E-NEWSLETTER November 2022

1/3/2023

View in browser

Connector Newsletter | November 2022

ASSOCIATION NEWS

SEAA to Launch SteelPros Training Portal in 2023

SEAA will launch a new learning management system, SteelPros Training Portal, which will be available starting in 2023. 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. Every SEAA member will receive one free account and one license to access this member benefit.

There will be three Learning Paths available on the SteelPros Training Portal—Ironworker Level 1, 2, and 3. Each level contains multiple videos, which align with specific learning modules in the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum.

SEAA to Host Second Career Fair Promoting the Steel Industry

SEAA invites members to participate in a Career Fair promoting the steel construction industry. The event is free to SEAA members, but space is limited. SEAA is also seeking sponsors to help to defer costs to provide lunch, PPE, giveaways, and other items. Contact bryttany@seaa.net to reserve your Career Fair station or to sponsor the event.

The Career Fair will target high school students and active job seekers, including veterans and post-secondary technical school students. There is expected to be about 300 visitors in attendance. Participating companies need to come prepared with a brief presentation. Choose presenters from your company that are dynamic speakers, and who can relate to the audience. Most importantly, please bring the appropriate PPE for your station.

The day prior to the Career Fair, SEAA will hold its first quarter board meeting and a Meet & Greet Reception on January 19 at Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa, Florida. Meet & Greet Sponsorships are available. Get more info and RSVP.

IN THIS ISSUE

Summer Connector Now Available

COVER STORY: Ties that Bind a Nation

Erectors make their mark on iconic structures for church, state, military, and higher education.

MANAGEMENT: Making the Cut

The role of reputation, relationships, and self promotion in winning government contracts.

IN THE FIELD: Safe Loading and Unloading of Trailers

A reminder about fall protection and other hazards.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Webinar: Hiring Master Class with Core Matters

December 7, 2022

2:00 PM Eastern

January Meet & Greet

January 19, 2023

Tampa, Florida

2023 Convention & Trade Show

March 28-31, 2023

St. Augustine, FL

INDUSTRY REPORTS

The Home Depot Launches Platform to Help Trade Workers Find Local Jobs

The Home Depot has launched PathtoPro.com, a new jobseeker platform that connects craft workers to local trade professionals that are actively hiring. To help jobseekers showcase their skills, the Path to Pro Network features skill badges that indicate if someone has accredited training, is a U.S. Military Veteran, or has graduated from The Home Depot’s free trades training program.

Skilled trades jobseekers can create a profile, upload their resume, and add photos of their work. The Path to Pro Network is part of The Home Depot’s larger Path to Pro program to help address the growing skilled labor shortage in the U.S. and build the next generation of trades professionals. Launched in 2021, the Path to Pro Skills Program offers a free training program for those interested in pursuing and growing a career in the skilled trades and prepares them for their first job. Learn more.

Union Health Reps File Lawsuit for Pushing Opioids on Skilled Trade Workers

According to an article from THE CITY, a group of union health funds has sued global consulting firm McKinsey & Co. for its role in the opioid crisis. The lawsuit was filed in the Queens Supreme Court on behalf of 50 local health and welfare funds covering dozens of construction trade and other unions, including ironworkers, laborers, metal polishers, and the union representing NYPD traffic enforcement agents.

The lawsuit alleges that McKinsey worked with Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, and was specifically tasked with helping the pharmaceutical company increase OxyContin sales, pushing not just individual prescriptions but for the highest dosages of the pills, according to the lawsuit.

In 2021, McKinsey & Co. settled with 49 states over its role working with Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, and other companies that produce addictive painkillers like OxyContin. The company was ordered to pay out nearly $600 million in damages to these states from the opioid crisis, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people. Read More.

MEMBER UPDATES

Derr & Gruenewald Construction Participated in Construction Con 2022

Earlier this month, Derr & Gruenewald Construction, Brighton, Colo., participated in Construction Con 2022, a hands-on construction experience for high school students in Northern Colorado. The event hosted over 500 local high school students and featured more than 55 job fair booths and activity stations. Students were able to try their hand at operating a crane, welding, and brick laying. Learn more about Construction Con 2022.

United Rentals to Acquire Ahern Rentals

United Rentals, Stamford, Conn., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of family-owned Ahern Rentals, Las Vegas, for approximately $2 billion in cash. The board of directors of United Rentals has unanimously approved the agreement. The transaction is expected to close prior to year-end 2022, subject to customary conditions. Read more.

JLG Expands Its Network of Authorized Service Providers

JLG Industries, Inc., has expanded its network of Authorized Service Providers in the United States to provide equipment repair, warranty, maintenance, inspections, parts and other support services nationwide to JLG customers. JLG’s independent service operations are available to complete service work on all makes and models of equipment within their defined territories. Read more.