Accessing Union Apprenticeship

ACCESSING UNION
APPRENTICESHIPS
WHEN
November 5, 2021,
8am – 3:30pm
WHERE - Attend online, in-person, or both!
Main Live hub:
Pacifi c Northwest Carpenter’s Institute; 4222 NE 158th Ave. Portland, OR 97230
Live sessions also available at Tangent, Springfield, Redmond, and Medford
Apprenticeship Training Centers
ONLINE SESSIONS ON ZOOM; REGISTER AT:
https://accessingunionapprenticeships.org/2021-educator-and-infl uence-workshop/
Registration runs September 4, 2021 - October 4, 2021
WHO
FEATURING · Presentations by local union apprenticeships & industry partners
WHY-Workshops for Educators and Infl uencers
• Networking with Industry/Apprenticeship Partners
• Apprentice Panel - Hear Their Stories
• Gain Understanding of What Apprenticeship Is
• Learn What an Ideal Candidate Looks Like
• How Apprenticeship Changes Lives (The Diff erence Between Apprenticeship & College)
• How You Can Support Youth to Enter Into High Wage, High Demand Careers
• Online Demonstrations and Site Tours
• Trade Lesson Plans for the Classroom
Earn 7 PDUs through Willamette Promise
November 5 | 2021
Online Schedule
8:00 - 8:10 Welcome & Housekeeping
8:10 - 8:25 Opening Remarks
8:25 - 8:45 A Portrait of a Tradesperson
8:45 - 9:00 Why Go With Union Trades?
9:00 - 9:15 Break
9:15 - 10:00 Online Session 1
10:00 - 10:15 Break/Travel
10:30 - 11:15 Online Session 2
11:15 - 11:45 Online Apprentice Panel
11:45 - 12:15 Lunch
12:15 - 12:30 Break/Travel
12:45 - 1:30 Online Session 3
1:30 - 1:45 Break/Travel
1:45 - 2:30 Online Session 3
2:30 - 2:45 Break
2:45 - 3:00 Closing Remarks & Door Prizes
A Workshop for Educators and Influencers
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Registration opens September 4, 2021 at:
andinfl
uence-workshop/
https://accessingunionapprenticeships.org/2021-educator-and-
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Connected
https://accessingunionapprenticeships.org
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Springfi eld Schedule
Tangent Schedule
10:15 - 10:30 Tour Central Electrical Training Center
10:30 - 11:15 Hands-On Session | Electrical
11:15 - 11:45 Apprentice Panel
11:45 - 12:15 Lunch hosted by Central Electrical JATC
12:15 - 12:30 Travel Time
12:30 - 12:45 Tour PNCI
12:45 - 1:30 Hands-On Session | Carpenters
10:15 - 10:30 Tour Sheet Metal Institute
10:30 - 11:15 Hands-On Sessions
11:15 - 11:45 Apprentice Panel
November 5 | 2021
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Connected
https://accessingunionapprenticeships.org
www.facebook.com/unionapprenticeship
Medford Schedule
Redmond Schedule
10:15 - 10:30 Tour Crater Lake Electrical JATC
10:30 - 11:15 Hands-On Sessions
11:15 - 11:45 Apprentice Panel
10:15 - 10:30 Tour Central Electrical Training Center
10:30 - 11:15 Hands-On Session | Electrical or Hands-On
Session | Construction Craft Laborers
11:15 - 11:45 Apprentice Panel
November 5 | 2021
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Connected
https://accessingunionapprenticeships.org
www.facebook.com/unionapprenticeship
November 5 | 2021
Portland Schedule
8:00 - 8:10 Welcome & Housekeeping PNCI - Pacifi c Northwest
Carpenter’s Institute
8:10 - 8:25 Opening Remarks PNCI
8:30 - 9:00 A Portrait of a Tradesperson PNCI
8:45 - 9:00 Why Go With Union Trades? PNCI
9:00 - 9:15 Break PNCI
9:15 - 10:00 Give your Students a Competitive Edge: PNCI
Meet the organizations and pre-apprenticeship
programs that help students navigate into apprenticeship
10:00 - 10:15 Travel Time (Break if in Orange Group)
10:15 - 10:30 Tour #1 PNCI, NIETC - NECA-IBEW
Electrical Training Center, SMI -
Sheet Metal Institute, or
LiUNA! - Oregon Laborers
Apprenticeship
10:30 - 11:15 Hands-On #1
11:15 - 11:45 Hear from our Apprentice Panel PNCI, NIETC, SMI, or LiUNA!
