Burns has gained invaluable insights from the course, including tips on how to talk to his crew about creating a harassment-free jobsite. “I’m constantly striving to be a better union member and a better mentor, and this class was just another step for me in that process. I wish more of my brothers and sisters would take advantage of these training opportunities. Even if you’re already a foreman, you’ll pick up something new in this class.”
Joshua Rehme, BAC ADC 1 of MO apprentice, participated in the class at the encouragement of his employer, Patricio Masonry Co. Inc. As the only apprentice in the course, Rehme was able to soak up the knowledge and experience of his classmates and instructors, gaining valuable insights into what traits make an effective supervisor. “My boss told me this program could help give me the tools to run work when I finish up my apprenticeship.”
During a time of deep uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, opportunities like online training are a great way for IMTEF, local training centers, and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) to help members and their families.
“Flexibility in training is key to the future of our apprenticeship and training programs,” said Anthony DiPerna, IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training. “It’s a win-win if we can reach apprentices and journeyworkers in their own homes, where they sign on to train virtually while advancing their hours and education.”
In addition to foreman training, IMTEF facilitates OSHA 10 (available in both English and Spanish), and OSHA 30 courses online and on-demand. In conjunction with the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), IMTEF also offers Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) training online. The eight-hour program provides contractors and craftworkers the information needed to understand and apply ICRA procedures required in healthcare and other occupied facility construction and renovation work.
Many local training centers and JATCs also offering their own online training opportunities. To sign up for upcoming classes, contact your local training center or ADC.