L.U. 347 (em,i,mt,rtb,rts&spa), DES MOINES, IA — Our local is in the enviable position of providing for the surging data industry. There are three data companies operating or building in five locations in the Des Moines area. This is a dramatic change for our local in terms of man-hours worked on an annual basis.
In the past, it was common for many of our members to travel to maintain a consistent income. This is no longer the case in Local 347. Now we welcome travelers to help with the workload. As mentioned in previous articles, the local has also increased the number of applicants for apprenticeship. This is a fantastic time to be an apprentice in Local 347.
A relatively new approach to recruiting young talent for our apprenticeship and industry is a program known as Interim Credentials. Trevor Stevens of the Des Moines Electrical Apprenticeship is working with Southeast Polk High School and Central Campus to make this curriculum available to students interested in exploring a career in the electrical industry.
Once they have completed the program, these students would be eligible to receive an interview with the apprenticeship committee and earn credits that could be applied toward the first year of apprenticeship. The JATC is willing to make this program available to high schools, community colleges and community organizations. The program can also help tailor high school mathematics and physics classes to the needs of students expressing interest in the electrical field.
The Christmas party was a huge success. Happy holidays!
“Every advance in this half-century — Social Security, Medicare, aid to education — one after another came with the support and leadership of American Labor.” – President Jimmy Carter
Mike Schweiger, P.S.