11:45 - 12:15 Lunch
12:15 - 12:30 Break/Travel PNCI, NIETC, SMI, or LiUNA!
12:30 - 12:45 Tour #2
12:45 - 1:30 Hands-On #2 PNCI, NIETC, SMI, or LiUNA!
1:30 - 1:45 Break/Travel
1:45 - 2:30 Hear Challenges and Successes PNCI
from our Pre-Apprentice Panel
2:30 - 2:45 Break PNCI
2:45 - 3:00 Closing Remarks & Door Prizes PNCI
2:45 - 3:00 Networking PNCI
Stay
Connected
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www.facebook.com/unionapprenticeship
Breakout Session Descriptions
Portland
Grade Checking
Attendees will acquire and further their knowledge in applying mathematical geometry
objectives that are relevant to common construction measurement techniques, as well as how
to further apply these learning objectives to high school curriculum standards in developing
lesson plans. Key take-aways will include learning how to define and apply construction math
terminology (angle, arc, baseline, chord, contour, diameter, and radius), how to use a variety of
construction measuring equipment to find the length of the objects using both the U.S. Standard
and decimal systems, and learn to calculate area and volume for basic geometric shapes that
are applicable to construction math.
Presenter: Ronnie Lesperance
Organization: Oregon Laborers Apprenticeship
Make it Concrete
Concrete is the foundational material for almost any building, come see how it works and what it
means to be concrete strong. We will provide you with a detailed presentation outlining the ins
and outs of how to become a cement mason apprentice and a chance to show off your skills to
your colleagues. Please be prepared to get a bit dirty.
Presenter: Jeremy Kendall
Organization: Cement Masons
Electrician’s Trigonometry and Pipe Bending
Come see how trigonometry is used every day by electricians. Calculators will be provided. We
will discuss and practice some basic conduit bending. Walk away with the sample you do in
class and an appreciation of how math is used in the real world.
Presenter: Laura Benedict
Organization: NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center
Not Just Another Brick in the Wall: an introduction to the
Masonry Trades
Have you ever wondered how those brick walls always look so straight and uniform?
Well come and learn how Math and Measuring make it possible. You can also try laying some brick
for yourself. Come prepared to get a little messy and learn about one of the world’s oldest crafts.
Presenter: Seth Callaway
Organization: Oregon and Southwest Washington Mason Trades
What IS a Sheet Metal Worker?
What IS a Sheet Metal Worker? Have you ever wondered what a sheet metal worker does? This
workshop will provide insight on the diversified field of sheet metal. From high rise building
architecture to heating and cooling to semiconductor manufacturing, sheet metal workers are
there making it happen.
Presenter: Rob Postma
Organization: Sheet Metal Institute
Roofing: Adding Up To A Great Career!
In our workshop we will see how math is applied in the roofing trade. We will answer any
questions about our program and apprenticeship in general as well as give participants a chance
to practice an everyday occurrence that can be solved with a little bit of Geometry and Math.
Presenter: Joel Gonzalez
Organization: OR & SW WA Roofers & Waterproofers Apprenticeship
Tools of the Trade
Get a feel for the tools that Carpenter Apprentices use on the jobsite and at PNCI during their
4-year program. During this workshop, you will visit three interactive stations where you’ll
meet PNCI instructors and use a variety of tools to solve problems. As you rotate through the
15-minutte activities and use a range of tools - from tape measure to router to Virtual Reality
welding simulator - you’ll see why hands-on learners thrive in apprenticeship.
