CTE Construction Teachers Reauthorize OSHA
The CTUF Quest Center for Professional Learning was proud to host the American Federation of Teachers Health and Safety, providing free OSHA professional development for Chicago Teachers Union members. The OSHA Re-authorization Training for Construction Industry was delivered to 11 educators (9 CTU Members) from July 1 – August 2, 2023, at the CTU Center, instructed by Brain Bisson, AFT Health and Safety Assistant Director. The training will ensure the educators are authorized to provide critical OSHA training to students in carpentry, electricity, welding, and HVAC construction pathways at Dunbar, Prosser, Southside, and Simeon High Schools.
The three-day training provided an update on OSHA Construction Standards, policies, and regulations for Outreach Training Program trainers who have completed OSHA #500 Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry. Upon course completion, they will have the ability to demonstrate continued professional development in their field by applying practical adult learning principles and interactive training techniques to identify, define, and explain construction industry hazards and acceptable corrective measures as they continue to teach the 10- and 30-hour Construction Outreach Training Program classes. The CTE teachers attended the training with an intentional focus on detail, passion, and joy in instructing students in construction safety.
Who benefits from this training? Our students!
Besides the reduction in training cost per student from $25 (to stare at a screen for 10 hours) to $8 to participate in active class to obtain the OSHA certification, students benefit from a knowledgeable teacher/trainer who can answer questions, learn while using safety equipment in the shop, and collaborate with their peers on case studies and interactive small group activities. No matter how many years of experience in their trade/technology, the teachers always walk away with new learning and implement it by assessing their work area, addressing any hazards, and modeling appropriate behavior to remain safe and healthy.
The CTUF Quest Center looks forward to hosting AFT next year, Summer 2024, to provide CPS educators the OSHA General Industry training!