Robert McGuckin, Training Coordinator for the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 17 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how his JATC has achieved a 98 percent graduation rate for its apprentices.
McGuckin appeared as part of National Apprenticeship Week, which ends Nov. 20.
He credited the quality of Local 17’s wage and benefits package, as well as the plentiful availability of work in the Chicago area, for the JATC’s successful topping out rate. He also touched on the Local 17 training center, which is one of the largest mechanical insulator training facilities in North America, and how that benefits the apprenticeship program.
McGuckin then talked about the challenges the Insulators Union faces in attracting people to join its apprenticeship program, as it is sometimes overlooked when compared to other, larger building trades unions.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.