Presenter: Jeff Lindberg, Charlene Getchell, Will Barnes, Valentina Campa
Organization: Pacific Northwest Carpenters Institute
Tangent
AC Theory Lab
Learn about AC Theory calculations on the board and in real life application.
Presenter: Nicki Halin
Organization: Central Electrical JATC
Math “Tricks” from the Trades
This workshop will have you snapping chalk lines on the floor at the Union Carpenters
training center in Tangent with PNCI staff and apprentices as you complete activities from the
Carpenters’ Math for the Trades curriculum. Learn the secret of the 57 5/16” rule as you lay out
any desired angle. Marvel at how a Construction Master Pro calculator can help you lay out an
arch. Let an apprentice teach you how Carpenters use the Pythagorean Theorem (3-4-5 layout)
on a jobsite. Use a plumb bob and level to determine if a door frame is perfect.
Presenter: John Jellum
Organization: Pacific NW Carpenter Institute
Springfield
What IS a Sheet Metal Worker?
What IS a Sheet Metal Worker? Have you ever wondered what a sheet metal worker does? This
workshop will provide insight on the diversified field of sheet metal. From high rise building
architecture to heating and cooling to semiconductor manufacturing, sheet metal workers are
there making it happen.
Organization: Sheet Metal Institute
Redmond
Turn a Light ON
We will learn how wire a switch, a light fixture and turn it on. During the process we will learn the
use of a screw driver and wire strippers.
Presenter: Taunia Blakely
Organization: Central Electrical JATC
Grade Checking
Attendees will acquire and further their knowledge in applying mathematical geometry
objectives that are relevant to common construction measurement techniques, as well as how
to further apply these learning objectives to high school curriculum standards in developing
lesson plans. Key take-aways will include learning how to define and apply construction math
terminology (angle, arc, baseline, chord, contour, diameter, and radius), how to use a variety of
construction measuring equipment to find the length of the objects using both the U.S. Standard
and decimal systems, and learn to calculate area and volume for basic geometric shapes that
are applicable to construction math.
Presenter: John Hanner
Organization: Oregon Laborers Apprenticeship
Medford
Crater Lake Electrical JATC Apprenticeship and Application
Process Information
Participants will be given an overview of our program, followed by Q&A. Tips on how to be a high
scoring applicant will be covered.
Presenter: Jon Alimossy
Organization: Crater Lake Electrical JATC
Online Breakout Session
The Definition of a Good Job
Utilzing Cost of Living Data from The Alice Project (Assets Limited Income Constrained
Employed)of The United Way, we will identify Cost of Living DATA for your County. We will look
at Average income for thousands of career paths in your county using data from EMZI. Finally,
we will use that data to fill out a cost of living calculator and insert Union Building Trade Wages.
This information is for influencers at the High School and Middle School Level to help create
awareness about What does a Good Job look like. In addition, we will touch on the Impact in The
Community and how The Trades Protect Our Nation.
Presenter: Tim Coleman
Organization: Sprinkler Fitters Local 669
Apprenticeship vs. College (or both?)
You don’t have to choose between going to college or a union apprenticeship, you can have
both! While training with a union apprenticeship you are also earning college credit. Learn how
the union apprenticeships align with Mt. Hood Community College, and how you can earn an
AAS degree along with a journey card.
Presenter: Dawn Loomis
Organization: MHCC
How to Access Registered Apprenticeship--Introduction to the
Oregon Apprenticeship Website
Apprenticeship is a connection to a successful career; a connection to the future. Apprenticeship
connects local talent to local businesses. For job seekers looking to build their career and
credentials, OregonApprenticeship.com can help get them there. Join this session to learn more
about this robust tool to explore occupations, access application guidelines, search program
openings, and much more!
