International Representative for the Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons International Association Union (OPCMIA), Joe Ciacchi, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how new technologies have helped reach the younger generation.
Infrastructure spending is now underway and Ciacchi believes the midwest region will see the biggest developments. Specifically, Ciacchi mentioned the Intel plant, Honda Plant and Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project in Ohio. Besides Honda’s battery plant, construction on electrical vehicle battery plants in five other states will soon begin.
Ciacchi feels these projects will create a perfect situation for growth as every union involved needs more manpower. Most of the projects Ciacchi mentioned will be constructed under Project Labor Agreements, and building trades unions need more members to fill the available jobs. While travelers will help fill available positions on these jobsites, unions need to look for new members to start careers in the union building trades.
He talked about the technological developments in educational tools that have helped unions capture the attention of a younger generation. With the help of VR technology, the OPCMIA has developed two programs to help demonstrate to students the type of work done in the trade. Ciacchi also uses VR technology at trade shows, career fairs and state fairs. He called it the best tool to engage the younger generation.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.