How Local 8 is Handling Training Challenges During Coronavirus
Back in March, IATSE Local 8 made the decision to move their spring and summer in-person classes online due to COVID-19 safer at home restrictions around gatherings. One of the biggest challenges they faced in offering OSHA 10/General Entertainment Safety classes via teleconference was getting approval from their OSHA Training Institute. OTI centers prefer in-person instruction for OSHA 10 and usually require several months’ advance notice to approve teleconference classes. That time frame was waived due to COVID-19, but there were also technical specifications Joseph Baliski (Recording Secretary, Chairman of IATSE 8 Education Committee, Training Coordinator, and OSHA Outreach Trainer) had to overcome.
To ensure students were engaged, they selected two instructors to teach each class: one would instruct while the other acted as a proctor and monitored camera feeds making sure the students were paying attention. The instructor and proctor switched roles at the end of each module. OSHA-required documentation like review questions, evaluations, and sign-in sheets also presented some issues. At the TTF’s recommendation, they used Sign Now for live sign-in sheets, which worked out well. The IATSE TTF supported these trainings through the Course Reimbursement program and provided the OSHA 10/GES curriculum.
“Because everyone in almost every aspect of our industry has been unemployed since the pandemic hit, International Vice President Michael Barnes came up with the idea to offer training to neighboring locals and districts as well. Hearing different stories and situations from all over the country and from all different crafts in the IA has added a very interesting dynamic to the training sessions and has made them even more enjoyable. I appreciate having the opportunity to meet everyone who has expressed interest in expanding their knowledge on workplace safety.”
Under the direction of Michael Barnes and with the collective effort of the Local 8 Education Committee, they have developed an extraordinary web-based training community. Local 8 hosts approximately 18 weekly Zoom seminars in not only craft skills training—knot tying, ladder safety, OSHA 10, introduction to stage electrics, and ETCP Rigging and ETCP Electrics study groups—but also COVID-19 training seminars like unemployment workshops, CDC recommendations for maintaining your residence, budgeting during a crisis, nutrition recommendations, and what the CARES Act means to you. These online sessions help everyone interact with one another in these trying times. In May alone, Local 8 had over 900 people sign into one of the 79 ZOOM seminars they hosted.
Do you have a training success story you’d like to share with us? We’d love to hear about the trainings your local is up to or how the IATSE TTF has helped you implement new or improve existing courses at your local. Send your stories here.