Navajo Nation Build Competition
The Carpenters Training fund is celebrating Career and Technical Education all month with a myriad of outreach events. Last week, over 150 students from 8 Navajo Reservation High Schools participated in the Skills USA competition, where they were tasked with building an Adirondack chair from scratch. SWMSRCC Union Representatives were on hand to judge the construction and design contest, scoring students on technical competency, accuracy, quality, ability to follow directions, and safety. Students participating in this challenge competed for scholarships, a set of tool bags, and the opportunity to qualify for the regional Skills USA Competition. Congratulations to the winners!
New Western District Vice President
UBC General President Doug McCarron recently announced the appointment of SWMSRCC EST Pete Rodriguez to Western District Vice President. Effective immediately, EST Rodriguez will serve a dual position as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Southwest Mountain States Regional Council of Carpenters and Western District Vice President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. Congratulations EST and new WDVP, Pete Rodriguez.
Bridge Survey Diving Class
Last week, 20 Union Carpenters received their Underwater Bridge Inspection certification at the Buena Park Training Center. Participants with prior diving experience were invited to participate in the class. This training is the first-of-its-kind for our Carpenter Divers in preparation of the demolition of the Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach, CA. The Desmond bridge was decommissioned in 2020 and was replaced with the Union Built Long beach International Gateway Bridge.