Insulators Union shifts training program from manuals to digital

In honor of the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week, newly appointed Assistant National Administrator for the Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund, Sam Tafolla, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Tafolla talked about his journey with the Insulators and how he got involved with training. He also discussed new changes that will help modernize the union’s training programs across U.S. and Canada.

For two years, Tafolla heard about the Insulators Apprenticeship program from his two friends who had recently joined the program in Las Vegas. Enticed by the opportunity, he moved to Las Vegas and was eventually able to begin his apprenticeship with the Local JATC. After completing his apprenticeship, he topped out and became a traveling journeyman. Six years of traveling later, Tafolla submitted a transfer request to Insulators Local 7 in Seattle and spent the next four years as a trainer with Local 7 before being hired as the Assistant National Administrator for the International Unions Training Divison. 

Tafolla credits his experience traveling for his ability to work well as a trainer at the Local and International levels. Experiencing different Locals, projects and contractor needs during his travels, Tafolla approaches training with a large knowledge base. He said that he often uses his travel stories to provide real-world examples of the work that Insulators do. Tafolla also discussed his recent position change and how he wants to be sure that he never loses touch with the apprentices and members in the field.

The Insulators' training program is beginning to shift from handheld manuals and handouts to online, switching to what is known as a Learning Management System (LMS). Tafolla discussed how the pandemic and national shutdown created the need for updates to the IIIATF Apprenticeship Program. Originally, Tafolla made the switch to an LMS at Local 7 during the pandemic, and now as he has moved to the International level, he has helped develop a plan to transition the entire program. Moving to the LMS will ensure the program can easily be updated and better prepare new apprentices for life in the field.

To hear more about Tafolla and the IIIATF, listen to the show above.