Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
I hope you and your families are doing well as we head into this holiday season.
It has been a busy time of year at the Training Center, the application process for apprenticeship is well underway. This year will be especially competitive, as we received a record number of applicants vying for a spot in Local 4’s Apprenticeship Program. The first, second, and fourth-year apprentices have been in Canton continuing to work on their curriculum and field training on the dirt equipment and drill rig. The first-year apprentices without their CDL class B have been working towards that license with many having already completed the test. Third-year apprentices have been out in Medway and continue training towards the NCCCO Mobile Crane requirement. Several have already completed their practical tests.
The Training Center is excited to take delivery of a new Western Star Tractor which will be available soon for Apprentices and Journey members for CDL class A training and testing. Thanks to Business Manager Bill McLaughlin and the Training Fund Trustees for allowing us to continue to improve the fleet of equipment at the Training Center and advance training for the members.
In November, I was happy to attend the 125th Anniversary Celebration and Historical Exhibit opening at the IUOE Training Center in Cosby, Texas with Business Manager Bill McLaughlin. They did a great job with the exhibit and I would encourage any members who want to attend specialized classes beyond what we offer in Canton or Medway to look into the offerings in Crosby. Please check out the exhibit if you do attend.
I would like to congratulate Business Manager Bill McLaughlin and Funds Administrator Greg Geiman on another great Retirement and Wellness Planning Fair. It was great to be back at Gillette Stadium and hear from Rob Ninkovich. The setup for the event and presentations were top notch, and everyone that contributed did an amazing job.
I would like to thank the apprentices and Training Center staff for their hard work and participation during the Boston mayoral race. Participation by membership as a whole was great, but it was especially nice to see the apprentices getting involved and embracing what it means to be a union member. They volunteered on a number of Saturdays and evenings after work and should be commended.
On November 9, instructors Tom McEvoy and Peter Carpenter joined Business Agents Mike Bowes and Dave Shea as well as apprentice Jake Donovan to attend the Mass Building Trades Council’s Helmets to Hardhats Fundraising Event just ahead of Veterans Day. Everyone and I at the Training Center would like to recognize and thank all of the instructors, apprentices, Local 4 staff, and members that are Veterans for their service to the country.
Lastly, I would like to congratulate the 50-year members that were recognized at our October meeting for their years of service to the Local.