HOWELL - As iron framework goes, the 50-ft. by 75-ft. by 60-ft. high structure at the Operating Engineers Local 324 Training Center is pretty modest compared to the steel on some of the huge buildings they're accustomed to erecting.

But when it comes to providing a training platform for iron worker and operating engineer apprentices to practice steel erection, there are none larger - or like it - in the nation. In most apprentice programs, students learn on the job. The new training frame is the first of its kind and allows apprentices to learn and practice safe erection procedures under the guidance of experienced instructors in a non-production environment.

"Good training and education programs are the difference between union construction and the competition," said Local 324 Business Manager Sam T. Hart during an Oct. 23 program to "top-off" the construction of the training frame. "This project demonstrates how the organized trades can combine their individual world-class training programs and produce yet another cutting edge product."

Set up for flexibility, the basic frame is anchored into the ground. Cranes at the site allow operators to practice their picks, and about 150 tons of various types of steel at the site can be placed in four different configurations by apprentice iron workers.

This type of project probably hasn't been undertaken in any other part of the country because of the cost - the frame and related equipment cost more than $1 million, including an $800,000 crane, $250,000 in iron, and $100,000 in permanent footings.

"It's nice to see the spirit of cooperation that will benefit the youth in both the trades," said Iron Workers Local 25 Business Manager Frank Kavanaugh. "I'm glad to see the spirit of cooperation among the two unions and the employer association. With its emphasis on safety and with the readily available hands-on experience the new practice frame affords, the joint training program raises the bar for iron worker and operator apprentice training."

Retired iron worker journeymen Al Friend, Gary Montie, Mark Morton and William "Sonny" Wilburn spent countless hours planning the frame, constructing it, and then working alongside apprentices when training began in May. "This entire project couldn't have been done without them," said Local 25 President Shorty Gleason, who chaired the Raising Gang Task Force. "Not only on the site in Howell and at committee meetings, but they each spent hours at home preparing materials. You can't write enough good things about those guys."

Besides the unions, the third party in the partnership is the Greater Lakes Fabricators and Erectors Association. "We've got a goal to make our apprentices the best they can be," said GLFEA board member William Treharne. "I'm proud of how everyone came together to get this done. We're committed as union contractors to provide the best trained craftspeople in North America."

The training program is blended into both union apprenticeship training curricula, and consists of a 40-hour program of on-site instruction for five iron workers and one operator apprentice, performing the typical tasks of a raising gang.

"It's an opportunity for our apprentices and the iron workers to work together, to forge a relationship," said Local 324 Apprenticeship Coordinator Gary Ganton.

Added Local 25 Apprenticeship Coordinator Doug Levack, "We don't know how many lives we're going to save with this training. Our goal is to eliminate all the construction fatalities that we can."

IN FRONT OF the training frame during the topping out ceremony are (l-r) Local 324 Apprenticeship Coordinator Gary Ganton, Business Manager Sam T. Hart, GLFEA Board Member William Treharne, Iron Workers Local 25 Business Manager Frank Kavanaugh and Apprenticeship Coordinator Doug Levack.

IRON WORKERS and an operator top out the training frame at the Local 324 Training Center in Howell.