September 2, 2021 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America announces that Erection & Welding Contractors (EWC), Berlin, Conn., will receive the 2021 SEAA Craft Training Grant.
The grant is for member companies who are newly implementing SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training and Assessment programs. It covers initial setup, training for administrators, instructors, and coordinators, and custom training materials for Ironworker Levels 1-3, or similar curriculum. EWC joined SEAA’s nationwide network of more than 30 training units in the fall of 2020. “Erection & Welding Contractors stood out because of their commitment to the recruitment and education of ironworkers,” said Bryan McClure, Chairman of SEAA’s Safety & Education committee. EWC is an AISC certified structural steel fabricator and erector, as well as a Minority Business Enterprise certified in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey. “Our goal is to educate and nurture each apprentice into an ironworker who employs best practices in our industry,” said David Desell, of Erection Welding Contractors. Participation in the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Craft Training Program gives SEAA members access to dozens of training materials, including ironworker, crane operator, rigger, and signalperson, and management level curriculum. To learn more, visit seaa.net/craft-training. Craft Training Excellence Grants Beginning in 2022, three $1500 Craft Training Grants will be awarded—one to each World Class winner of SEAA’s Craft Training Excellence awards program. Winners are selected for their training accomplishments in the previous year in three categories based on number of ironworkers employed. Winners are selected in blind presentation by SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Submissions are due March 1, 2022. Applications can be submitted online at SEAA.net/awards. 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. July 6, 2021 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the recipients of the 2021 Safety Excellence Award and Craft Training Recognition Award. “These companies demonstrated a strong commitment to the safety and health of their employees,” said Bryan McClure, Chairman of SEAA’s Safety and Education Committee.
 June 9, 2021 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America’s 48th Convention and Trade Show, to be held Oct. 12-14, 2021 in Orlando, Fla., features fresh education topics and live demos at its trade show.
Early Bird Registration Discounts for both members and non-members ends August 31, and hotel room block cut off date is September 22. Visit seaa.net/seaa-convention—trade-show to book your booth, register to attend, and reserve your hotel room.  Rodbusters require somewhat different skills than structural ironworkers. Credit: Shelby Erectors Inc. Six member companies from the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) are providing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to work with NCCER to revise curriculum for Ironworker, Reinforcing Ironworker, and Welding. In addition, the organizations are exploring the interest level for possible future development of a Steel Fabrication curriculum.
“SEAA’s relationship with NCCER goes back many years and continues to evolve as training needs change,” said Geoff Kress, President of SEAA. “We value the opportunity to contribute to curriculum development to meet the specific needs of our members,” he said. Among the SMEs representing SEAA working on these projects are:
Jack Nix, Vice President of Operations, Shelby Erectors Inc., is acting as an SME for the Reinforcing Ironworker curriculum. “Rodbusters require somewhat different skills than structural ironworkers. I am glad NCCER has decided to update this training to acknowledge those differences. The Reinforcing Ironworker craft training program provides the knowledge needed to succeed. The work itself is physically demanding and labor intensive, but a well-trained crew is safer and more efficient when properly trained,” said Nix. In addition, several SEAA members include steel fabricators who have been seeking training for fabrication personnel for skills such as blueprint reading, math and measuring, in addition to cutting and welding techniques. NCCER is actively exploring the interest level for development of this type of curriculum. Fabrication companies can provide input by completing this survey. “Participation in the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Craft Training Program gives SEAA members access to dozens of other construction craft training, assessments, and certifications,” said Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA’s Craft Training and Assessment Administrator. “Popular with SEAA members is Crane Operator, Rigger, and Signalperson training.” There are currently more than 30 SEAA members across the country that participate in the SEAA/NCCER network of training units and assessment sites. For more information, visit SEAA.net/craft-training. 74% of SEAA members would recommend the association to others May 11, 2021 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) In January, the Steel Erectors Association of America surveyed its members regarding the business challenges they face. More than 40% of those responding said that hiring issues are currently their biggest challenge and 37% of them believe hiring will continue to be a problem over the next three years.
 April 5, 2021 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America supports the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. The week-long focus on fall prevention will be held May 3-7, 2021.
The SEAA Board of Directors announces that Tom Underhill, Executive Director, retired as of December 31, 2020. He served in that role from 2011 to 2020.
“We appreciate Tom’s years of service both as the association’s director and before that as a past president of the association,” said Geoff Kress, SEAA President. Under the direction of Underhill, SEAA implemented its Ironworker Craft Training Program and achieved U.S. DOL-approval of its Ironworker Apprenticeship, re-launched Connector magazine, and has worked closely with other industry groups on technical standards, workforce development issues, and promotion of erector and fabricator interests. “Hiring a new Executive Director is the first priority of the Board of Directors,” said David Deem, Chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee. “However, the association is first conducting a full evaluation to assist in selecting an Executive Director that will help the association position itself to meet the future needs of members.” “Like many organizations, the past year has forced us to re-examine how we conduct the business of the association in a way that assures we will remain relevant and responsive to the needs of steel erection and fabrication contractors,” said Kress. In the meantime, the association continues business as usual under the management of its Board of Directors and with assistance of staff. SEAA is preparing its 2021 editorial calendar for Connector magazine. We’d like to know what you are interested in reading about next year. Topics can be on technology, steel erection challenges,
management processes, practical field issues or techniques, etc. Submit your suggestions to [email protected]. Our archive of past magazines is available online. Not receiving Connector? Subscriptions are free to qualified industry representatives. September 14, 2020 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) Three companies have joined the Steel Erectors Association of America’s (SEAA) network of SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training Units and Assessment Sites. Participation in the program grants SEAA member companies access nationally recognized credentials for ironworkers, crane operators and rigger/signal persons. Erection Welding Contractors, LLC, Pro Steel Erectors Inc., and Evolution Safety Resources bring the number of participating companies to 27 across the nationwide network.
