Members and instructors participating in the MOST Project Management training include: front row l. to r, MOST Programs Administrator Mark Garrett; Chris Turley, L-549; Wes Juelg, L-13; Danielle Manygoats, L-627; Jacob Roos, L-13; Travis Lewis, L-647; Owen Johnson, L-374; Greg Gehring, L-83; Casey Tibbs, MOST; Rodney Gooden L-667; Instructor Gerry Klimo and Instructor Mike Suplizio. Back Row l. to r., Marjorie Uy, L-549; Derek Patin, IBB/MOST; Smitty Minton, MOST; Wayne Stewart, L-83; Matt McGuire, L-154; Josh Carmody, L-107; Jason Beaudin L-169; Justin Diltz, L-154; Jessica Manroe, L-83 and James Bailey, L-13.
Boilermakers from 10 United States local lodges met in Kansas City, Missouri, in early February along with instructors and staff for a weeklong project management training sponsored by MOST Programs.
This year’s class had a surprise guest—International President Timothy Simmons. Instructor Gerry Klimo said in his 20 years of teaching the class, this is the first time he’d seen an International President at the training. Simmons and International Secretary-Treasurer Clinton Penny stopped by to greet attendees and answer questions. IVP-Canada Arnie Stadnick also visited the class while in Kansas City.
“With Tim coming, it showed he was concerned about the rank and file and wanted to let them know he was here for them,” said Klimo. “He spent the time to talk and explain things. Having the head person come to talk and be available, it was the highlight of this class in the whole time I’ve taught.”
The project management class teaches Boilermakers how to conduct construction projects, make decisions that positively impact project goals and provide an overall benefit to the owner, contractor and union.
Travis Lewis from Local 647 (Minneapolis) took the class to increase his skills in project management and be a leader for the Boilermakers. “Last year, I was a quality manager. I talked to my business manager and project manager, and they told me to look into the class. The timing was perfect.”
Project management isn’t for everyone, and that’s why Marjorie Uy from L-549 (Pittsburg, California) signed up. She needed to determine if going into project management was the right fit for her. “I wanted to understand the whole process, what it takes and what you need to be to fill that role. The instructors have been great.”
Owen Johnson from L-374 (Hobart, Indiana) took the class to gain a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes on jobsites to help further his career. “You always hear about this stuff in the background but here it’s explained and brought to light.”
