A return to college...
I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies online at Indian University - Northwest Campus. This major will help me to better understand the history of the labor movement in the United States, become more familiar with employment law, and learn more about collective bargaining and negotiating contracts. I have not settled on a minor, but hope to make use of past credits in theater and graphic design from the University of Minnesota – Duluth for an arts related minor.
I have a very simple career goal: to improve as a Field Representative for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). I desire to be a better resource for the chapters that I serve and that rely on me to advise them as they navigate their ongoing labor relations. An improved understanding of the history and laws that underpin their jobs can only result in better outcomes for both management and labor.
Personally, I just want to finish an undergraduate degree. I left college in my twenties to build a business and have always regretted that I did not complete my degree. I am also inspired by my wife, Melanie, who three years ago returned to school and completed her undergraduate degree in Studio Arts at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Education
2021
Voice of Leadership Training (VOLT)
Electrical Training Alliance (ETA)
VOLT Academy Cohort III - VOLT Academy is a leadership program that is collaborative effort between the IBEW and NECA to to train the next generation of electrical workforce leaders by focusing on both character skills (like communication, critical thinking, and cooperation) and competency skills (technical expertise). Cohorts are comprised of roughly half NECA professionals (chapter managers, national staff, and contractors) and IBEW Professionals (business managers, organizers, and training directors).
The video below was a public speaking exercise where each VOLT participant educated the group about something were passionate about. I chose bread.
2019
Chapter Executives
Leadership Institute (CELI)
CELI is a biennial training for NECA chapter executives to improve their leadership, management, and negotiation skills. Training includes a mock session of the NECA-IBEW joint arbitration process known as the Council on Industrial Relations.
2020
International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plan (IFEBP)
I attended the Institute for Apprenticeship, Training and Education Programs which focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of apprenticeship and training programs across the United States and Canada. The event provides education on efficient trust fund management and best practices for apprenticeship programs, addressing current and significant issues affecting these programs and offering insights for future planning .
2016 - 2019
National Training Institute (NTI)
Electrical Training Alliance (ETA)
I completed four sessions of NTI as part of the "C-Group". The National Training Institute (NTI), organized by the Electrical Training Alliance (ETA), is an annual week-long event that provides advanced education and professional development for instructors, training directors, and industry professionals who are part of union electrical apprenticeship programs. The "C Group" is designed specifically for training directors, program administrators, and trustees who oversee electrical apprenticeship programs across the country.
2017
International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plan (IFEBP)
I served as a Trustee for the Health & Welfare and Pension Funds from 2016-2021 and attended the New Trustees Institute--Level I: Core Concepts course presented by IFEBP, a course designed to educate new trustees who serve on multiemployer benefit plans about their roles, responsibilities, and liabilities under Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).This program has been described as the "scared straight school" for trustees.
1992 - 1998
University of Minnesota - Duluth
I was accepted into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Programs in both the Theater and Graphic Design Departments. My studies in the Theater Department had an acting emphasis and a Studio Arts emphasis in the Graphic Design Department.