Ironworkers Apprenticeship Teams Up with GateWay, MCCCD to Train Welders

Ironworkers Local 75 Apprenticeship is an organization that trains men and women to become journeymen ironworkers by providing classroom and hands-on training to apprentices in association with GateWay and the Maricopa County Community College District. Recently, the Ironworkers Apprenticeship provided training to MCCCD employees in welding, burning, use of related tools and safety.

 A total of 23 students were trained in welding basics in two week-long 40 hour classes this past semester. Ironworker instructor Vern Bruner taught the students stick and wire welding, torch use and tool use, such as the proper way to inspect and use grinders. Safety was incorporated into every lesson and was a paramount goal in this endeavor. To help develop their skills, the students were able to spend about 75 percent of their time in the shop doing hands-on training. In addition, classes included a variety of classroom topics, including MIG and TIG welding, blueprint reading, welding symbols, and inspection of welds.

As the students became more comfortable in using the torches and welding machines, their creative talents blossomed as many created metal pieces of art. Overall, there was great feedback from the students, including many who said they would participate in the class again and recommend it to friends and colleagues. “I learned more about welding in four days of this class than I learned in four years of high school,” said one student.

Because of the classes’ success, hopes are high that MCCD and the Ironworkers Local 75 Apprenticeship can schedule similar classes in the future.

For more information, visit the Ironworkers Local 75 online or contact Apprenticeship Coordinator George Facista.