​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:

• Mike Adams, Gulf Coast Rebar Inc.
• John Garrison, Garrison Steel Erectors Inc.
• Greg MacLiver, All Things Metal
• Bryan McClure, Trivent Safety Consulting
• Jack Nix, Shelby Erectors Inc.
• Scott Wilson, Steel Fabricators, LLC

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.

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.

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.

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

• Objective 2 - Properly don, fit, and remove a Fall Arrest Harness

Ironworking Module Four, 0030104 Fastening

• Objective 2 - Demonstrate the turn-of-nut method.
• Objective 4 - Demonstrate the proper use of a tension control gun.

Ironworking Module Nine, 00109 Structural Ironworking

• Objective 4 - Make bolted connections on structural steel.

"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]

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.