Presenter: Gabby Sloss
Organization: Oregon Department of Education
Financial Support for Apprentices and Pre-Apprentices
In this workshop you will learn of all the supportive resources available to you if you decide to
explore a future in the trades. This workshop will be facilitated by 2 experienced tradeswomen
who are dedicated to helping determined individuals access the things they need to find
success in these careers.
Presenter: Penny Painter & Jackie Whitt
Organization: AKANA & Labor’s Community Service Agency
Increasing Awareness about Apprenticeships among
Latino community
Connecting with the growing Latino population to dispel misinformation and encourage trades
as a viable post secondary option.
Presenter: Martin Rodriguez
Organization: Franklin High School
Portland Youth Builders: Pre Apprenticeship as a Bridge
to Apprenticeship
Pre-apprenticeship programs prepare students who seek careers in the construction trades.
These programs are designed to help students build the necessary skills to meet the minimum
entry qualifications to enter a trade or apprenticeship program. We provide a number of wrap
around services and long term support to help bridge the transition into apprenticeship in the
construction world.
Presenter: Danny VanVoorhis
Organization: Portland Youth Builders
How to Create a Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Your School
By providing a step-by step road map we will help you learn what pre-apprenticeship is and help
you build a program at your school which will attract youth from diverse backgrounds to highwage,
high-skilled, high demand careers in the trades upon graduation.
Presenter: Angie Gilbert/ Anthony Samperio
Organization: Reynolds Learning Academy & BOLI
Apprenticeship...the whole person approach to a meaningful career
Construction Trades provide a form of transformative learning opportunity that enables an
individual to incorporate all aspects of their person (intellectual, social, emotional, physical,
spiritual) by viewing oneself in the context of their impact on the world around them.
Presenter: Jed Hartley
Organization: Regional Training Center for Painters and Drywall Finishers
Opening Career Options in the Trades for Girls and People of Color
Young women and People of Color rarely see themselves as carpenters, steelworkers, or
electricians; yet these careers offer family wages, good benefits, and financial stability. Let’s
talk about how you can help your students - and their families - get excited about applying the
students’ skills to a successful future without college debt.
Presenter: Ina Howe
Organization: Oregon Tradeswomen
How to Host a Union Apprenticeship Career Event for
High School Students
From this presentation, you will understand:
‐ What kind of event will fit for your audience of students
‐ Choosing a space for your event
‐ A timeline leading up to your event
‐ How to partner with local unions to serve as presenters that can provide hands-on (if in
person) or interactive (if virtual) experiences for your students
‐ Creating your agenda for the event
‐ Marketing to schools and students
‐ Day-of organization
‐ Reflection from students, unions/training centers and your team
Presenter: Lisa Klingsporn
Organization: PPS
Presenter Bios
Welcoming Remarks 8:00 – 8:10 am
Angie Gilbert
School-To-Work/Trades
Coordinator
Angie is the School-to-
Career/Trades Coordinator
for the Reynolds Learning
Academy (RLA). RLA is a
small high school in East Multnomah County
with a diverse population of students and a
demonstrated record of providing successful
post-secondary connections to students for
apprenticeship application and apprenticeship
program completion. She has successfully
run one of the few Youth Pre-Apprenticeship
programs in Oregon for the past 18 years and
believe deeply in apprenticeship and preapprenticeship
as a tool to lead students out
of poverty and into high-wage, high-demand,
high-skilled careers.
Opening Remarks 8:10 – 8:25 am
Val Hoyle
Oregon Labor
Commissioner
Val Hoyle is Oregon’s Labor
Commissioner. A longtime
champion for workers, she
oversees Oregon Labor
and Industries, which impacts the lives of
every Oregonian by making sure our laws are
working – at home, at our work, and in public
spaces.
Hoyle worked in the outdoor industry for 25
years before getting involved in local politics to
support public education. She was appointed
to be State Representative for the West
Eugene and Junction City area in 2009, and
went on to serve seven years in the Oregon
Legislature. She was chosen by her colleagues
to be House Majority Leader and Chair of the
House Rules Committee. During her tenure in
the Legislature, Oregon adopted legislation
to expand healthcare and paid sick leave,
increase the minimum wage, support small
business, and more.
