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At the end of April, 22 IAM Mechanics Union Local 701 apprentices graduated from the Automotive and Diesel Power and Equipment Technology program.
Over the course of their training, the graduates demonstrated the necessary skills to excel in their industry, refining their knowledge to become the next generation of skilled technicians working within IAM Mechanics Union Local 701 shops.
“Thanks to the dedication and hard work of these graduates, as well as the Local 701 instructors, the Chicago area has gained 22 new, highly-skilled technicians,” said IAM Local 701 Directing Business Representative Mark Grasseschi. “We are incredibly proud of this program and the technicians who graduate from it. Nothing makes us happier than setting these students up for successful careers and seeing them excel.”
As apprentices, students learned through in-class lecture and hands-on demonstration one day a week at the Training Facility, and on-the-job, hands-on training in the shop for the remainder of the week, gaining real-world experience on the subjects that were taught inside the classroom.
The apprenticeship method allows students to learn while earning full-time wages and benefits provided by Local 701’s Union contracts.
Students are able to complete the program at little to no personal cost because of contractual employer contributions in addition to state and county grants, keeping the students debt-free while developing their career.
“These apprentices have crossed a milestone and will now embark on a path towards in-demand careers as journeymen technicians. The Local 701 Training Program provides these students with a direct pathway to success in the automotive and diesel industries,” said IAM Midwest General Vice President Sam Cicinelli, who worked as a Local 701 technician. “Congratulations to all the recent Local 701 graduates. The IAM wishes these new technicians long and prosperous careers within our union.”
