I spent the summer working with the Training Coordinator (Mr. Gray) for the Eastern Idaho Plumbers & Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee Local 648 located in Blackfoot, Idaho. Nearly my entire experience was at the training center in Blackfoot, with a few short hours on one day working at the union hall in Pocatello, Idaho.

I was tasked with assisting Mr. Gray in a vast number of areas that he is responsible for including record keeping, consolidation, and maintenance. This involved school transcripts, student book payment records, and on-the-job training hours. I organized these files going back a couple of years, and spent time digitizing records as Mr. Gray is working towards mostly digital rather than physical files. I assisted with financial records, and test results as apprentices attended the center to engage in weld tests. Additionally, I completed various tasks of training center maintenance including groundskeeping, room remodel, and other custodial efforts to improve and sustain the center.

The goal for the extensive record work was to increase the efficiency and organization of the program allowing for better service to apprentices, functionality of the school for the committee, staff, and local 648 as a whole. I believe that this goal was accomplished as I was able to complete many tasks that Mr. Gray would not have gotten to by the end of the summer. His responsibilities are generally more than can be completed on a typical day as he is the soul employee of the training center tasked with literally “everything” that needs completed. As I learned about the program and the center I identified Mr. Gray as the maintenance professional, contractor (as we remodeled a room this summer), groundskeeper, secretary, accountant, and coordinator of all testing and professional development that occurred on a daily basis for apprentices, and union members. This list is not exhaustive as has many other responsibilities. It was very satisfying to learn about this great program, and spend time developing myself professionally as I worked to complete the objectives of the training program.

Overall, it was gratifying to have helped accomplish so many things this summer to foster the goals of the program and set up the school for the upcoming year. I feel that the career knowledge I gained is invaluable as I work especially with high school students who are seeking career opportunities post graduation. I feel that this program does an incredible job of teaching, training, providing professional opportunities, and growth for those who participate. This continues as they graduate from the program as the local union then helps find jobs for these professionals. The training center (as mentioned before) then allows for continual professional development so that members can develop their skills and increase financial opportunities.

I plan on sharing the knowledge I have gained with district staff, and students who are seeking career opportunities in an environment that fosters growth, success, and sustainability.

Grade Level and Subject Taught: School Psychologist: K-5; 9-12