In 2018, Val Hoyle was elected to be statewide
Labor Commissioner. She lives outside of
Springfi eld with her husband Stephen and their
dog Ronan.
Portrait of a Tradesperson 8:30 – 8:45 am
Anna Rigsby
Sprinkler Journeyperson
Local 669
Anna was born in
Guatemala, adopted as a
baby and grew up in the
States. At 18, Anna joined
the military and after fi nishing her service
stumbled into apprenticeship in 2013 while
looking for a job. During the fi rst year of her
apprenticeship, she found a desire to change
her life for the better when she met her now
wife. As she progressed to a journeyworker,
she has become a passionate advocate for her
trade and increasing diversity in the trades.
Anna looks forward to being a pioneer for not
only her trade, but in making positive changes
to the culture for more women to follow a
similar career path to the skilled trades.
Why Go With Union Trades? 8:45 – 9:00 am
Wayne Chow
President of IBEW Local 48
and Political Coordinator fo
the Oregon State Building
Trades Council
Wayne Chow is the
President of IBEW Local 48 and Political
Coordinator for the Oregon State Building
Trades Council. Over the course of his career,
Wayne has seen both the union and non-union
side of the industry turning tools, and working
as an organizer recruiting electricians to the
IBEW. Now, he has shifted his focus primarily to
the political sphere—fi ghting for stronger labor
standards for all workers in the skilled trades.
He lives in Portland with his wife and daughter.
Seth Callaway
I’m the current PCC and
fi nisher instructor for the
BAC local 1 apprenticeship.
I have been a member of
the BAC Local #1 since
2013. As an apprentice I
won the Western States Apprentice contest
and have competed in the International
Apprentice Competition.
The reason I’m here today is to pass my
knowledge on about all the wonderful
apprenticeship opportunities out there
for young people. I have been on both
sides of the fence : college education and
apprenticeship and would like to share my
experience on both.
Laura Benedict
My life changed the fi rst
day I started my career 23
years ago as an apprentice
Electrician. Since then I’ve
been able to accomplish
more than I could imagine,
working independently driving a service truck,
obtaining my BS in Electrical Engineering,
working as an Apprenticeship Instructor,
and currently serving as Assistant Training
Director at the NECA/IBEW Electrical Training
Center. Not only do I get great satisfaction
when turning on a switch for the fi rst time and
seeing the lightbulb turn on, but also seeing
the lightbulbs turn on in the minds of our
many hardworking apprentices. Seeing their
big smiles as they receive their Journeylevel
license and knowing all of the opportunities
ahead of them as they continue on with their
electrical careers has been the best thing
about my career.
Dawn Loomis
Dawn Loomis has
been working with the
apprenticeship training
centers for 4 years. She
has presented to many
classes/schools about
the benefi ts of union apprenticeship as well
as helped many people navigate the system
to enter an apprenticeship. The union trades
are an excellent career opportunity especially
for those who prefer applied coursework and
are hands on learners. I’ve seen many people
that have thrived in a union apprenticeship
environment when typical school has failed
them in the past.
Martin Rodriguez
As a Career Coordinator
at a high school I work to
provide opportunities for
students to learn about
and engage with local
professionals. I’m also
bilingual which gives me the unique opportunity
to connect with Spanish speaking families.
Most of the time I hear parents say “I don’t
want my child to work hard like me, they need
to go to college.” As college tuition increases
and Latino’s household income remains below
average, I work to educate families in Spanish
about apprenticeships as an alternative option.
Joel Gonzalez
I have been in the
Roofing Trade for 26
years and 21 years with
the Apprenticeship
Program. I graduated
from the program in
1999 and immediately got involved with the
Apprenticeship Program. First as an instructor
then Curriculum Coordinator and now as
Director. Seeing how apprenticeship can
train one to acquire a skill that can lead to
successful career and/or open one to many
opportunities is why I truly enjoy being part
of Apprenticeship. My trade and training have
opened many opportunities and continue to
do so. These are the things I want to share with
teachers and students.
