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Spring '06 Laborers’ training… Surveying for the Future
Technology continues to revolutionize every
aspect of our daily lives; at the bank, at
home and even in our cars, computers and other high-tech
innovations are designed to make our lives easier. Technology also
impacts how we do things on the job. Procedures we have done one way for
years are now done faster, easier and safer. Making use of technology’s
capabilities can give you and your contractor the advantage needed to be
successful in the construction industry.
Laborers-AGC understands the advantages of using new technologies,
methods, and equipment, which is why the Fund has partnered with
technology industry experts to develop training designed to put LIUNA
members in the comfort zone when working with Total Positioning System (TPS)
often referred to as Total Station and Global Positioning Systems (GPS).
This innovative and cutting-edge training program is slated to be
available to all local Laborers’ training centers beginning in the
fall/winter of 2006.
Think of the time and money wasted on the job while workers waited for a
survey crew to layout the next section of a road or building. Having the
“know how” to layout the project yourself can save your contractor money
as well as further your career as a Construction Craft Laborer. Training
can unlock the door that stands between you and the knowledge you need
to succeed using this emerging technology.
As with anything new, Total Station and Global Positioning Systems may
be a bit intimidating, but by taking this new program Laborers will
become comfortable working with this technology. The training will
enable Laborers with experience in line and grade to “upgrade” their
skills to include Total Station and GPS survey systems. For the less
experienced Laborers the training provides an opportunity to gain new
knowledge that will enhance their ability to learn the fundamentals of
the construction craft. By making this information available now,
Laborers are given the opportunity to prepare for the skills and
knowledge that will be required on the job-sites of the future. Talk
with your local union, contractor and local training center about the
need for these skills in your area.
The Total Station and Global Positioning Systems training, a component
of the Line and Grade Program, will consist of three levels. The first
level will provide Laborers with the “fundamentals” through a 40-hour
introductory overview of the use and operation of the equipment. Course
participants will become familiar with GPS through a combination of both
classroom discussion and hands-on activities. Laborers will learn and
demonstrate basic construction layout skills, how to set the instrument
over a point and orient the point to a reference line, and how to
measure and record horizontal and vertical angles and distances. As a
result of this activity based training, course participants should
understand the basics of construction site coordination systems and be
able to determine coordinates on site plans. Level two, also consisting
of 40 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction, will lead the
participants into a more in depth understanding of the technical and
practical application of the survey systems. Level three’s 24-hour
advanced instruction is designed with to have all course participants
take an active learning and demonstration role. Level three will give
participants experience in Digital Terrain Modeling, GPS Reference
Stations, the use of Robotic Total Stations, as well as the most latest
emerging technology the integration of Total Station and GPS called
Smart Station.
Laborers-AGC is committed to providing its affiliated training funds
throughout North America with training programs and services that
ultimately keep Laborers competitive in an industry that is always
changing. The modern workplace requires continual education, even for
the most experienced member, so LIUNA can always be in front as changes
occur. The Total Station and GPS training is just one an example of that
commitment to taking a leadership role in meeting the needs of our
industry.
By taking advantage of the educational and training programs made
available throughout the Laborers’ training network, LIUNA members will
continue to increase their responsibility on job sites, becoming the
most valuable tradesperson to the contractor. Laborers interested in
this exciting new training and other training courses should contract
the training center in their area for more information.
As LIUNA continues to forge new paths and opportunities on job sites
across North America, Laborers-AGC will always be there to develop
programs and services that support local area training centers. When
Laborers take advantage of the exciting training opportunities available
to them, they make themselves more valuable, their employers more
competitive and their Union stronger. So it’s clear to see, training
makes the difference.
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