Carpenters New Training Center Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on October 14 in Rockford, IL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 7, 2010 -- Rockford-area residents and community leaders will join the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters on Thursday, Oct. 14, to dedicate the Carpenters’ expanded 48,000-square-foot apprenticeship training center. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at 1117 Tebala Blvd. in Rockford, IL, just east of I-90/I-39, between Newburg and east State.

After the dedication, attendees can take a formal tour to witness the training center in action with courses running concurrently that include a scaffolding class, a fall-protection class and a Certified Energy Analyst/weatherization display.

“This is not just an investment in the quality training of our carpenters,” said First Vice President Jeff Isaacson. “It is also an investment in the increased quality of construction, which leads to increased property values, and demonstrates added value to the greater Rockford community and its quality of education and standard of living. Plus, the accessible location near I-90 is ideal to serve needs in Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, Jo Davies, Carroll, Ogle and DeKalb Counties.”

At 48,000-square-feet the new training center is six times the size of its predecessor facility. It will have five classrooms, one large shop room, two smaller shop rooms for hands-on training, a lunchroom, offices and surface parking for an anticipated 250 carpentry students per year. Because of its architectural design and use of environmentally friendly materials, the facility is currently being reviewed for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) designation.

“This is an exciting time for Rockford,” added Glen Turpoff, Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association. “A large, modern training center enhances the trades, but it also benefits our entire region. This training facility ensures that our contractors and the tradesmen we hire are delivering the highest quality individuals, products and services that our customers demand.”

Samplings of typical courses to be offered are OSHA 10, Scaffold Erector & Refresher, Ingersoll Rand Prep & Exam, Power Actuated Tools, Print Reading, Metal Stud Soffit Training, Basic Cabinet Fabrication, Solid Surface, Rafter Framing Basics and Stairs.

“Union carpentry is growing as Rockford is growing,” added Isaacson. “The increase in the size of our facility shows our commitment to keeping up with a changing industry and advancing technology.

Designed by Obora Phillips & Associates the pre-cast design structure with a clear-story atrium and standing seam metal roofs brings abundant natural light into the shops and classrooms throughout the facility. The two- story clear span shops allow for maximum use and height for the development of various training programs and curriculum including foundations, wood and metal framing, scaffolding, as well as many other carpentry-skilled training courses. The 3.75 acre site was selected for maximum access to the facility and the ability to allow for expansion of the building and parking for future growth. Incorporated into the structural design is an option to create mezzanines within each shop for additional space and training areas.

“Our classrooms will vary in size and configuration,” said Local 792 Business Representative Brad Long. “This will allow us to use multiple formats. Our classrooms can be opened up and combined for large training classes and seminars or for smaller lectures and product demonstrations.”

As a means to demonstrate the training and skills of the apprenticeship programs, a great deal of the interior framing systems, trim work, ceilings, flooring and other carpentry work will be self-performed by the apprentices themselves as part of their training to showcase their skills.

“It is important that our apprentices develop their skills in full scale,” added Local 792 Financial Secretary Bob Falk. “This is very valuable in teaching both commercial and residential framing.”

To become an apprentice an applicant must have attained the age of 17, reside within the jurisdiction of the Apprenticeship Program, have successfully completed two (2) years of required high school study that meets graduation requirements in an accredited high school, or has earned a GED certificate, have an original Social Security card or a receipt showing an application for a duplicate card and be physically fit to work at the trade.

Interested applicants for apprenticeship training can call Susan Salvi at 815-332-7006.

“This training center will also draw visitors to the Rockford area,” concluded Isaacson. “And that will add an economic boost to the area’s restaurant and hospitality industry.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend this complementary event.

The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters represents over 47,000 men and women working throughout 81 counties in Northern Illinois, Southeast Wisconsin, and Eastern Iowa.

Members of the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters incl