In light of the coronavirus pandemic, and CDC guidance on social distancing, DOSH is making some temporary policy changes in the handling asbestos supervisor and worker refresher training.
Asbestos workers and supervisors with expiration dates between March 13th 2020 and June 13th 2020 will have a three (3) month extension on their certification. If you take your refresher class within that time frame, there is no need to take the state test.
Example 1: A supervisor’s certification states an expiration date of March 18th, 2020. They will be able to work until June 18th, 2020. If they take a refresher course before June 18th, 2020 they will not need to take the state test.
Example 2: A worker’s certification states an expiration date of June 5th, 2020. They will be able to work until September 5th, 2020. If they take a refresher course before September 5th, 2020 they will not need to take the state test.
When an official DOSH Directive regarding asbestos worker and supervisor certifications is issued, the guidance in that directive will replace the guidance in this email.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Due to the present state of the coronavirus, as a precautionary measure, NWLETT is immediately cancelling all classes at all training sites (Kingston, Pasco, Satsop, Spokane, Utah, and Des Moines) for the next four weeks.
In-local classes are still scheduled to take place as planned; however, if this changes, cancellations will be posted to the schedules on the website.
Please check the website for updates.
Please stay safe and wash those hands!
Unless you’ve won the lottery and are entering the apprenticeship program just for the chance to learn a lot and build cool things, you’re like the rest of us: You don’t have enough money for everything you want. It’s the reality of a consumer society: There’s so much to buy, but only so much money at your disposal.
Whether you’re aware of them all or not, you make choices every day about how to spend your money. And depending on your situation, those choices are either good ones or bad ones – each one impacts your finances, now and in the future.
As you’re starting your apprenticeship program, this is the perfect time to start building a financial foundation, so you can have a realistic shot at the lifestyle you want – at each stage of your life. Given the reality of all there is to spend money on, how can you stay in control?
The good news is that financial planning is an integral component of the Laborers Apprenticeship program. As an apprentice, you’ll learn six critical elements to building a strong and long-lasting financial foundation. Here’s a brief, high-level look at each one.
This is just about thinking ahead. During your first year of apprenticeship, you may be earning a higher hourly wage then you ever have before. But sometimes apprentices won’t work all year-round, so don’t base your spending on an income amount that may be too optimistic.
You have to expect the unexpected: Your car breaks down, or your current project ends and it may be a week or several weeks before you’re dispatched to a new job. Building an emergency fund may be the most important thing you can do to get through any tough times. The basic guideline is to save between three and six months of your basic living expenses. Emergency funds take time to build, so start with as much as you can. When something bad happens, the relief of knowing you’ve got money put aside to cover it is a game-changer.
You can call it a budget, or whatever you like. A spending plan is simple: a realistic picture of how much comes in, how much goes out, and what’s leftover.
There are several key parts to this.
It’s another fact of our lives: Your credit has a giant impact on your ability to get and do what you want. But your credit rating can change over time, so even if you’re not in a good position now, you can build it back up; it’s like completing an apprenticeship program – it takes work and time. Here are some top tips for building and maintaining good credit:
If you’re in debt, you have to take the long view: commitment and time are your best tools. Follow these steps to create a plan that will put you back in control of your financial future:
Think long-term about credit – it can take months or even a few years to establish a strong credit rating.
When you’ve paid off debt and established an emergency fund, it’s going to feel great to have money left over at the end of the month. Now it’s time to decide what it should go toward, and where to put it. Go with a low-risk investment; you should talk to a banker or a certified financial planner about your options.
Starting with the Laborers Apprenticeship Program is a positive first step toward building that financial foundation because we’ll teach you how to manage your money and build a prosperous future for you and your family.
One last resource for you: Money Under 30 is a website especially for young adults, focusing on topics that are relevant to them. It offers simple, informative and relatable content.
If you really want to get the scoop on something, you go straight to an inside source if you can… so that’s what we’re doing for you today. The Laborers Apprenticeship program might already seem like a good fit for you, but it’s a big choice, so you should do some homework before you commit. Part of that includes hearing from someone who’s already in the program.
To help out, we sat down with Tony Hanna of Everett, who has been in the program for several years, and asked him to provide an inside perspective of what it’s like for him.
How long have you been in the Laborers Apprenticeship program?
I started fours years ago as a member of Local 292 in Everett. When I first began working in construction, I was working for a non-union contractor. I didn’t like it. There wasn’t a whole lot of respect, and they weren’t concerned about training you so you could do the job properly. They would tell you to do something and then expect you to do it even though you weren’t properly trained. That was frustrating.
