Adrian Hendren, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI
Ohio Valley Tripartite members gathered in Lexington, Kentucky, Aug. 13-14, to discuss Boilermaker training, EPRI training and Ohio Valley agreements. Participants, including members, owners and contractors, explored strategies to increase man-hours and received an overview of services the National Association of Construction Boilermaker Employers provides its members.
Adrian Hendren, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI, the Electric Power Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of equipping workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to be effective in the field.
“Our goal is to make sure when members go out into the field, they’re efficient. They know what they’re doing and they’re able to do it with skills,” Hendren said.
This is achieved through STEs, standardized task evaluations designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs for both owners and contractors in the energy sector. Testing includes a written knowledge exam and hands-on performance exams.
To date, 16,585 EPRI STEs have been completed, resulting in $1.74 million in annual training cost savings. Recurring qualification costs have been reduced by $210 per repeat acceptance, highlighting the financial benefits of the program.
The STE program offers portability, allowing it to be applied across multiple sites, which ensures consistent quality and compliance. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining high standards across different locations.
Compliance with the AP3 standards (administration protocol for portable practicals) is a key aspect of the STE program. AP3 compliance ensures that STEs, administered by workforce providers (such as unions), are conducted systematically and meet industry standards.
EPRI's commitment to maintaining high standards is unwavering. Hendren pointed out that EPRI does not accept testing exemptions or substitutions, as doing so could undermine the integrity of the program.
Through STEs and strict adherence to compliance standards, EPRI and its partners are shaping the future of energy, ensuring that the workforce is prepared, efficient and capable of meeting the industry’s evolving demands. Boilermakers across the union are becoming EPRI certified in Industrial Rigging and Signaling, Install and Torque Fasteners, Operate a Forklift and Operate an Aerial Work Platform.
Ron Traxler, Executive Director of NACBE, emphasized the critical need for safety, collaboration and recruitment. Traxler highlighted the importance of increasing man-hours and the ongoing efforts to maintain a skilled workforce. “We’re all recruiters and safety professionals. It’s important we recruit, recruit and recruit because we need man-hours,” he stated.
NACBE plays a vital role in promoting safety through regular meetings, injury tracking and expert-led discussions on safety practices. The organization collaborates closely with the MOST program, particularly on mental health initiatives and safety programs, such as respirator fit testing and the eyeglass program.
Traxler addressed a rise in lost-time injury rates, urging collective action to create injury-free workplaces. He also stressed the importance of accurate man-hour projections and ongoing collaboration between contractors, reps and business managers to meet industry needs.
Other speakers included BNAP National Coordinator Mark Wertz, who gave details about training, grants and Boilermakers’ EPRI certification. MOST Trainer Jay Brophy detailed the Boilermaker Boot Camp program and highlighted how important the new MOST Mental Health program is for members. In addition, Director of Jurisdiction and National Maintenance Agreements Marty Stanton offered an update on project labor agreements and addendums.
