One of the most critical challenges facing the construction industry is a lack of skilled craftspeople. In some markets, especially here in the rapidly growing South, the work is available, but the skilled tradespeople aren’t.
The Southern District Training Trust Fund is working to change that. The Trust Fund has more than 25 training centers throughout the South where apprentices are provided with hands-on training in their respective trades with state-of-the-art tools and materials.
“If you’re an employer hiring someone off the street, then you’re still going to have to train them,” said Jimmie Jordan, executive director of the Southern District Training Trust Fund. “And what we’re doing is provide the training for you through the Fund.”
Jordan knows the importance of a strong background in training. Having worked as both a millwright and a trainer with the Trust Fund, he’s seen the difference a union-trained workforce makes on the jobsite. Our commitment to high production ensures projects are completed on time and correctly the first time.
Jordan said the investment in union labor pays off due to the training workers receive on and off the jobsite. After completing a four-year apprenticeship, SRCC members continue to receive free training that keeps them up to date on rapid changes taking place in the industries in which they work.
“New technology, new processes, new tools — we offer those classes in our facilities for the journeyman upgrade,” said Jordan. “We will go to a jobsite [to train] if a contractor puts in a request for it.”
Specialized training for unique or unusual projects is part of what we do.
Training goes beyond just knowing the craft – it’s also a vital part of keeping our members and our employers’ work sites safe.
The Training Fund ensures our workforce is up to date not just on the tools of the trade, but on the proper safety standards and practices of the modern construction site.
We work directly with owners, contractors, and our members to ensure that all project-specific safety concerns are met throughout the project. The Training Fund also provides members with training to meet federal, state, and OSHA standards.
We are constantly working to improve our safety and skills training programs, and we want to partner with you to do that. If you have any ideas, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to Jimmie Jordan.