Danny Van Voorhis
Danny Van Voorhis,
Construction Career Coach
at Portland YouthBuilders,
has more than twelve years
of experience working
with diverse populations
of disadvantaged youth in the classroom
and with placement and retention support.
His experience includes advising students
on academic and career goals, building
student and industry relationships, curriculum
development, and classroom management.
Danny is a member of PYB’s case management
team, which designs individual academic and
career plans for students and assists them
in addressing life barriers. Danny earned a
Masters in Education, Teaching and Learning
from the University of Oregon in 2009.
John Jellum
Jellum finished an
apprenticeship to
become a Journey-level
Union Carpenter and
worked in the field as an
Exterior Interior Systems
specialist for many years before joining PNCI
as an Instructor. Specialists. Now he serves as
Coordinator of PNCI’s Tangent Training Center,
supporting the next generation of Apprentices
learning their trade. John and his team welcome
field trip and job shadow requests from schools
and pre-apprenticeship programs, priority to
Career Connections partner schools.
Anthony Samperio
Anthony currently works
for BOLI Apprenticeship
and Training Division as a
Program Analyst. He is the
main point of contact for
pre-apprenticeship new
business. He previously worked at Rising Sun
Center for Opportunity in Oakland, CA for adult
trades based pre-apprenticeship program,
Opportunity Build. Primary role was Workforce
Development Manager where relationships
were built with Registered Apprenticeship
programs. The primary population served at
Opportunity Build was women and the re-entry
population. Outcomes while at the program
were over 50% women graduates and 70%
placed in employment within one year of
graduation. The average starting wage of a
completer was $22/hr. He is looking forward to
expanding opportunities in pre-apprenticeship
in the state of Oregon.
Gabby Sloss
Gabby is currently the
Work-Based Learning &
Apprenticeship Liaison
Education Specialist with
the Oregon Department
of Education. Her Master’s
in Social Work developed the platform
for communication and project planning
processes across multiple systems like
workforce, education, business and industry,
government, mental health, and human
services. Her current work aff ords her the
opportunity to address equity, diversity, and
inclusion eff orts in building awareness for a
diverse workforce and education community.
In her current role, she has been working the
apprenticeship partners across the state to
strengthen pre-apprenticeship pathways from
K-12 to postsecondary. When out of the offi ce,
Gabby enjoys hiking, reading, and being an
“auntie” to her two nieces and nephew.
Jackie Whitt
Jackie is a tradeswoman
and program manager
for Labor’s Community
Service Agency. She
assists apprentices
of the heavy highway
trades through hardships, as well as provides
childcare for qualifying individuals attending
pre-apprenticeships. Jackie has a passion
for helping people access the trades, with a
special focus on women, people of color, and
our justice impacted community members. In
her free time she loves to volunteer with her
union and fi ght for prison reform. Please come
by her way to learn how she could support
your youth on their journey to the trades.
Penny Painter
Ms. Painter is manager
of the BOLI-Oregon DOT
Workforce Development
Program and has
experience in assisting men
and women to gain skills
for heavy construction trades. She assists with
career training and mentoring, making the match
between employees and potential employers/
apprenticeship programs. She conducts
information sessions; one-on-one assessments/
career counseling; makes referrals to diff erent
agencies; coordinates job site/apprenticeship
fi eld days; maintains lists of potential job site/
apprenticeship centers; performs client
counseling on career choices and planning;
arranges for job interviews; coordinates job
development and placement; documents
student/client progress, applications and
placements; assists students/clients with
readiness and retention needs; performs client
counseling on job site issues and assists them in
resolution in an eff ective manner. In addition to
the Oregon Workforce Development Program,
she has worked with several tribal workforce
representatives to enhance their knowledge
about the apprenticeship process. Ms. Painter’s
work has resulted in training and assisting
individuals starting new careers as heavy
construction apprentices.
