The March 2019 National Women Training Class at the Al Zampa Bridge
In a joint effort, the Ironworkers Union and Cal-Trans has sponsored this current class of 20 women applicants from Fresno, Sacramento and the Bay Area. They are attending a 12 day Pre Apprentice class at the Benicia Training Center. These women have been trained to: measure, tie knots, set up and use an oxy fuel torch, use grinders, and place and tie rebar. Classroom instruction included fire watch, traffic flagger, heat illness, harassment, green training and other safety modules of instruction that will prepare them for their first day on the jobsite. The classroom and hands on training will enable these women to start their career as Ironworkers. The women are provided tools, books, lodging and reimbursement for supplies, child care, and travel expenses. These women will receive direct entry into the apprenticeship program and are scheduled to start work in March. The Ironworkers are committed to creating opportunity for women.
The Ironworker Cal-Trans Women's Pre Apprenticeship Training Class of Februart 2019
National Womens Cohort Class, April 2018, Benicia CA
The class of September 2017
National Womens Cohort Class September 2017
Women pre apprentices from across the US have attended and graduated from the pre-apprenticeship class in Benicia California. This class offered training in basic ironworking and will result in entry into the various state programs.
National Womens Training, March 2017
National Womens Cohort Class April 2017
24 women pre appr from across the US (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Calif, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Indianna, Kansas, Misouri, Wisconson, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsyvania, Tennesee, Rhode Island) are attend the pre-apprenticeship class in Benicia California. This class offers training in basic ironworking and will result in entry into the various state programs upon completion.
March 2017 class looking good in their Miller Welding attire
The ladies visit the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge
General President Eric Dean and California District Council President Don Zampa visit the second National Women’s Welding Class held in Benicia California in June, 2016. Also pictured are Instructor Carrie Steel and Director Dick Zampa.
National Women's Training Program
The Ironworkers International Union and the California District Council has teamed up to sponsor the National Women’s Training Program. The first class was held in 2015 and a second class was completed in June of 2016. Women from across the United States have been recruited to participate in these pre-apprenticeship training classes. Classes were held at the Regional Training Center in Benicia California under the direction of Apprenticeship Director Dick Zampa. The class is three weeks long and the students attend class for nine hours per day, six days per week, of intensive training, with an emphasis on honing welding skills to prepare the women to enter the Ironworkers Apprenticeship Program. The students receive training in basic ironworking skills as well as safety and First Aid and CPR to prepare them for their new careers.
Due to the success of the Pre Apprentice Training for Women courses two more will be scheduled in 2017. The dates for the first course is March 23 – April 11, 2017 and will take place at the Ironworkers Regional Training Center in Benicia, California.
