May 7, 2021
Dear Local 99,
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) will be officially shutting down on May 31, 2021. The JATC was primarily tasked with training and graduating Stage “Journeyman.” This “Journeyman” status gives workers access to higher rates of pay in many contracts and individuals who are eligible for the Stagecraft “Journeyman” Rate are on the Stage “A List.”
Unfortunately, there have been too many barriers to Stage “Journeyman” status in the past. It is imperative to note that any barriers to fostering a robust skilled and safe workforce weakens our union’s position at the negotiating table and in the labor market.
To make Stage “Journeyman” status (and its higher rates of pay) accessible to more qualified people, Local 99 is launching a new education initiative called the “Local 99 Education Program.”
This program strives to equip Local 99 workers with the necessary core competencies to succeed in the workplaces where Local 99 represents the workers. It will offer regularly scheduled in-person classes and supports working individuals’ schedules with plenty of online, learn-at-your-own-pace classes.
The program prepares workers to excel on any job. All courses are free to attend for workers, although the purchase of some tools/personalized equipment may be required. The program can be completed in 12 months.
You can view the details of this training program and how to start by visiting: https://iatse99.org/iatse-education-program/
Individuals that complete the Local 99 Education Program and provide the required documentation of hours will have their Stage Skill Seniorities moved to the A-List.
Those that have already passed through the JATC program and/or are on the A-List will maintain their Stage “Journeyman” Status – though refreshing and continuing education is never a bad idea.
Some individuals may have completed some of the requirements already (i.e. Bootcamp, OSHA 10, COMET Training, Customer Service Training). You are not required to take these classes if your certifications are still valid (in the case of OSHA 10) or if you have taken them in the last two years (May 5, 2019).
The Joint Certification and Training Committee (JCTC), which is the entity that trains and certifies Tradeshow “Journeyman,” will continue to do so. The JCTC and the Local 99 Education Program will collaborate to bring trainings to every Local 99 worker, regardless of craft background or level of experience.
In anticipation of an influx of work as entertainment venues reopen, Local 99 and the JCTC plan to bring a variety of training opportunities to workers.
Local 99 Bootcamp is now available online: https://iatse99.org/local-99-bootcamp/ Use the password 99bootcamp99 to access the training.
OSHA 10 online trainings are coming up on May 24-25, 2021. See more information here: https://iatse99.org/upcoming-trainings/
We will be hosting screenings at the Local Union Hall of several of online trainings, paired with short, hands-on trainings:
Friday, May 14, 2021 4:00pm-5:30pm Mountain, Electrical Safety Screening + Pushing Basics Demo
Thursday, May 20, 2021 12:00pm-1:30pm Mountain, Rigging Safety Screening + Skirting A Table Demo
Tuesday, May 25, 2021 6:00pm-7:30pm Mountain, General Safety Screening + Pipe and Drape Demo
Thursday, May 27, 2021 4:00pm-5:30pm Mountain, Rigging Safety Screening + Skirting A Table Demo
Thursday, June 3, 2021 9:30am-11am Mountain, Electrical Safety Screening + Pushing Basics Demo
Friday, June 4, 2021 9:30am-11:00am Mountain, General Safety Screening + Pipe and Drape Demo
You can sign up for these trainings at https://iatse99.org/upcoming-trainings/
These are great opportunities to refresh skills or prepare for your first day on the job. If you struggle with computer skills or have difficulty accessing a reliable internet connection, these screenings can help you get a leg up!
Please check our website https://iatse99.org/upcoming-trainings/ for the schedule of these screenings as they become available.
In solidarity,