 The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces a new Job Board, available to members and non-members. “Surveys say upwards of 70% of contractors struggle with filling open positions, and labor shortages persist despite brief slowdowns during the pandemic crisis,” said Tom Underhill, Executive Director of SEAA.
To assist the steel erection community and SEAA members with recruiting skilled workers, SEAA has launched a new Job Board for Employers and Job Seekers. Users will reach SEAA’s network of steel erection contractors plus have additional access to national job search engine tools. Job Board postings are free for SEAA members and open to non-members for a fee. Listings can also be upgraded to Featured Listings. Users can choose from 30, 60. or 90-day listings, and subscribe to receive alerts about new listings. Explore current listings. https://seaa.mcjobboard.net/jobs  The Steel Erectors Association of America announces that the Ironworker Skills Institute, Pell City, Ala., which educates future generations of ironworkers, will receive this year’s SEAA Craft Training Grant.
Designated for member companies who are newly implementing SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training and Assessment programs, the grant covers initial setup, training for administrators, instructors, and coordinators, and custom training materials for Ironworker Levels 1-3, or similar curriculum. “The committee awarded Ironworker Skills Institute the craft training grant based on its unparalleled commitment to recruiting and developing future Ironworkers. The impact that they have made on their community in such a short period of time really is incredible,” said Bryan McClure, Chairman of SEAA’s Safety & Education committee. Now in its fifth year of operation, the Ironworker Skills Institute was established by John Garrison of Garrison Steel, for ironworkers to get training on rigging, welding, and the use of safety equipment and tools. In 2017 Garrison was able to partner with a local community college, where he taught classes. After the first semester, he realized the Institute needed a place of its own, and moved it permanently to property next to his company. Today, instructors teach students from area high schools, who come from as far away as an hour’s drive. “With this grant, we can provide students with their own course materials, which can be a resource to them in the future,” said Patty Daigle, ISI director. “It will also allow us to incorporate new technology into our training program, which is growing and changing as we learn the needs of the high schools we work with.” With an average of 25 new high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates each fall, the Institute uses NCCER coursework and live situations in its training programs. The organization plans to offer adult education classes in January 2021. “It is an honor to receive this grant,” said Daigle. “We thank SEAA, and hope we can continue to make them proud in our efforts to train ironworkers in Alabama.” 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.
For both awards, World Class was issued to the highest achieving companies. Premier is the second level of recognition, followed by Gold.
 Four new Craft Training Videos are now available through the Members Only Portal on the SEAA
website. These short videos support the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Level 1 curriculum and have been designed to complement your existing training materials. Core Module One, 00101 Basic Safety
Ironworking Module Four, 0030104 Fastening
Ironworking Module Nine, 00109 Structural Ironworking
"SEAA is working toward developing about 20 additional Level 1 videos that can be used to accompany the Craft Training Program. These training videos are only available to members of SEAA and are a great tool to help engage your employees in training," said Tim Eldridge, President of Education Services Unlimited and SEAA’s Craft Training and Assessment Administrator. For log in assistance, please contact the SEAA office [email protected] April 29, 2020 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) Six steel erection companies have been named as recipients in the annual Project of the Year awards by the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA). Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the companies received notice of their awards in March 2020 for projects that were topped out in either 2018 or 2019.
 Oct. 24, 2019 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The growing trend towards Design-Build and Fast-Track methods of construction have made it more important than ever for there to be cooperation between members of the steel industry in the construction process. In its 3rd Edition of Detailing Guide: For Steel Erector’s Safety and Efficiency, the Steel Erectors Association of America and the National Institute of Steel Detailing have partnered to update its practical guide for erection procedures.
“Successful steel project completion depends on the cooperative activities of many players—owner, architect, engineer, controlling contractor, fabricator, detailer, suppliers, and erector. Often the detailer and erector are two of the last parties to be brought into the project, yet their ability to deliver is central to the success of the project,” explained Jack Metcalfe, one of the editors of guide and a board member of both SEAA and NISD. “No matter your role in the construction project, we each have a responsibility for the safety of our peers. This manual is a contribution toward that goal,” he said.
Four companies have joined SEAA’s network of Ironworker Craft Training providers, offering SEAA/NCCER training and assessments. Participation in the program provides SEAA member companies with access to nationally recognized credentials for ironworkers. Because of SEAA’s affiliation with NCCER, members also have access to the dozens of other construction craft training materials, assessments, and certifications.
These four companies join a network of 22 training units, located all over the United States. Three steel erection companies were presented with Project of the Year awards by the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA). Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the companies received their honors at SEAA’s 2019 Annual Convention, held in April in Concord, NC. Submission were accepted for projects that were topped out in 2017 or 2018. The 2019 Project of the Year winners are:
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