JATC news Volume
1
What’s this
anyway ???
Okay, listen,
I wanted to try to improve on how we communicate around here and although this
newsletter is obviously a one way conversation, I thought it might provoke some
interest on your part.
I have lots of
ideas but wear no cape on my back. I’m
constantly being humbled by the limit of what I alone can do. I’m impatient; I want changes now.
I was down in
Boston at Local 103 a while back and there were apprentices coming in & out
of the JATC office every few minutes that were very involved in the JATC’s
mechanics.
I liked that.
I think the apprentices liked that. We can do that in 1253.
I will incorporate a “Letters” section or a
“Q&A” area in this
newsletter.
Just submit your thoughts to the JATC office & I’ll reprint them for you.
It can be anonymous, if desired.
I’ll do my part
by publishing this with as much info as the pages will allow.
At the
November 19th, 2002 JATC committee meeting it was approved for me to purchase
laptops for the instructors. Many of you know that a lot of CD’s are out there
for presenting information to you via PowerPoint or the internet. It’s a great
tool & the NJATC is working hard on putting the black Instructor’s manuals
on CD. They are also working on a website (NJATC.org) that instructors can
download presentations to enhance your learning.
I will also be
buying another projector.
I hope you
notice a big improvement. It will take us awhile to put together CD’s but it’s
a big step for this JATC to spend such a large amount of money. Do your part by
studying hard & staying curious about this industry.
Certainly long
overdo. It’s been suggested by many to
update the hourly worksheets that you use to record your hours. Stay tuned,
I’ll be stopping by your class to let you know how to fill them out.
What’s good
is they have an evaluation sheet on the
back of them so when you go to have your JW sign off the hours they will also
do an OJT evaluation on a monthly basis.
It’s a good way to make sure you get your due recognition on a regular basis.
In the past not many forms have gotten to the jobsite with only
one so far getting back to my office. I hope this will make things easier and become routine for everyone.
One problem I
have a problem with:
Not calling
into the jobsite or the classroom to let people know you won’t be there.
Respect your Brothers & Sisters, let them know what’s going on. As a last
resort, call me & I’ll contact the necessary parties.
Be responsible
& give them eight for eight. Be ready to go at 7:00 a.m., that’s the
agreement!
Let me know if
you have a cell phone. Some of you have missed job calls because I can’t get in
touch with you during the day & the contractor needs to know who is showing
up for the call.
The JATC has
debated for a few months now on whether to take in a 1st year class into the
Inside program. We will be waiting until next fall, but will take applications
year-round if you know anyone interested.
Safety
Obviously an
important part to your success. There are very few ways to leave a jobsite at
the end of the day. Make certain you
leave the same way you came, with your health.
Be observant
of others & your surroundings.
I’m planning
to put together some programs that will train you in CPR, First Aid, & some
short courses that will give you a 10-hour or 30-hour OSHA card. All of these
will be a requirement for an apprentice. Anyone interested in putting together some of these presentations
can contact the JATC office.
Educate
yourself & ask a lot of questions. Check your ladders, GFCIs, harnesses,
respirators on a daily basis. If a respirator has carbon in the bag, turn it in
for a new one.
There have been
reports coming into the office that a few of our jobsites have been unsafe.
Steel being flown over workers’ heads, work being requested by management that
is unsafe. If anyone has a situation they feel is unsafe on the job please
contact me. I’ll do everything I can to
help you. I can’t do anything if I’m unaware.
Storm Days
There has been a
little confusion about this so let me make this clear. Call the JATC office to find out about class
cancellation. The Instructors will contact me & I’ll either have a voice
mail message when you call explaining any cancellations or I’ll answer the call
myself to let you know the status. 621-6336
Habitat For Humanities Just to clarify one other thing that is causing
confusion:YOUR HOURS WILL COUNT; just put them on your worksheets