CWB Certifications & Updates

The CWB Group introduced a new plastic weld qualification card in early 2009. We have received a few questions regarding these qualifications so hopefully the information below will answer these questions.

Q: Are the paper tickets still valid?

A: They certainly are, and will continue to be valid up to the expiry date shown on the ticket.

Q: My old card is not expiring, but I would like to get a new plastic card. Can I?

A: In order to reduce the cost of this new service, CWB will only be issuing new plastic cards to welders as they receive new qualifications or pass a check test to renew an existing ticket.

Q: What happens if I lose my current CWB ticket?

A: If a replacement card is required members will be charged a $27 administration fee per card. This fee is implemented by CWB Group. Please note that it will take approximately 10 days to receive a replacement card.

Q: I tested for my CWB qualification ticket at the Learning Centre. When will I receive my ticket?

A: Due to the cost for a replacement qualification we are unable to mail your tickets to you, in case they get lost in the mail. Tickets must be picked-up at the hall. Please note that it will take approximately 10 days from the date tested for us to receive your new qualification.

The Learning Centre has two CWB test dates scheduled each month. To book an appointment please call Jody at the 780- 451-5992 Ext. 248 on the appropriate registration date listed below. Registration will remain open until the CWB testing dates for that month are full. Once dates are full members will be asked to call back on the next registration date. Individuals already scheduled for their tests will not be affected by these changes. If you have any questions or require clarification please call.

Registration Opens: June 30, 2010

Test Date: July 15th and July 29th

Registration Opens: July 30, 2010

Test Date: August 12th and August 26th

Fraternally,

John Gras and John Fletcher, Training Coordinators

WorkSmart Update

We have just completed our 24th WorkSmart course for pre-apprentices who wish to work with the Boilermakers Lodge 146. Many of these students have moved forward, signed apprenticeships and have gone on to become members and an important part of our organization. Congratulations to all of our students.

With the success of the WorkSmart training, the Learning Centre is now offering it’s first Welding WorkSmart. This course is for any non-member indentured welding apprentices, who have attended ARIS (Apprentice Recruitment Information Seminar) after January 1, 2010 and are interested in attaining work and beginning a career with Boilermakers Lodge 146. The Welding WorkSmart focuses on the skills specific to an apprentice in our trade and what they will experience on our jobsites.

If you have friends or family interested in pursuing a career with the Boilermakers their first step is to attend an Apprentice Recruitment Information Seminar (ARIS). The seminar covers Boilermaker trade descriptions, jobsite demands, what it means to be a member of local 146 and how our apprenticeship program works. All of their questions will be answered there. It is their first step towards a future with Local 146. To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities please visit our website and refer to the apprenticeship section.

Ron Jacobs

Instructor

New Instructor at the Learning Centre

For those of you who don’t already know me I would like to introduce myself. I’m a 25 year member of the Boilermakers, happily married to Evelyn, my wife of 22 years.

During the 22 years of employment at Edmonton Exchanger I became dual ticketed in the Boilermaker and Welding trades. Having gone to NAIT 6 years in a row, I know what it is like to study hard while earning only a fraction of those who are working. Starting as a laborer, laying out, cutting plate, hot forming leads, rolling plate into cylinders, as well as being in supervision, I understand all the different levels in our industry.

In 2007, I changed directions by transferring to NAIT as a Boilermaker/Structural Steel Plate Fitter Instructor. I really enjoyed teaching, tutoring and mentoring the students in a variety of different learning styles. I joined the Learning Centre staff of Local 146 in November of 2009 to work alongside Ron Jacobs in teaching pre-apprentices.

I’m also working on the delivery of rigging training, building new courses and tutoring welding apprentices. I look forward to meeting many of you in our new tutoring room or in the classroom as we forge ahead together on the road to continued success.

Rigging and overhead crane course schedule:

April 29 & 30, 2010

8:30 am to 3:30 pm

lunch is provided

Anyone interested in attending should register soon as the course is filling up quickly. To register, please contact Jody at 780-451-5992 (ext. 248).

Feel free to contact me anytime at 780-451-5992 (ext. 232)

Ron Schulz

Instructor