#NAW2016: State grant helps East Metro auto dealerships reinvigorate apprenticeship program

November 18, 2016 by

International_Association_Of_Machinists_and_Aerospace_Workers_logo1Car dealerships in the East Metro long have offered registered apprenticeship training opportunities to their mechanics, but the number of journey-level workers graduating from the program has declined in recent years.

Looking to shift that trend into reverse, East Metro dealerships, state regulators and representatives of the Machinists union met with technical college faculty and Minnesota AFL-CIO staff this fall and, together, developed a plan to reinvigorate the apprenticeship program – and back it up with some state grant dollars.

“We’re piloting a program, we hope, that some dealerships will take advantage of,” Machinists District 77 representative Rick Ryan said.

Automotive apprentices have struggled in recent years to reach the 144 hours of training required under federal apprenticeship standards. Most cite difficulty in finding courses that are accessible, given their work commitments, or relevant to the work they do.

Dealerships, meanwhile, have been willing to shrug off the training requirements, bumping employees up to journey-level wages after they meet their on-the-job training threshold.

Some 30-plus mechanics in the East Metro are “on the cusp of getting a journeyperson’s card, but could not get the classes to complete it,” Todd Dahlstrom of the Minnesota AFL-CIO said. By reaching out to MnSCU, “we’ve been able to design a class structure that gets them the training they need and want so they can compete that apprenticeship and walk out with that card.”

Completing the apprenticeship is important, Ryan said. “That journeyperson’s card means you’re at the top of your trade,” he said. “It gives our employers a stronger, better employee to do the work and remain competitive.”

The program is modeled after the Industrial Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship program expanding statewide. It’s an example, Dahlstrom said, of how staff at the Minnesota AFL-CIO can help employers and unions access training funds, even when the IMT doesn’t apply.

“If you’ve got an apprenticeship program or specific training that your employees need, we can help you find the dollars to pay for it,” Dahlstrom said. “We have a track record of success doing it, and we’re here to help.”

Want to learn more?

  • Find a list of union dealerships in the East Metro at iam77.org/shops.html
  • Call Dahlstrom to discuss training opportunities or the IMT apprenticeship program: 651-227-7647.
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Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship deadline is May 31

May 6, 2014 by
Nellie Stone Johnson had a distinguished record of public service in support of the advancement of minority concerns, the rights of workers and equal opportunities for all people.

Nellie Stone Johnson had a distinguished record of public service in support of the advancement of minority concerns, the rights of workers and equal opportunities for all people.

The postmark deadline for students to apply for a Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship in the 2014-15 academic year has been extended to May 31.

The fund awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 to minority students from union families who attend or plan to attend a technical college, community college or university in the MnSCU system. To be eligible a scholarship applicant must be a racial minority and a union member or be the child, grandchild or spouse of a union member.

Scholarships are given each year to students who enroll in two year, undergraduate or graduate programs. Scholarships may be renewed for up to two years for community or technical college programs, up to four years for students working toward a bachelor’s degree and two years for those enrolled in a master’s program.

Applications and additional information are available at nelliestone.org, or by calling 651-738-1404.

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Ellison to give keynote at Nellie Stone Johnson scholarship fundraiser

February 4, 2014 by
Nellie Stone Johnson had a distinguished record of public service in support of the advancement of minority concerns, the rights of workers and equal opportunities for all people.

Nellie Stone Johnson had a distinguished record of public service in support of the advancement of minority concerns, the rights of workers and equal opportunities for all people.

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison will give the keynote address at the 2014 Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Dinner and Silent Auction at the Prom Center in Oakdale March 27.

The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Fund, named after a lifelong crusader for social justice, labor rights and higher education in Minnesota, awards scholarships to students of color from union families who attend or plan to attend a school in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

In 2013, the fund awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 to 21 students.

The March 27 fundraiser will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The Prom Center is located at 484 Inwood Ave., Oakdale. Tickets are $65 or $490 for a table of eight.

To purchase tickets, mail a check payable to “Nellie Stone Scholarship” to Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 40309, St. Paul, MN 55104. Be sure to indicate how many tickets or tables are being purchased.

The scholarship fund also is accepting donations to its silent auction from individuals and unions. Donations are tax deductible.

To make a donation, deliver or send items to Rodney Rowe, Education Minnesota, 41 Sherburne Ave., St. Paul, MN 55103; or to Chas Martin, AFSCME Council 5, 300 Hardman Ave. S, South St. Paul, MN 55075.

For more information go to www.nelliestone.org/nsj-scholarship-dinner, or contact Mitch Franklin at 612-331-6668 or mfranklin@fmcs.gov.

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Apply now for Nellie Stone Johnson scholarships

March 27, 2013 by
Nellie Stone Johnson

Nellie Stone Johnson

Applications for the annual Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship, available to minority students from union families, will be accepted through May 1.

The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000. To be eligible, students must attend or plan on attending one of the 31 technical colleges, community colleges or state universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system. Eligibility also requires the applicant to be a racial minority and a union member or be the child, grandchild or spouse of a union member.

Scholarships are given each year to students who enroll in two year, undergraduate or graduate programs. Scholarships may be renewed for up to two years for community or technical college programs, up to four years for students working toward a bachelor’s degree, and two years for those enrolled in a master’s program.

Applications and additional information about the scholarship are available online at www.nelliestone.org, or by calling 651-738-1404.

The scholarship program honors Nellie Stone Johnson, a long-time member of the MnSCU system’s board. The endowment is a permanent reminder of Nellie’s contributions to civil rights, human rights and the rights of workers. Monies come from private sources, including alumni, labor unions, company foundations, friends and other supporters.

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MnSCU Chancellor Rosenstone to address labor-management council’s annual meeting

March 4, 2013 by
Chancellor Rosenstone

Chancellor Rosenstone

Steven Rosenstone, chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, will give the keynote address at the Twin City Area Labor Management Council’s annual meeting March 7.

Registration is now open for the luncheon, which will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Operating Engineers Local 49 hall, 2829 Anthony Lane South, Minneapolis. Registration will also be available on the day of the event.

In the keynote address, Chancellor Rosenstone will discuss the opportunities for labor and management to collaborate on meeting the future workforce needs of Minnesota. His presentation is entitled “Working Together for Minnesota’s Prosperity.”

The annual meeting also will feature presentation of the Earl Willford Labor-Management Partnership and Cooperation Award.

The TCALMC, incorporated in 1984, seeks to provide relevant, ongoing resources to produce positive change in the workplace through cooperative labor-management relationships.

To register for the event, call 612-676-3725, or visit www.tcalmc.org.

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