Jed Hartley
As the Training Director
for the Regional Training
Center Jed brings his
passion for developing
individuals for all phases of
their career growth. With
over 20 years of experience in operations,
fi nance and talent development. Jed’s strategy
is to bring the highest level of training and
curriculum so individuals can bring their
“whole person” skill-set to their chosen craft.
Nicki Halin
I started my electrical
apprenticeship in 2002. I
continued to be involved in
outreach after completing
in 2008. I am passionate
about sharing this
opportunity with others that want to be a part
of our outstanding industry.
Ina Howe
Ina Avendano Howe joined
Oregon Tradeswomen
as an Employment Case
Manager this summer
after fi nding a passion for
supporting students in
exploring and accessing construction trades
and manufacturing careers while working
with Reynolds High School as a CTE Career
Coordinator. Her early career was spent in
the Portland social service arena serving
marginalized populations from at-risk teens to
our houseless community, which was inspired
by her passion for social justice, and caring
for those on the margins. She served abroad
as a Youth Development Volunteer with the
US Peace Corps in Antigua and Barbuda and
feels at home in tropical places. Ina loves
spending time exploring Oregon, cooking, and
playing ping pong.
Lisa Klingsporn
I have a strong family
history in the trades and
have always appreciated
people who have physically
built the community
around them. In 2010, as
Director of the School to Career program in
Washington County, I organized our fi rst Union
Apprenticeships Career Day, which continued
for seven years. Today, as a Strategic Business
Partnerships Manager for PPS, I continue to
promote trades careers through PPS’ career
learning program, Future You.
Ronnie Lesperance
Professional laborer with over 23 years of
experience. I have had many opportunities to
work with and help mentor apprentices. I have
always enjoyed teaching and helping to guide
new apprentices out in the fi eld so they can
succeed in their craft and career goals. Specifi c
skills and experience include: Grade checking,
pipe layer, layout, reading prints, setting forms,
foreman experience, running equipment,
concrete work, paving, competent person
training, scaff olding training, CPR training,
GPS training, trench safety training, First Aid
Instructor, OSHA 10 Instructor.
Taunia Blakely
Taunia Blakely, CEJATC
Instructor, 20-year IBEW
280 member. Taunia has
taught apprenticeship
classes for over 10 years
and Journeyman Continuing
Education classes for over 5 years. Taunia
Blakely fi nished her electrical apprenticeship
program with the CEJATC in May of 2004. In
2009 Taunia also successfully received her
Washington Journeyman Electrical License
and in 2020 successfully received her Idaho
Electrical Journeyman License. Taunia has been
an apprenticeship instructor since 2010 and a
Journeyman Continuing Education instructor
since 2014. During this time, she has also
graduated from the National Training Institute; a
program that trains instructors how to speak in
public, build lesson plans and present lessons to
students and how to teach adults. Along with the
instructor training there has also been extensive
technical training on numerous diff erent
subjects; Grounding and Bonding, DC Theory, AC
Theory, Motors, Motor Controls, Access Controls,
Fiber Cabling, Fire Alarms, and more.
Rob Postma
As a high schooler in shop
class, we learned about
the diff erent paths that a
person can take after school.
College, military, trades. The
fi rst two I understood, but the
trades were confusing. I wanted to be a welder,
but there was no “welding trade”. I learned
machining, but machinists built airplanes. Our
hope is that we can educate those entering the
workforce on what a sheet metal worker does
and how this trade can provide a lifetime of
opportunities for them and their families.
Jon Alimossy –
Instructor, Crater Lake
Electrical Training Center
I started in this very same
apprenticeship program
41 years ago, during which
I learned the skills and
techniques of the electrical trade. From there,
I worked my way from Journey Electrician to
Foreman, and from Foreman to Project Manager.
I’ve worked on many projects in southern
Oregon and all over the West Coast. For the past
12 years, I have enjoyed training Apprentices as
an Instructor. It’s very satisfying helping them
develop knowledge and skills that will carry
them into the future as our craft evolves from
new and developing technologies.
