News

When Minnesota-based MG McGrath was bidding the complete exterior package for a performing arts center at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, they knew they had the experience and capacity to do the work. They boast an impressive portfolio of diverse projects across the country. But Local 336 Representative Fred Taylor approached them with an offer to save money and company time spent on logistics without a loss of confidence in the quality of work.

Taylor suggested pre-job training for members in the area, reducing the need for McGrath to send—and pay for–employees from Minnesota for the 9-12 month project.

“Our relationship with McGrath is fairly new,” Taylor said. “We want them to succeed, so we scheduled the training so they would have confidence that they could build a local crew and know the product would be handled and installed properly.”

“The company hasn’t done a lot of work in the area, but we’re hoping to change that,” McGrath Senior Project Manager Ilja Aljoskin said. “We can obviously reduce costs by having a local workforce. This training is what gives us the ability to do that with confidence.”

McGrath sent a mock-up of the system from the Worcester site to NASCTC in Millbury, MA. Though it is not a new system, there are some unique aspects, including the weight and a patina finish that is easily damaged by oils from human skin. They also wanted to focus attention on the air vapor barrier installation and sealing penetrations to prevent leaks.

McGrath sent a few company employees, who worked with about a dozen members Taylor recruited for a Saturday training session. Some were well versed in exterior panel installation, while others had related experience with metal stud framing and drywall installation. Those members have worked steadily on the project and been supplemented by others, who receive “on-the-job training” from their trained Brothers and Sisters.

“This is a newer avenue for us. We haven’t had a union offer up training for us like this, ahead of a job. Prejob training is beneficial and I’ve shared with my colleagues how well it’s gone,” Aljoskin said. “We hope to do a lot more of it.”

Taylor agreed. “The job has gone fantastic. It’s been a great experience for us to work with the company and obviously for the members, who have gotten to work on a local project. We look forward to helping link McGrath to more bidding opportunities in the future and getting other contractors to take advantage of our training programs.”