To answer the need of local contractors who need a consistent supply of skilled carpenters, the Atlanta Carpenters Local 225 established a unique system to mold area men and women into productive interior systems apprentices in an accelerated, intense training program. An Interior Systems Boot Camp, presented at the Atlanta Education Center by the Southeastern Carpenters Training Trust Fund (SECTT) is designed to teach the fundamentals of metal framing and sheetrock hanging, making Camp graduates highly employable by local employers.
For 10-hours a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks, students trained in safety (OSHA 10), measuring, material handling, correct fastening procedures, building muscle memory of screw placement and depth, correct cutting procedures for sheetrock and metal studs/track, wall layout, wall construction, aerial lift, and other pertinent building skills.
The draw for participants: If they achieved perfect attendance and successfully completed skill testing, they would earn a second-year apprentice level upon completion and be guaranteed a job at the end of the Boot Camp.
During the first Boot Camp, four students were hired on-the-spot by a contractor who observed their work. This same contractor also put in his order to hire EVERY student from the next Atlanta bootcamp.
“We followed-up with this employer, who reported how happy he was regarding the attitude, work ethic, and promptness of his Bootcamp hires,” said Shon Douglas, Executive Director of the SECTT.
The apprentices all become members of Atlanta Carpenters Local 225 of the Southeastern Carpenters Regional Council. On the last day of camp, each student was given all the hand tools they used during their training. The Council also sponsored a final day skills competition and presented the winner, Jeffry Acosta, with a three-piece drill set.
Take a look at this Camp’s highlights video, or click here to view a photo album of the camp.
More Atlanta camps are in the process of being set up. For more information, contact Anthony Valdez, Atlanta’s Training Coordinator, at AValdez@sectt.net and 678-553-4701, or Daniel Hicks, Atlanta Business Representative, at DHicks@secarpenters.org and 706-564-7000.