“The ICD program was a brilliant idea. I know it provided a great opportunity for me to pursue something I wanted to do.

"You can’t get stuck to one thing, and in today’s world, you have to educate yourself a little bit. Why not educate yourself in something you’re passionate about?

“I honestly needed another direction in my life. ICD provided that for me. I pursued a life’s passion and started up my own profitable business.”

“Most places don’t offer anything like ICD. I tell everybody in the plant, ‘I know you have families and your lives are busy, but it’s a great benefit. Just take a class and if you don’t like it, don’t come back. But you might also get the bug like I did.’”

"I heard about ICD and how they covered tuition reimbursement. I said, 'Sign me up.' Without the ICD training, the resources, the possibilities, none of this would have happened like it happened." 

"It took me 12 years, a class here and a class there, but I've got it. They can't take it away. I think for me, even though it wasn't my money, once I start something, I'm finishing it. Even as a young child, I have to see things to completion. That's just always been my mantra - you start something you finish it."

"I heard about the ICD program at my new employee orientation at U.S. Steel. I lived 75 miles from work, 1 hour and 25 minutes one way. There were days I went to class on my day off, which meant driving 3 hours for a 2-hour class, but I kept telling myself it'll be worth it. The computer courses helped me get through my classes and eventually pass the maintenance tests.

"Because of ICD helping me get into maintenance, when U.S. Steel eliminated my department, I had a job before I got laid off. It was well worth the time and effort. I'm now a maintenance tech at B.F. Goodrich in Tuscaloosa, Alabama."

"I have utilized the ICD benefit by means of taking customized classes at our center, continuing education courses (low-pressure boiler operator licensure), using the shops, and tuition reimbursement."

"The ICD benefit was a real game-changer because I could finish with no debt for my degree. If nothing else I feel as though my time was a good investment just to show my kids what hard work and dedication produce. I'm not too positive that I will use my degree in any real fashion, but at the end of the day I have earned it and own it."

"Education is one of the things no one can take away from you. Using ICD has been such a grateful opportunity to open doors. The mill is a great place to work, but thanks to the USW (ICD benefit) I'm able to supplement my income and potentially set my family up for success while retiring early."

“We actually did something with the ICD benefit that I believe is what it’s all about – a career development course to better our lives and careers.

“The bottom line is the ICD benefit made this possible, and that’s why we negotiated the benefit and that’s what it’s for. It’s such a great program for the Steelworkers.”

“I can’t tell you enough about what a wonderful program ICD is. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for the knowledge I acquired through the benefit.

“I think a lot of people lose sight of the fact they can make money outside of their jobs and be productive. This was supposed to be a hobby and something fun for me to do, but I’ve made this work for me and my family.”

“I knew the ICD benefit was negotiated so I took advantage of it. This was a huge help with no student loans. You never know in the mining industry what’s going to happen. You need to have a backup plan.

"This wasn’t just for me, but also for my parents because I wanted to be the first person in my family to get my bachelor’s degree. Now it’s unreal knowing I also have my master’s degree, too.”

“I couldn’t have done it without funds from the ICD program. The funds allowed me to finish college and earn my bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management.”

“With advancements in technology, not only for use in everyday life but also in manufacturing it is vitally important to stay ahead of the game.  ICD has given our employees the tools and funding to continually enhance their skill set at their own pace and at times that work with in their schedule.  Furthermore, ICD has also been a great opportunity for the company and union to work collaboratively in creating courses that meet the needs of our students and our company.”

“I just love the ICD program. I utilized the program from the get-go. From cooking to finance classes, I even learned bike maintenance and sign language. I even completed seven Spanish tutoring sessions with Rosetta Stone using my ICD benefit.”