Use of GPS technology in construction continues to expand from surveying tools and machine control to new safety solutions. Tasked with ensuring the construction industry has the skilled workforce it needs, the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) is committed to training its members on all of the latest technologies, including GPS.
“We want to be sure our membership is staying up-to-date with the emerging technologies” says John Callahan, training and equipment assistant at International Training & Education Center for the IUOE, the largest and most comprehensive training facility for union operating and stationary engineers in North America. “We want to be proactive, not reactive.”
The goals are the same for IUOE Local 150, which represents approximately 23,000 men and women working in a variety of construction and other industries in Northern Illinois, Northern Indiana, and seven counties in Southeastern Iowa. Their huge training facility located in Wilmington, Illinois, includes a 342,000 square-foot indoor training area, 30 classrooms, an equipment simulator lab and a 200-seat auditorium. Union members have free access to training on nearly 200 pieces of heavy equipment and the latest GPS technology. Three instructors are focused solely on GPS training.
While the IUOE Local 150 facility serves members located in its region, union members from all over North America have access to free training at The International Training & Education Center of the IUOE. From November to May they offer two GPS training classes a month, as well as train-the-trainer events which are hosted by distributors and their training staff. With 265 acres, 227 dorm rooms, a cafeteria, health club and lounge area, participants have everything they need to focus on training and enjoy the experience.
Partnerships Help Meet Growing Demand for GPS Skills
According to Mark Kara, assistant coordinator, at Local 150, classes in GPS technology have expanded to meet growing demand and cover more advanced tasks such as creating design files and working with drones. “At just about every Board of Trustees meeting our contractor members are asking where we’re at with GPS training,” says Kara. “The demand for GPS-skilled dozer operators is through the roof.”
Contributing to the success of both these training programs are partnerships with heavy equipment and technology dealers like West Side Tractor Sales. Like most good partnerships it’s a win-win for all parties. The union provides its members with access to the latest equipment and technology to train on, suppliers gain visibility for their products in the marketplace, and the industry’s workforce receives valuable training.
“I honestly feel the Leica partnership is a poster child for partnerships,” says Kara. According to James Stone, manager of West Side Tractor’s positioning division, the relationship began in 2017 when as a representative for Leica, he started teaching classes at the Union 150 training center. Today, West Side provides equipment and technology support to the union, while the union trains its members. Leica Geosystems uses Union 150’s training facility for employee onboarding, and the union’s instructors are able to sit in on any Leica trainings and installations.
Construction technology trainers from Leica Geosystems Heavy Construction have been instrumental in advancing training opportunities with Leica technology at both IUOE 150 and the International Training & Education Center for the IUOE.
Dave Gottleib, one of IUOE’s GPS instructors, recognizes the importance of having the latest technology. “GPS is constantly evolving so it’s important to stay up on it.”
Based on feedback from operators, Gottleib and Kara hope to provide more brand-specific training in the future.
Julian Poydras, an instructor at the International Training & Education Center, appreciates the simplicity of the Leica user interface. “Simple is sometimes better,” he says. “The rover layout is intuitive and I’ve seen that it’s easy for a person unfamiliar with a rover to pick up.”
Leica trainers make sure IUOE learns about new ways to use GPS on the jobsite. They introduced Gottleib and Kara to Xwatch, which enables operators to set up 3D avoidance zones within the Leica MC1 platform. “The solution offers additional safeguards against hazards such as overhead power lines, underground utilities and public roadways,” says Gottleib. “I think it’s a game-changer.”
“West Side has made it very easy for us to manage the equipment,” adds Kara. “As technology changes they ensure we have the latest technology installed in the machines, and that our instructors are up-to-speed. Leica has gone out of their way to make sure we have a great understanding of their products and our members benefit from that as well.”
Stone is pleased with how the partnership with Local 150 has grown over the years. “Local 150 is a very willing partner and forward-thinking,” says Stone. “They always want to be on the cutting edge.” As a dealer he often recommends the union’s facility to customers. Any union member can attend training classes free of charge, six days a week, all year long. There are four apprenticeship programs as well as classes for journeymen.
A Win-Win for Equipment Operators and the Construction Industry
Both Stone and Kara recognize the huge advantage of training at a dedicated facility vs. trying to train on a jobsite.
“On the jobsite you still have to manage the production aspect of the job, while at a training facility the only cost is diesel fuel,” says Kara. “Operators have a chance to become comfortable so when they get to the jobsite they are prepared.”
With nine simulators on site, Local 150 is well equipped to help someone with zero experience succeed by allowing them to safely begin their education in a classroom. Technology also makes the job more attractive to younger workers.
IUOE Local 150 is currently in the process of doubling the size of its indoor facility. An 80×150 foot indoor paving bay is also in the works. Operators will find introductory and more advanced classes for skid steer, backhoe excavator, bulldozer, cranes, asphalt paving, rolling equipment, demolition equipment, rubber tire loaders, haul trucks, horizontal directional drills, vertical drilling as well as crane operator training.
A proven technology in the field, GPS technology is now required to meet the specifications of many heavy construction contracts. “Many contractors would say you can’t compete in today’s market without it,” says Stone.
With their dedicated training facilities and expert instruction, IUOE has made it easier than ever for operators to learn GPS systems and for contractors to start reaping the benefits of GPS. Says Callahan, “We’re looking forward to our continued partnership and ongoing success in preparing the construction workforce.”
To speak with a heavy construction expert who can guide you on your technology journey, contact us.
