Training is among the top priorities of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. The Finishing Trades Institute works on a daily basis to not only provide state-of-the-art curriculum for our trainers, its directors also work with local training programs to partner with manufacturers for certification on their products.
In May 2016, District Council 21 FTI (Philadelphia) hosted an AMES/Tape-Tech Certification Class for our Eastern Region FTI Drywall Finishing instructors. This industry recognized certification developed by AMES/Tape-Tech will be adopted by IUPAT FTI as part of the Drywall Finishers curriculum.
During the three-day, trainers learned how to administer the Ames Certification and took part in getting certified themselves both in theory and hands on in the shop. The certification consisted of two parts: online (LMS) training in the computer lab, and hands on evaluation in which they were graded in everything from mixing up, application, and maintenance of the Ames/Tape-tech tools.
Also on hand were manufacturers that supported the training event with hands-on demonstrations of their own products. In attendance were DeWalt /Porter Cable (dustless sanders), Certain Teed (No-Coat structural cornerbead), Graco (Mark 5- Spray Level 5) and National Gypsum, who donated the joint compound for the event. All of these manufactures were very interested in getting to know our trainers and support training in their respective areas.
The Ames team also demonstrated the new Continuous Flow System (CFS). These tools consist of a redesigned Mark 5 made specifically to run with the Ames/Tape-tech production tools and doubles as a Level 5 sprayer.
Many companies have tried to create constant feed tools for many years, but Ames has managed to create a line of tools that are both practical and profitable if used in the proper manner. These tools have already found their way into many of our markets.
While the majority of the event was spent getting certified and working with the manufacturers, host Instructor Dave Santangelo spent time in break out discussions with his peers about training obstacles, best practices and how to continue to draw manufacturers to our training centers.
With the growing demand for a qualified trained work force the FTI recognizes certifications like Ames and the partnerships built with other manufactures as a corner stone of state of the art training. Maintaining front line training and producing a highly qualified and productive work force is the easiest way to maintain our future and our relevance in our market.
Submitted by IUPAT District Council 21
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