IIIATF holds Advanced Pads, Metal Layout Train-the-Trainer courses

In mid-May, over a dozen Local JATC Training Coordinators and Instructors attended the Advanced Pad Development and Advanced Metal Layout Train-the-Trainers courses at the Local 17 Training Center in Chicago.

The two courses were offered by the International Apprenticeship and Training Fund (IIIATF) to help train the next generation of Mechanical Insulator Instructors.

Over the years, one trend in the Mechanical Insulation industry has been the demand for sewn removable blankets over blankets made with the use of mechanical fasteners. The reusability and long-term cost savings have proven valuable to end users.

In 2011, the IIIATF Trustees approved the first Advanced Pad Development Train-the-Trainer class and since then, the IIIATF course has trained more than 100 instructors who have gone on to influence the training of thousands of union Insulators. IIIATF Administrator John L. Stahl spoke on the importance of the Advanced Pad Development Train-the-Trainer course.

2022 IIIATF Advanced Pad Development and Advanced Metal Layout Train-the-Trainers courses

“With skilled instructors passing their newly learned skills on to Local Union apprentices and mechanics, we can gain a greater market share of the blanket work,” he said. “I must say, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of the Local Union Training Coordinators and Instructors who teach the course.” 

Local 17 Training Coordinator Robert McGuckin and Instructor Ashley Margentina taught the Advanced Pad Development classes, while Local 17 Instructors Shawn Craven and Ben Frank instructed the Advanced Metal Layout class.

They had nothing but positive things to say about each class.

“As an instructor, there’s nothing more rewarding than passing on the knowledge and techniques to my peers that has been given to me from the past generation of Insulators, who paved the way for our industry,” said Craven.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with like-minded instructors from around the country,” added Frank. “The exchange of techniques and ideas benefits all who attend, and every year we gather more and different styles. I feel blessed to be part of a class that helps to further our trade’s development.”

These are not the type of classes where the curriculum has been set and is repeated year after year. New teaching tips, tricks and techniques are added regularly. There are many new methods and ways that both the instructors and class attendees learn from each other every year.

“I have always been amazed by the passion that both the instructors and students bring,” said Stahl. “The thirst for knowledge in learning new layouts and teaching methods has been contagious.”

The classes were not held the previous two years due to COVID-19, and the trainers at Local 17 were excited about the opportunity to host the classes this year, McGuckin said.

“It is always great to have instructors and members from all over our International come together and learn from each other,” he said. “I think that the skills those who attended the Pads and Advanced Metal class leave with will help with teaching these skills to future generations of Insulators.”

The IIIATF thanks all the Training Coordinators and Instructors who continue to show their support by dedicating their time to learning and then training those in our trade in order to further develop our workforce.

Thank you to the following who attended the Advanced Pad Development Train-the-Trainer class: Local 2 Training Coordinator Ryan Duessel and Instructor Bradley Schafer; Local 12 Training Coordinator Joe Rodgers and Instructor Kevin Soika; Local 16 Instructors Kevin Martin and Darrell Reddick; Local 19 Training Coordinator Eliseo Aleman; Local 22 Business Manager Lacy Wolf and Instructor John Wilson; Local 58 Instructor Cynthia Filion; Local 69 Instructor Rob Cochran; Local 89 Instructor Sean Mead; and Local 132 Training Coordinator Bernard Alvarez and Instructors Kale Alvarez and Rodney Yoshikawa.

Thank you to the following who attended the Advanced Metal Layouts Train-the-Trainer class: Local 7 Training Coordinator Samuel Tafolla; Local 16 Instructors Kevin Martin and Darrell Reddick; Local 22 Instructor John Wilson; Local 58 Instructor Cynthia Filion; Local 94 Business Manager and Training Coordinator Rodger Brown and Instructors Rickey Compara and Allen Faddis; Local 132 Training Coordinator Bernard Alvarez and Instructors Kale Alvarez and Rodney Yoshikawa; and Local 135Instructors Cory Elpin and Tyler Whalen.

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability or validity of any information on this blog, any responses or comments posted on this blog or any information found on any link on this site. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied workers will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers reserves the right, without notice, to edit, delete or refrain from posting any blog responses or comments or portions thereof that International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers deems to be offensive, derogatory, abusive or threatening in any way. This policy disclaimer is subject to change at any time.