In September 2014, I talked to a buddy who was a union operating engineer. He suggested checking into the Laborers Apprenticeship program, and he set it up for me to attend an orientation at Local 292. After passing the pre-construction training, I started out as an apprentice working for Gary Merlino Construction up until May 2017, when I put my construction career on temporary hold to become a member of the Army Reserve. I left Merlino to attend Army training from May through December of 2017. In January of this year, my former foreman asked me to come work for Marshbank Construction as a pipe layer, and I’ve been with them since then.
What’s your typical day at work like?
It’s pretty busy. On a pipe crew, sometimes I’ll be the top man or sometimes I’ll be in the ditch doing it myself. The top man’s job is to help keep the process running smoothly. I make sure pipe is ready go into the ground. I make sure the rigging is kept up. If we’re shoring, my job is to make sure we have the right jacks in place. Other duties include putting up fence or moving the ladder forward. I run the jumping jack on the backfill, or I’m cutting pipe or mudding the pipe into the structure. If I’m in the ditch, I’m watching for unmarked utilities, checking grade, laying the pipe. We lay ductile iron pipe that’s used for fresh water and storm water.
What’s it like on the job site?
The days go by very fast. There are four guys on my crew. The more pipe we get into the ground the better. If we’re ahead of schedule, that takes the stress level down. Our crew has been together since the beginning of the job that began in January. We’re all about the same age, and we also like to hang out together outside of work.
What do you find most appealing about being a Laborer?
I like working with my hands, and I like working outside. I grew up in Washington and actually like the rain, so working in construction and being a Laborer is a nice fit.
You’re in a classroom session this week. What class are you taking?
I’m in the asbestos class, and it’s one week long. We’re learning how to protect ourselves when handling a hazardous material like asbestos. It was used in so many things in the past, so we learn how to wear Tyvek suits and respirators, and how to set up a room for decontamination. We learn how to clean up after the job is finished and prevent the spread of contaminants.
So, you’re staying in the dorm this week while you complete your class. What’s that like?
Staying in the dorm lets me concentrate on school, so I focus on going to class, then I eat, go the gym, then kick back and relax before bed. Being able to stay at the training center makes it easier to attend class. I don’t have to travel home every day, and that saves money. Plus, I get three meals a day.
Have you found a niche you enjoy? Is there a particular type of laborer work you want to get into?
I’ve been doing mostly pipe work since becoming a Laborer, and I do some grade-checking. I like being on the pipe crew; I like the work and I plan to stay with pipe work into the foreseeable future.
Are there any challenges you’ve encountered as an apprentice?
I’ve been lucky. It’s been a positive experience since the first day I became an apprentice. I also appreciate working with the Journeymen who know the trade and are good mentors.
Off work, what kinds of activities do you enjoy the most?
Since I’m a member of the Army Reserve, I go to the gym regularly to stay in shape and stay active. I also like to run, work out, hike, ride my dirt bike and go hunting. And I’ve got my pup, too. My dog goes everywhere with me. Of course, I had to leave him at home while I’m in class this week.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that technology has completely transformed the world during your lifetime. Whether you’re 22 or 62, even science fiction writers couldn’t have imagined everything that has changed or been invented while you’ve been around.
One small example: There’s more computing power in your smartphone than there was in the computers that landed the first man on the moon.
And technological advances are definitely not confined to the “high-tech” world. Construction may be the definition of a brick-and-mortar industry, but technology is helping it change and evolve.
Think about the all advances in that powerful smartphone; the same is true for the construction industry. Tools of all kinds evolve to adapt to new methods and materials. Technology has had an enormous impact on how we design, engineer and build structures.
In the traditional sense, you probably think of infrastructure as physical structures like roads and highways; bridges and dams; water, gas and oil pipelines; wastewater treatment plants; and communication networks and power grids. But infrastructure also includes technology. The power of the cloud, machine automation, the Internet of Things, big data and other technological developments are changing everything.
Check out just some of the things happening in construction today:
Ok, some of these concepts may seem a little like sci-fi. But they actually have real potential to enhance design, increase productivity, improve safety and even elevate quality in the construction industry.
The NWLETT Laborers Apprenticeship program will teach you traditional construction skills and techniques – but also give you a look into the exciting world of emerging construction technology. Laborers are consistently among the first in the industry to incorporate new tools and technology that increase productivity.
Learn more about the outstanding benefits of the Laborers Apprenticeship program.
