Training Directors React to Pandemic with Multiple Plans

Training Directors React to Pandemic with Multiple Plans

As the COVID-19 pandemic seems to regain strength in Ohio and many other states, restrictions are beginning to ease, but training directors for various union trades must now prepare multiple training plans that can change quickly, if needed.

At the onset of the coronavirus, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, registered apprenticeship programs and other educational centers had to either modify their schedules or shift to online learning.

For some JATCs, the adjustment to online assignments, lessons and testing proved to be difficult. For others, it provided a much-needed change of pace and perhaps helped fast-track needed advancements in apprentice training.

Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189 Training Director Rich Manley embraced the changes from the beginning. He was already in the process of adopting numerous new technologies into his apprentice training before the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Once Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered all schools closed, training directors were forced to adapt to the unfolding situation.

Manley finished out the school year by having apprentices use email to submit assignments and communicate with instructors. Nearly all his apprentices were compliant, Manley said, adding he had a few classes try out an education technology service called Blackboard.

By fall, he expects all Local 189 plumbing, pipefitting and welding apprentices will be completing work online through Blackboard, with lessons and assignments placed in one convenient and organized place. The JATC instructors can even conduct testing through the learning management system, he added.

Although email, online learning and video conferencing provide great learning tools for certain course material, apprenticeship training for construction work still requires some hands-on learning. “You’re not going to learn to weld on Blackboard,” Manley said. In addition to online learning, Manley is now preparing for the return of in-person classes.

While DeWine has allowed for in-person instruction in the fall, the situation remains fluid. This has led many training directors to have to plan for multiple scenarios.

IUPAT District Council 6 Training Director George Boots resumed in-person training for apprentices right before the July 4 holiday weekend. In-person journeyman upgrade classes followed during the week of July 6.

Boots said he and the apprentices taking part in the training are following the guidelines set forth by the CDC and Gov. DeWine. When apprentices enter the training center, they receive a temperature check and must fill out a questionnaire about possible COVID-19 symptoms. Facemasks are required to be worn and only nine students are allowed in any classroom.

Due to the fluid situation, Boots knows he and his fellow instructors might need to adjust if state guidelines change. The main goal will be to ensure those taking part in training can do so safely.

Other training directors expressed hesitation when it comes to setting definitive plans for upcoming apprentice classes.

Apprentices with IBEW Local 688 in Mansfield finished out the school year attending classes held via Zoom video conferencing. Fortunately, the apprentices were able to gather in small groups at the end of the year to finish any testing needed to complete the year.

The plan is similar for the coming school year, as apprentices will attend classes remotely, especially if COVID-19 cases increase.

In Mentor, IBEW Local 673 Training Director David Mealy is stepping into uncharted territory. He was named the Local’s full-time training director in late June, and he has been hard at work preparing for classes to resume.

He said he is eager to get a plan set, but is awaiting additional guidance on the ever-changing situation before finishing.

Despite various unknown or rapidly changing factors, Mealy said he is preparing for all options. Whether it involves video conferencing or an online learning management system such as Blackboard, Mealy is ready to embrace all options, to enhance the apprentices learning experience.