What is ICD?
The
Institute for Career Development, headquartered in
ICD is a joint initiative, with labor and
management working together to provide educational services to Steelworkers. Today, there are
more than 70 Career Development Programs nationwide in the steel, tire and
rubber, and glass industries.
What kind of
training does the Institute offer?
We have a
wide range of classes to meet any interest or skill level. Instruction ranges from basic skills, such as
GED preparation or financial investing, to graduate-level college
courses. Steelworkers can also take a variety of classes that teach technical
skills, such as plumbing, electrical wiring or small engine repair, and a wide
array of computer classes are available as well.
The emphasis is on teaching “portable” skills
Steelworkers can use to enhance their existing careers or take with them beyond
the steel mills, rubber plants and iron mines should they change jobs. Many
Steelworkers use the program to prepare for pre-apprenticeship tests.
Approximately 80
percent of the courses are “customized,” meaning that instructors are hired to
design classes specifically for Steelworkers. Most of these classes are taught
in learning centers at or near the plants and are offered twice a day – before
and after shift changes – to accommodate workers’ schedules. Steelworkers have
access to other courses available through a tuition assistance program which
provides up to $1,800 annually for tuition, books and fees at accredited
institutions.
How is the
program funded?
This educational benefit is negotiated by
the USW in contracts with participating companies. The companies set aside 15 cents for each hour
worked by a Steelworker – or some other contractually agreed-upon amount – to
fund the program.
Each site has a Local Joint Committee that
oversees spending. The LJC is comprised
of both union and company representatives. Depending on the size of the
workforce at each plant, budgets range from $10,000 to more than $1 million
annually.
What makes
the program unique?
Everything is geared toward making
learning comfortable and accessible for Steelworkers. Our learning centers are
conveniently located, usually on or near work sites or in a union hall. Classes
are offered before and after shift changes to accommodate workers’ schedules.
Each site offers classes under the
direction of the LJC. The LJC decides what courses to offer by documenting
workers’ needs and interests. They do this through surveys or by sending
program Learning Advocates to talk to workers on the shop floor. Each Career
Development Program is uniquely tailored for the Steelworkers at that location.
It’s a “bottom-up” philosophy that enables Steelworkers to drive the program.
Another important aspect of the program is learning
confidentiality. Only the Steelworker and the Career Development staff know
whether the Steelworker is there to brush up on basic skills or complete a
college-level course. Computer-aided instruction supplements traditional
classroom settings, small group sessions and one-on-one tutoring.
How can I get
more information about the Institute?
Feel
free to contact our national office at (219) 738-9029. You can also visit our Facebook
page or Jerry’s Blog.
Our
staff can be a valuable resource for anyone who needs information on adult
education, workforce training, the future of joint labor/management training programs
and the importance of education in the labor movement.
Member
Companies
AK Steel Corp.
Allegheny-Ludlum
ALLVAC
ArcelorMittal USA
ATI Wah
Chang
BF Goodrich
Bridgestone
Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Co.
Republic Engineered
Products
RG Steel
United States Steel Corporation
USS-POSCO
Veyance
Technologies
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