When you leave the military, that transition is a challenging time. Sure, you meet all kinds of people who are thankful for your service and want to help you, and you can take serious pride in what you’ve learned and accomplished. But you’ve got to identify and start the next phase of your work life, and thank-you’s and attaboys don’t pay the bills.
The things you’re used to, and enjoy – clear structure, strong teamwork, specific mission goals, steady pay and good benefits – aren’t always easy to find in civilian employment. And going to college can be a time-consuming and expensive process, with no guarantee of a job at the end.
But there are some fields of work that are natural fits for ex-military, and construction is one of the best. That’s why a NWLETT apprenticeship program is a great career-transition option.
And the construction industry knows the value of military experience, too. Check out some of these thoughts from industry recruiters and analysts:
“For construction contractors looking to add skilled employees to their business, there isn’t a better pool of candidates to choose from than the men and women transitioning from the military.”
“When I look at my work force, I want guys and girls out there who take pride in what they do. When they take pride in what they do, they tend to work safely and productively. You find a lot of that in the military. You find men and women who take pride in what they do and perform quality work each and every day.”
“If someone has leadership skills and the ability to be responsible, which a lot of our veterans have, they can potentially be a foreman or a supervisor and lead one of our project sites. So the opportunity to not only get paid but to advance is strong.”
Here’s another sign that military service and the construction industry are a good match: a recent article from HireOurHeroes.org outlined the top 14 military-friendly job categories. The first field on that list? The skilled trades – which are the jobs you can learn through an NWLETT apprenticeship.
But let’s break it down and get more specific about why this construction training program might be the way to go for you.
A construction apprenticeship with NWLETT lets you earn a living wage from your first day, with practical on-the-job training and plenty of opportunities for career advancement.
So you’re ready for Act II of your career and life… well, here’s a path that offers a lot for someone in your position. Contact NWLETT.
Think of some of your favorite buildings around where you live – they could be graceful homes, historical landmarks or marvels of modern architecture. Now think of the skills, pride and hard work that went into building them – and the people responsible.
In today’s world, you hear a lot about high-tech, dot-com startup, work-all-day-staring-at-a-computer jobs. As a consequence, some of the most noble, necessary and solid careers don’t get the respect they once did – and still deserve.
There are plenty of misconceptions about jobs in the construction industry. Today we want to address them directly – and provide non-nonsense, real answers to them.
Fact: Baloney. College isn’t for everyone, and the attitude that every high school graduate needs to attend college is really unfair to a significant number of people, by limiting their opportunity for career preparation.
Today’s job market rewards many skills that can be obtained through a technical college or an apprenticeship program. Students who enjoy working with their hands, designing and building are in demand in the construction industry, and are well paid. Working as a skilled craftsman is a career to be proud of.
Fact: Construction workers are in high demand, but you need career training to acquire knowledge and skills.
Construction is one of the only industries where employers pay for, host or send their employees to training. Apprenticeships are highly competitive. From education regarding OSHA safety regulations to classes, seminars and conferences regarding the latest construction technology and innovation, construction professionals are constantly improving their skill sets.
Workers interested in pursuing project management or other upper-level positions are often required to obtain a degree or further technical training. In a competitive market, especially the post-recession construction market, it can be very difficult for uneducated or inexperienced workers to find a job.
Fact: Sure, working in construction can be dangerous, but current safety standards and regulations have made the construction industry as safe as it has ever been. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that fatal work injuries in the private construction sector have decreased every year since 2006. Companies have learned that developing risk management plans, holding regular safety meetings and keeping a continuous eye on safety has a major impact on construction-site accidents and injuries. Also, tool manufacturers and equipment vendors are producing equipment with built-in safety features. They’re also hosting their own orientations, trainings and safety meetings, which reinforce the “Safety First” approach.
Fact: Most construction professionals are exactly where they want to be. Construction offers a multitude of jobs for a variety of skill sets, from planning and building to organizing and managing. People who start in a trade when they’re young receive more continuing education and training than the majority of their professional counterparts. This is especially true when you consider that less than half the workforce reports that their job requires a college degree.
Construction workers are employed in an industry that typically works Monday through Friday, with regular working hours and holidays off. They’re also fairly compensated for overtime. Plus, it’s very satisfying to be in a profession where you can work with your hands as well as your head, and can see physical results from your labor on a daily basis. Not to mention that the majority of houses, bridges, roads, high-rises, etc., that you build will be there for decades—if not centuries—to come.
