Association Liaisons Provide Industry Updates on Standards, Workforce Development, and Certification

Representatives of SEAA member companies, who are also involved in other industry associations, recently provided updates on relevant initiatives to SEAA’s board of directors. The following reports come from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and the National Institute of Steel Detailing (NISD).

“SEAA remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen the steel construction industry. By collaborating with organizations like AISC and NISD, we are ensuring that fabricators, detailers, and erectors have access to the best training, certification, and technical resources available. These initiatives not only improve safety and efficiency but also help attract and retain the next generation of skilled professionals,” said Glen Pisani, Chairman of SEAA’s Strategic Planning Committee.

SEAA Strengthens Partnership with NISD
Report Provided by Jack Metcalf, Retired

In a key development, NISD has invited SEAA to appoint a voting member to its Board of Directors. This appointment aims to enhance coordination on industry standards and strengthen the partnership between SEAA and NISD. David Deem, President of Deem Structural Services, SEAA Board Member, and former President of SEAA, was recently approved by NISD’s Board of Directors for a four-year term (2025-2028).

“Our board is excited to welcome Mr. David Deem to the NISD Board of Directors, as we recognize and highly value his extensive trade experience,” said Kerri Olsen, NISD President. “His years of company ownership and involvement with SEAA will be a great asset to NISD.”

AISC Expands Educational and Certification Initiatives
Report Provided by Todd Alwood, Vice President Membership & Certification, AISC

AISC remained active throughout 2024, introducing updates to key publications, expanding workforce development programs, and launching new initiatives to engage architects and industry professionals.

A major focus was on workforce education. AISC launched a new online and interactive Fabricator Education Program, designed to provide AISC member fabricators with a structured approach to onboarding new employees. The program currently includes over five hours of training, with an additional 17 hours planned for release in 2025, bringing the total to 22 hours of content. This initiative aims to support fabricators in attracting, retaining, and developing skilled personnel while enhancing long-term career growth opportunities.

The Future Leaders Ideas Lab, held January 29-31 in Southlake, Texas, is designed to give fabricators leadership skills for transitioning into senior management roles.
For professionals involved in steel erection and fabrication project management, AISC’s Career Accelerator Program with Steel (CAPS) provides specialized training for erectors, fabricators, and engineers. As part of a three-year development initiative, CAPS Fellows will attend tailored project management sessions at NASCC: The Steel Conference, scheduled for April 2-4, 2025, in Louisville, KY. Registration for NASCC is now open.

On the certification front, AISC issued Certification Bulletin 2024-08, which details revisions to the Erector Certification Program, effective January 1, 2025. Notably, safety requirements for erectors will no longer be part of the audit criteria, reflecting the industry's evolving safety practices over the past 30 years. This decision acknowledges the significant strides in safety achieved through industry-wide commitment.