IUEC Local 17 Opens New Training Center

On August 9th, IUEC Local 17 opened its new training center in Brook Park across from the Ford plant on Engle Road with an apprentice orientation.  

The center, which is four times larger can the previous classroom space on Superior Avenue, features a two classrooms upstairs, two downstairs, two restrooms and multiple storage options for labs and materials was a project 15 months in the making.

In May of 2020 the Joint Apprenticeship Committee was informed that the building housing the classroom space being rented on Superior and 26th was sold and would be turned into apartments.  After many months of searching downtown Cleveland options, Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr. working with a real estate agent, found the building on Engle Road.   

Once the lease was signed, it took several months of work to refurbish the former credit union building into the training center.  “We are very excited to be in the building” Driscoll said.

“This building is a major upgrade from our Superior location” said NEIEP Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling.  Everyone is happy we are back in the classroom.”

This was the first event in the building because the Covid-19 outbreak kept instruction online for all of last year.  

NEIEP Announces Return to In Classroom Training

With a good portion of the country moving to some form of normalcy, it is time to safely return to the NEIEP classroom. The increasing number of COVID vaccines in the country is making people feel safer, and the protocol that we have been living with for over a year now has proven to be effective. As a result, NEIEP will be returning students and instructors to in-person classes for the fall semester beginning the week of August 9, 2021.

Going back safely to the classroom is the responsibility of all of us. Just like working safely on the job, looking out for yourself and those around you, each of us has a role to play to keep us all healthy. We ask every one of our trainees to help with prevention efforts while at the classroom site. NEIEP instructors must always set a good example by following applicable safety protocols.

The CDC has recently lifted the mask mandate for people who are “fully vaccinated,” which means that two weeks have passed since they received either a single-shot vaccine or the second dose of a two-shot vaccine. As more people become vaccinated, we anticipate there will be additional adjustments to existing safety protocols. NEIEP will monitor and adhere to all CDC recommended safety measures for the protection of our students and staff. Updated safety protocols will be available on the NEIEP website prior to the start of the fall semester.

New Changes and Cancellations

This is the latest update on changes for members of IUEC Local 17:

The April 10, 2020 union meeting and annual Retiree’s Dinner to be held at Harry’s Steak House May 1 are cancelled.  The dinner will be rescheduled at a later date.

All apprentices are to log into the NEIEP website (neiep.org) for information on completing this semester online in a home study format.

Apprentices are also reminded to submit their OJT time and update any missing time to the NEIEP website as soon as possible.

Business Manager John Driscoll, Jr recently sent two emails with important information for Local 17 members.  First is a summary of the CARES Act, the $2 trillion relief package passed by Congress and signed by the President, and it’s effect on the IUEC and local members.  Second is a notice from the Cleveland Building Trades on Jobsite Health and Safety.  If you have not received these emails, then contact John at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Mechanics Review Dates Set

Rick Myers will be instructing a mechanics review class every Monday for six weeks starting July 25th.  Eligible apprentices must sign up by July 8th in order to attend the classes.

For further information contact Business Agent Tim Moennich at 216-431-8088 or TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.