SEAA Partners with GMF Steel Group and other Members to Host Students at Florida Career Event2/13/2023
 Local students attended a Career Fair at GMF Steel Group headquarters in Lakeland, Florida for SEAA’s Annual Career Fair. February 14, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) In January, The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) held its second Career Fair to spread awareness about the career opportunities available in the steel construction industry. Hosted by member company GMF Steel Group in Lakeland, Fla., the Career Fair brought together approximately 100 students from five local high schools and 70 students from technical colleges. “As an association, one of our goals is to invest in the future of the steel construction industry. One way we can do that is by working with our member companies to host these types of educational events,” said Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director. “While it can be difficult to know exactly how many students end up having a career in the steel industry, we know that we are making a difference for our member companies and their local communities by showcasing everything that the skilled trades have to offer,” said David Deem, President of SEAA and President of Deem Structural Services. Sporting hard hats, vests, and other PPE provided by sponsor Columbia Safety and Supply, students rotated through 13 stations staffed by SEAA member companies and equipment suppliers. Florida based contractors who participated were GMF Steel Group, Bowman Steel, Gardner-Watson Decking, Gardner-Watson Studs, and Shelby Erectors.  Local steel erector Bowman Steel discusses career opportunities with Career Fair attendees. Students could observe or participate in hands-on demonstrations of welding, steel modeling, rebar tying, surveying, decking, and more. Trivent Safety Consulting led the students in a dynamic stretch routine to highlight the importance of physical health in the skilled trades. Industrial Training International provided a Virtual Reality crane operator simulator experience. Others stations included:
The response was overwhelmingly positive from both students and teachers that were in attendance. “This hands-on event helped to reinforce everything we have been telling our students about having a career in the trades,” said Thomas Hoien, a teacher at Fort Meade Construction Academy. “Being able to get them out of the classroom where they can try different tasks, see the technology being used, and ask questions gets them excited for the future.” “This event opens so many doors for me,” said Brandon Williams, a student at Ridge Technical College. Following the career fair, GMF Steel Group received several inquiries about its Structural Steel Ironworker Apprenticeship Program. Introduced last year, the program uses the SEAA/NCCER curriculum, which provides nationally recognized credentials. Participation in training is free and all apprentices employed by GMF Steel Group qualify for employee benefits. “We are offering a career path—by teaching a skilled trade and providing the opportunity to work toward many different roles within the company,” said Andy Norman, President of GMF Steel Group. “From GMF Steel’s commitment to host and coordinate with schools, demo stations executed by many companies, to lunch provided by Gardner-Watson Decking, the support of our member companies doesn’t go unnoticed and the event wouldn’t have been a success without them,” said Gum. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at seaa.net.  January 30, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the launch of its new Learning Management System, SteelPros Training Portal, exclusively for members. Developed in partnership with Industrial Training International (ITI) and built on ITI’s Learning Hub platform, SEAA members now have easy access to custom content for ironworkers and other related training materials.
Each of three Learning Paths—Ironworker Level 1, 2, and 3—contain multiple videos, which align with specific learning modules in the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum. “SEAA has invested more than $120,000 to bring these professionally produced videos to our members,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. Approximately 40 of 80 videos are available with the balance expected to be added to the Training Portal by Q2. The SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum, which meets U.S. DOL apprenticeship standards, provides members with a tool for delivering nationally recognized ironworker credentials to their employees. “SEAA’s SteelPros Training Portal enhances the delivery of that training and opens access to additional training resources to all members, whether they are set up as an official SEAA/NCCER training unit or not,” said Gum. Every SEAA member will receive one free account and one license to access this member benefit. Additional licenses can be purchased for $35 each per year. “This is a vital resource for your safety directors or training managers—a member benefit valued at more than $10,000 per member,” said Jack Nix, Membership Committee Chairman. SEAA members will receive a 25% discount on ITI’s custom content for Field Leadership, Mobile Crane Maintenance and Operations, Rigging, and Site Hazard Recognition. Hundreds more third-party training content from organizations such as Crosby, Liebherr, Manitowoc, and Verton is free to access. In a separate agreement with The Crosby Group, SEAA members can purchase Crosby’s “User’s Guide for Lifting,” at 20% off the regular price. This training resource covers rigging fundamentals through a series of self-paced lessons that explain the Crosby User’s Guide for Lifting pocket rigging card. Each topic includes a video and a corresponding quiz. “More than just a library of training materials, SEAA’s, SteelPros Training Portal Learning Management System provides administrative features to track progress of learners, manage certifications, and create custom reports for individuals or groups inside your organization,” said Nix. “ITI is excited to partner with SEAA by bringing its members new digital learning content. Most companies today find it challenging to recruit, on-board, train and deploy people efficiently. SEAA and ITI will help solve that problem," said Zack Parnell, CEO and President of ITI. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net.  January 3, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) will hold its annual Convention and Trade Show March 28-31, 2023 in St. Augustine, Fla., at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort. Former Notre Dame football player, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, will give the Keynote Presentation. “We are thrilled to have Ruettiger share his personal experiences with our attendees,” said R. Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director. “More than just an exceptional athlete and motivational speaker, Ruettiger is also an entrepreneur with insights that members can apply to their own businesses,” said Gum. 2023 marks 30 years since Tristar Productions immortalized Rudy’s life story in the blockbuster film named for him. It’s a story of adversity and triumph about the Notre Dame football player who sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career. Today, Rudy Ruettiger is an Emmy Award Winning motivational speaker, author, and producer. The Convention will feature ten additional education sessions for Owners, Managers, and Field Personnel. This includes panel discussions with the 2023 Project of the Year, Safety Excellence, and Craft Training Excellence Award Winners and a panel discussion on current trends in structural fastening with representatives from several fastening suppliers. Other sessions will cover succession planning, fall rescue planning and execution, risk management solutions for crane operations in steel erection, and a session highlighting changes to the RCSC bolt code.  