Boilermakers Local 169 has come up with a simple, proactive plan to attract bright, motivated workers to their industry.

The boilermakers put their plan in action on May 2, inviting 42 students to their apprenticeship school from around Michigan for a contest that allowed them to display their welding abilities. The students were approached in collaboration with their teachers because they have displayed a talent for welding in high school vocational training, and have shown an interest in a career that puts their skills to work.

The idea was fostered by Mark Wertz, a fifth-year Boilermaker apprentice who approached Local 169 Apprentice Coordinator Tony Jacobs and Business Manager John Marek about reaching out to the young, motivated workforce now - before they get snapped up by nonunion companies or employers in other fields of work.

"There are a lot of good opportunities out there for skilled workers," Local 169 Business Manager John Marek told the attendees. "When it comes time to make your decision, we want you to keep the Boilermakers in mind if you're looking for a great career opportunity."

Himself a welder in high school, Wertz realized that the Boilermakers Union was missing out on a good pool of recruits if they didn't reach out to vocational students who have already displayed competency in welding. So together with Jacobs and the Local 169 training staff, they put together a one-day program that allows invited students - who were excused from school for a day - to have their welding proficiency rated, and to show how much they know in a written exam.

"I know there are a lot of good high school welders out there," Wertz said. "And they come in with a real good attitude. Most have the basic skills that are necessary and a lot of them are looking around at career opportunities. This is an opportunity for us to show them what they can expect if they want to enter our apprenticeship program and the skills they're going to need."

Doing just that was Jacobs, who told the recruits that entering into the apprenticeship program "is strictly business." Boilermaker apprentices are among the highest paid in the building trades, Jacobs said, "but we work hard for our pay. We build steel mills, refineries, water towers and repair ships. We weld in confined spaces and out in the open, where angels fear to go. It's hard work, but we're always looking for skilled and qualified men and women."

Eight judges from the contracting community rated the welds of the students. Three prizes were given, the top prize being a $500 savings bond.

"I see this as a good idea because we're meeting people who are interested in the trade at a very early age," said Gary Eff of Gem Industrial, who was acting as a judge. "We're able to show them what we're all about before someone else gets ahold of them."

The students were judged on the quality of a vertical plate weld with a backing strip - similar to the test given to apprentices.

"I've been welding since the eighth grade, and I really enjoy it," said Toby Downey, a senior from Bay City who attended the event. "This is what I want to do for a living, and working with the Boilermakers seems like a good way to go."

BOILERMAKERS Business Manager John Marek talks to high school welders interested in a career with Local 169. Standing next to him are Local 169 Apprentice Coordinator Tony Jacobs and apprentice Mark Wertz, who suggested the meet-and-greet event where the welders can show their skills.