4 Training w w w. c a r p e n t e r s u n i o n . o r g Continued from Page 3 Seth Gudeman, Craft Committee Chairman of the Mid-America Regional Bargaining Association (MARBA), has a unique and intimate perspective of the Carpenters union and its workforce. “I can say firsthand that the men and women who comprise the membership of the Chicago Regional Council are the reason for the success of our industry,” Gudeman declared. “That success is due in large part to the training these individuals receive at the Carpenter Training Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. In addition, the cooperative, collaborative efforts of joint labor/management committees safeguard our industry’s future by emphasizing safety and innovations in the industry, which leads to efficient and productive employees.” Once students have completed their four-year apprenticeship, a graduation ceremony is held, a certificate is issued by the state and graduates begin to receive full journeyperson wages. “Journeyperson carpenters in the CRCC receive a consistent wage, no matter who they are working for, and they also receive full health care benefits, a pension and an annuity,” Sticca added. Apprentice carpenters Shannon Boothe of Manteno and Jose Alvarez of Chicago look over their next project in the classroom. The CRCC recently launched the eXcellence in Training Recognition Award (XTRAsm) initiative, an incentive program designed to recognize and reward carpenters who take advantage of the training, continuing education and certification classes that are offered at Carpenter Training Centers. “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of skill training and certifications for our journeypeople,” said CRCC President Frank Libby. AJ$JI@ ) ,@"9$.1 7.$919:9@< ( 0%"8<:>9.1 ) ,.%8?.$:8>9%= ( 2@%.%: 0&!>#6@&@%:< ( 48<:.9%.-1@ ) 5>@@% ( ,9<<9#% *>9:9$.1 ( +@' *#%<:>8$:9#% ( 5#6@>%&@%:.1 ) 0%<:9:8:9#%.1 ( 0%?>.<:>8$:8>@ /!=>."@< >5)> B"F?&D$H B" 1* 7<@ 9-806 ;;; , >+)) ( &&&*2J