The Trade Show provides erectors and fabricators a chance to see the latest products, services and innovations they need for a safer and more productive work site. “We will have more than three hours of dedicated trade show time at indoor and outdoor booths, with hands-on presentations from exhibitors for a highly-engaged trade show experience,” said Carrie Gulajan, SEAA’s Events Committee Chairperson. Excursion highlights include the George R. Pocock Memorial Golf Tournament hosted by The Slammer & Squire Golf Course, a fishing tournament along the Intercostal Waterway, and a tour of the historic Lightner Museum. Learn more about SEAA’s annual convention and trade show at SEAA.net/events. Early Bird Registration for the event ends on January 31, 2023. About Steel Erectors Association of America
Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net. SEAA Announces 2022 Lifetime Achievement and Person of the Year Awards at 50th Anniversary Gala9/1/2022
 SEAA President David Deem presents Dave Schulz's widow Cindy Schulz with William Davis Service Award. July 22, 2022 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) have posthumously awarded David Alan Schulz of Schulz Iron Works with its highest lifetime achievement, the William Davis Service Award during its 50th Anniversary Gala in April. Stephanie Trainor, Vice President and Marketing Manager, Construction Insurance Agency, was recognized as the association’s 2022 Person of the Year.
August 10, 2022 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces that it has received U.S. Department of Labor approval of its revised National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards. The revision was written to include the occupation Reinforcing Ironworker Concrete in addition to the existing occupation of Structural Steel Ironworker.
“This apprenticeship standard provides members with a model for creating and registering formal training programs that meet both State and Federal government requirements for local apprenticeships,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. “SEAA members work on both structural and reinforcing steel projects, however, the tasks and training needed to be a reinforcing ironworker are different from those for a structural ironworker. This apprenticeship standard more accurately reflects the knowledge and skills required for both types of ironworkers,” said Jack Nix, Chairman of the Membership Committee. “It is equally important that we provide members with the training tools to support all ironworking occupations,” said Gum. As an NCCER Accredited Training Sponsor, SEAA already provides a robust structural steel ironworker training curriculum available for members to use. Participation provides members with administrative and implementation support in becoming an NCCER Training Unit and/or Authorized Assessment Site. “To support the reinforcing ironworker apprenticeship standard, Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA’s Craft Training and Assessment Administrator, and member company Shelby Erectors, worked closely with NCCER to develop a complementary reinforcing ironwork curriculum,” said Gum. The custom curriculum can be purchased through the association. In addition, SEAA members who participate in the association’s craft training program have access to the structural and reinforcing ironworker training materials, as well as many other NCCER craft titles. For more information, contact Tim Eldridge at 980-722-9373 or t_eldridge@bellsouth.net. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net. The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the recipients of the 2022 Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Awards. “Our members are dedicated to the safety and health of their employees, and these award programs provide them with the recognition they deserve for going above and beyond in the name of safety and training,” said Bryan McClure, Chairman of SEAA’s Safety and Education Committee. For both awards, World Class is issued to the highest achieving companies. Premier is the second level, followed by Gold. “Our industry is in a transition period where more and more people are showing interest in our field,” said McClure. “Good safety records, comprehensive training aligned with long-term career paths, and awards recognitions, are among the criteria that prospective employees consider when deciding where to apply. Beyond the inherent value of being a safe company, it’s also a great marketing tool in a highly competitive market.” Safety Excellence The Safety Excellence Award goes to eight SEAA member companies in three categories with excellent 2021 safety records. Recipients were selected based on evaluations of their EMR ratings, OSHA 300A statistics, and safety program processes over the last three years. Scoring was based on points assigned to a multi-criteria analysis, conducted in blind review by members of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee.  Craft Training Recognition Two companies were recognized for their craft training programs. Applicants were evaluated on the portability of credentials, availability of apprenticeship programs, training, and recruitment efforts. Evaluations for the Craft Training Excellence award are made in comparison to other companies of similar size, based on the number of ironworkers employed from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2021. Note that there were not submissions by employers in all size categories for 2022. “This year we have re-allocated craft training grants to be awarded to the World Class Craft Training winners. Each company receives $2,250 to use for implementation of future training projects,” said Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director. “These companies have shown their commitment to training and we want to help them to continue these efforts.”  About Steel Erectors Association of America
Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net. The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the winners of its 2022 Projects of the Year. Entries could be submitted in four classes for Structural Construction based on contract value for that portion of the job. In addition, the association opened a new category this year for Miscellaneous Metals in two classes. This category includes bridges, decking, ornamental steel, reinforcing steel, and steel fabrication projects.
In all, seven companies were recognized for effectively solving unique jobsite challenges while safely completing projects. (Note, there were no submissions this year for Class II Structural or Class I Miscellaneous Metals.) Project submissions are chosen by an independent panel of judges. The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) kicked off its 50th Anniversary on April 8, 2022, at the conclusion of its 2022 Convention & Trade Show in Charleston, S.C., with a celebration on the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. Today, the association releases a video presentation and historical timeline that documents the last 50 years.
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