Fact: This couldn’t be further from the truth. Construction begins long before a single construction worker or tool ever arrives on the scene. City and town planners, economists, engineers and architects are not performing “simple” jobs. Neither are the trained and skilled workers who show up every day using modern innovations and construction technology to build the world we live in. Construction requires the ability to “think outside the box,” as well as in-the-moment problem-solving skills that are not required in many other professions.
Fact: Construction is a multibillion-dollar industry. From residential homes to fancy hotels and high-rises to complex transportation systems, there are plenty of opportunities for construction workers to get ahead and earn a very comfortable living.
Consider that the median salary for construction project managers is $82,790, and it’s quickly obvious that professional success is a real possibility for construction professionals who are interested in working up through the ranks. It is also one of the few job markets left where entrepreneurs and skilled workers who want to start their own company have the opportunity to grow a lucrative business.
Fact: People choose the construction industry because they like to work, use their smarts, show their skills and enjoy the challenges. Individuals with excellent math and reading skills enter this industry to build amazing structures. Construction professionals work with their hands as well as their brains, and take pride in making an idea go from concept to final product.
Fact: The truth is that many construction workers earn more per hour than university graduates, and an average construction worker’s annual salary is greater than the overall national-average salary. If you work your way up in this industry as an apprentice, you can earn money while you’re studying and avoid student loan issues.
Fact: Today both men and women work as respected professionals on the same construction teams, and earn equal pay. You can find talented and well-trained women in this industry, and employers and coworkers appreciate their professional skills.
Fact: The construction profession requires you to be physically fit. It does not require you to be big and buff. As a matter of fact, to succeed in this profession, brains are more important than brawn.
It all adds up to a simple conclusion: the construction industry is still going strong, and is still a great choice for people who want a career-path job that’ll never go out of style. Have you ever talked to someone who had a hard time explaining exactly what they do in their computer-based job? Think back on your favorite buildings again… when you’re part of a construction team, there’s no question what you do: you build things. Things that last, things you can see, things you’re proud of.
And that’s certainly not a myth.
So, if you’ve been reading along here with our blog, you’ve picked up on the fact that the NWLETT apprentice program for Laborers looks like a smart choice if you’re more interested in getting on-the-job training and cashing checks than putting in four or five years of time and tuition.
But at this point you might have some questions that we haven’t answered in detail, or at all. Here are some questions we commonly get, and straightforward answers to them.
What are the requirements to get in the program?
There are three mandatory requirements: you have to be at least 18 years old, you must have a valid driver’s license, and you need to verify that you have at least a 10th-grade education or a GED.
How do I apply?
We suggest you give our apprenticeship office a call at 800.554.4457. They’ll ask you some questions to determine your next steps – typically, you’ll go to a union hall near your area and submit an application there.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The Laborer apprenticeship program involves 6,000 hours of combined on-the-job and classroom training. This can take from 3 to 5 years to complete – and you’ll be earning a good wage at the same time that you’re learning.
Do I have to take a drug test?
Yes, drug testing is mandatory for everyone in the program.
Are housing and meals free during training?
While you’re attending classes at the Kingston or Satsop training sites, your housing and meals are provided free of cost.
Why do I have to have a valid driver’s license?
On some jobs your employer may require you to drive a company vehicle, so you must be licensed and insurable.
What if I want to be an electrician/carpenter/operator?
Laborers are a separate trade from these fields, and we do not teach these very specialized skills. But, because the scope of a Laborer’s work is broader, we’re generally the first workers on a job and the last to leave. That means more overall work hours for Laborers.
I’ve worked in another state – will my skills transfer?
If you can prove that you’ve performed Laborer work (by showing W2s and pay stubs), you might be eligible for training credit and/or a higher starting wage.
What if I just want to be a flagger?
You’ll learn flagging as part of your apprenticeship. The program is designed to make you a well-rounded Laborer, which will benefit you and your employer in the long run.
What advice can you give me?
Be willing to learn and expand your skills. Being well-rounded in your skills helps you by making you eligible for more types of work. Because Laborer work can be cyclical, that means when one type of work (for example, concrete) slows down, you can pick up other work, like asbestos abatement. The more skills you possess, the more work will be available to you.
We hope this gives you an even better idea of why the NWLETT program is so beneficial for so many people looking to start on a solid career path. But, of course, you might have even more questions; we welcome them. Give us a call at 800.554.4457 and find out if you’re ready to get to work with us.
Questions about our courses?
Call us today.
Just give us your info below.
We’ll get back to you soon to let you know
what comes next.