The following courses are offered at the Southwick Training Site. Some courses are done by a training schedule, but many are offered on demand for your convenience. We require a minimum of 5 members for scheduled classes. The class will be canceled if members do not respond. Please call the Training School as soon as possible to register for class at 413-265-1781.
Email Nick Girolamo ngirolamo@local98.org
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING – A four-year program designed to train apprentices to become productive UNION OPERATING ENGINEERS. Apprentices will be educated in the safe and proper operations of construction equipment and other important topics needed to work in the construction industry.
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE (PERMIT CLASS B) – Course designed to assist members in obtaining their CDL B permit and license. Classroom, field and road test required. Local 98 can provide truck and a sponsor.
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS LICENSE (PERMIT CLASS A) – Course designed to assist members in obtaining their CDL A permit and license. Classroom, field and road test required. Local 98 does not provide truck or sponsor for testing.
MASSACHUSETTS HOISTING LICENSE (1A, 2A, 3A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4G) – Courses designed to prepare members in obtaining or upgrading their hoisting license. Classroom and field training required.
FORKLIFT CERTIFICATION – Designed to train operators in safe work practices involved with forklifts and material handling. Course complies with OSHA Part 1926.600 & 1910.178. Classroom, written and field tests are required to complete the class. Recertification is required every 5 years.
PIPELINE OPERATOR QUALIFICATION DOT – Requirements call for all operators employed in either gas transmission or distribution work to be evaluated on 11 covered tasks relating to this industry. This is not an operating ability test. Recertification is required every 3 years. Classroom and written test.
40 HOUR HAZWOPER – OSHA approved hands on course used to train operators in the proper handling of hazardous waste. This certificate is required on all superfund sites. Many chemical and manufacturing sites also require this certificate. Classroom and field training required. Topics covered help protect worker on all scopes of work.
8 HOUR HAZMAT REFRESHER – A yearly course required to keep your Hazwoper certificate current. Classroom only.
OSHA 10 – A 2 day course designed to train members in safety. The many causes of accidents and fatalities in the construction industry will be discussed.
ASBESTOS REFRESHER – A yearly refresher to keep your Asbestos credentials current.
EXCAVATING – This course is designed to train members in the safe and proper use of excavating equipment. Training will be done in compliance with OSHA standards.
TRENCHING AND SHORING – Advanced class for operators with excavating experience. The use of trench boxes and shoring methods will be covered.
GRADE READING – A class designed to understand the basics of grade stakes, cuts and fills.
INTRODUCTION TO CRANES – A course designed to train members in the basics of cranes and their operations.
INTRODUCTION TO OVERHEAD CRANE – A course designed to train members on overhead safety, operation and license prep.
ADVANCED CRANES – A course designed to help crane operators with some of the specialized tasks of cranes. Instruction also given for NCCCO/OECP certification test.
NCCCO/OECP – Class is designed to prepare operators for NCCCO or OECP mobile crane certification written exams. Crane operator certification is required for all operators in construction.
BASIC RIGGING – Required by OSHA subpart cc for assembly or disassembly of cranes or for those involved in rigging of crane loads. Class designed to train members in inspection procedures and safe rigging practices. Wire rope, slings and other lifting devices will be covered. (3 day course – written and practical tests)
SIGNAL PERSON – Required by OSHA subpart cc, for anyone involved in signaling a crane. Course is taught in both classroom and out in the field, so dress accordingly. ( 1 day – written and practical tests) Proficiency in the use of signals and basic crane function must be demonstrated.
DOZER – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.
FORKLIFT – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.
LOADER – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.
TRACTOR LOADER BACKHOE – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.
EXCAVATOR – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.
GRADER – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.
CDL – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.
CRANE – Basic operations covered, classroom and field training.