Val Campa
Pre- Apprenticeship
Instructor, Pacifi c
Northwest Carpenters
Institute
Growing up, my dinner
table education taught me that if I wanted
to be someone successful in life I needed to
go to school and stay in school. I did exactly
that. After graduating high school, I enrolled
in college. I was working a full-time job to pay
my way through, hoping to earn an Engineering
degree. A year and a half into school, I could no
longer aff ord it. I dropped out and picked up a
second full-time job. Seeing my struggle, my
brother encouraged me to join the Carpenters
Union. He drove me to PNCI to apply for an
apprenticeship. At 20 years old I found myself
on my very fi rst construction site.
Eight years later, I am now an instructor at
PNCI. Joining the Carpenters changed my life.
I’ve met so many great people who shared
their time and expertise. I would not be here
without them. Now it is my turn to pass on
that knowledge of the trades to the next
generation of Carpenters. I hope I can inspire,
motivate, and make a diff erence in the lives of
the apprentices who are following the same
journey I did.
Jeremey Kendall
I believe in apprenticeship.
I myself am a graduate
of the Cement Masons
Apprenticeship. It provided
me with the ability to be
fi nancially stable, have
health benefi ts for my family and to be able
to retire at a young age. This opportunity is
available to everyone and it is my pleasure to
educate everyone who is interested.
Tim Coleman
Tim works for Local 669
which has jurisdiction
in 48 states. Local 669
has 15,000 members
and is the largest local
in the united association
of journeyperson and apprentice welders,
plumbers, pipefi tters, steamfi tters, HVAC-R
technicians and sprinkler fi tters.
Tim creates awareness and pathways for
underserved communities into local 669’s fi ve
year apprenticeship program. Tim is a faculty
member at Washtenaw Community College
and is an instructor at the united association’s
instructor training week held yearly on Ann
Arbor, Michigan. Tim is a United States Marine
and is on a number of school district business
advisory boards and national committees
Will Barnes
After earning his fi rst
welding certifi cations
through the modern
welding program at Job
Corps, Will rose through the
ranks at US Enertek in the
oil fi elds of northern New Mexico. He became
foreman as they recognized not only his gift
for welding, but his intelligence, leadership,
and organizational skills. A member of Local
196 Pile Drivers/Divers since 2005, Will has
amassed many welding certifi cations and has
made metal work his primary trade. In addition
to teaching welding to apprentices at PNCI,
Will is an AWS certifi ed welding inspector/
educator and WABO certifi ed examiner.
Jeff Lindberg
Born and raised in Oregon,
Jeff graduated from
Estacada High School and
joined the Carpenters Union
as a utility worker for Jasco.
He spent 13 years with that
company, working his way up to a journeyman
and then a lead before moving on to other
positions with companies such as PCI and BJ
Cummings. Now, as an instructor at PNCI, Jeff
shares his technical expertise and models the
professional communication and interpersonal
skills that apprentices need to be successful.
Jeff is a member of Local 146 Oregon/SW
Washington Exterior Interior Systems.
Charlene Getchell
Charlene was honorably
discharged as a staff
sergeant, after serving eight
years in the Marine Corps.
She discovered a love for
training as she graduated
number one in every military class she attended
including non-commissioned offi cer school.
Building on the military foundation of discipline
and hard-work, plus pro-union values, Charlene
joined the Carpenters Union in the Chicago
area in 1996. She completed her apprenticeship
as a general carpenter in Portland in 2000.
One highlight of her apprenticeship was
working on the Chinese Gardens in Portland
with Schommer and Sons. She was the lead
carpenter, who, in metric, laid out all the
zigzagging walkways and the fi nal placement
for all the columns. Char aims to improve
the quality of life for apprentices and serve
as an inspiration to pursue new construction
technologies and life-long learning.
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TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIP
OREGON SOUTHERN DISTRICT