HEARTLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS

 

 

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APPRENTICE JOB DESCRIPTION:

The following statement is to provide a written job description/philosophy for an apprenticeship carpenters candidate, as well as setting forth the written policy of the Program with reference to physical examinations of selected candidates subsequent to selection but prior to employment, all in compliance with The American Disabilities Act and Chapter 730 of the Iowa Code, the Drug Free Workplace Act, and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

SECTION 1, a - JOB DESCRIPTION/PHILOSOPHY OF CARPENTERS APPRENTICE

A worker who learns, according to a written or oral contractual agreement, the skills of a carpenter, requiring one or more years of on-the-job training through job experience supplemented by related instruction, prior to being considered a qualified, skilled worker.  High school transcripts, vocational school transcripts, or GED transcripts are a requirement for entry into the program. Provisions of an apprenticeship agreement regularly include length of apprenticeship, a progressive scale of wages, work process to be taught, and amount of instruction in subjects related to craft or trade, such as characteristics of materials used, physics, mathematics, estimating, and blueprint reading.  Apprenticeability of a particular craft or trade is best evidenced by its acceptability for registration as a trade by a State Apprenticeship Agency or the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.  Generally, where employees are represented by a Union, Apprenticeship Programs come under the guidance of joint apprenticeship committees composed of representatives of the employer or the employer association, and representatives of the employees.  These committees may determine need for apprenticeship in a locality and establish minimum apprenticeship standards of education, experience, and training.  In instances where committees do not exist, apprenticeship agreement is made between apprenticeship and employer or employer group.  The title “apprentice” is often loosely used as a synonym for beginner, helper, or trainee.

SECTION 1, b - PURPOSE OF JOB DESCRIPTION

The purpose of the above job description is to objectively define the term “Apprentice Carpenter”.  In accordance with the Affirmative Action Plan adopted by the Program, the recruitment and selection of apprentices will be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, or disability.

SECTION 1, c - PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Once an individual has been selected for probationary apprenticeship, it is the policy of the Program to utilize an employment physical conducted by a licensed physician to verify that the individual has the required physical abilities described above.  If “reasonable accommodation” cannot be made, the individual will be dismissed from the program.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE AND/OR SKILLS

SECTION 2, a - TOOLS AND PROCESSES

The apprentice must be able to use correctly and safely all tools associated with the construction process.  The apprentice must be able to comprehend written, verbal, and visual directions.

SECTION 2, b - MATERIALS AND/OR PROCESSES

The apprentice must be able to use and manipulate material associated with the construction process.

SECTION 2, c - BUILDING CODES AND/OR OTHER DESIGN REQUIREMENTS (I.E., BLUEPRINT READING)

SECTION 2, d - PRECISION WORK

The apprentice must be able to demonstrate the ability to do precise and exacting work that the construction industry requires.

SECTION 2, e - MATHEMATICS

The apprentice must be able to comprehend math as it relates to the construction industry.

SECTION 2, f - READING, WRITING, AND/OR OTHER COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The apprentice must be able to demonstrate adequate skills involving reading, writing, and the ability to communicate clearly.

SECTION 2, g - PROBLEM SOLVING

The apprentice must be able to think clearly and be able to solve construction-related problems.

SECTION 2, h - EXPECTED EDUCATION AND/OR PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

The apprentice should have a background in Math, Industrial Arts, English, and Physical Education Classes.

SECTION 2, i - ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Constructs, erects, installs, and repairs structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter’s hand tools and power tools, and conforming to local building codes: Studies blueprints, sketches, or building plans for information pertaining to type of material required, such as lumber or fiberboard, and dimensions of structure or fixture to be fabricated.  Select specified type of lumber or other materials.

Prepares layout, using rule, framing square, and calipers. Marks cutting and assembly lines on materials, using pencil, chalk, and marking gauge. Shapes materials to prescribed measurements, using saws chisels, and planes. Assembles cut and shaped materials and fastens them together with nails, dowel pins, or glue. Verifies trueness of framework partitions and cabinetwork. Covers sub floor with building paper to keep out moisture and lays hardwood parquet, and wood-strip-block floors by nailing floors to sub floor or cementing them to mastic or asphalt base. Applies shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, and decorative window frames, doors, doorframes, weather stripping, interior and exterior trim, and finish hardware, such as locks, letter drops, and kick plates. Constructs forms and chutes for pouring concrete. Erects scaffolding and ladders for assembling structures above ground level. May weld metal parts to steel structural members

SECTION 2, j - PHYSICAL DEMANDS

           

TERM

Description/Evaluation

Climbing

Frequently required to ascend or descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like, using feet and legs or hands and arms. For example, ascending ladders and/or scaffolding to carry materials or construct forms.

Balancing

Occasionally maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching or running on narrow surfaces. For example, balancing on scaffolding when working in elevated areas.

Stooping

Frequently bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist, requiring full use of the lower extremities and back muscles. For example, stooping while retrieving construction materials or while assembling piecework in construction of structures.

Kneeling

Frequently bending legs at knees to come to rest on knee or knees. For example, kneeling to drive nails in boards at floor level.

Crouching

Frequently bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine. For example, crouching to drive nails and to position materials on lower part of walls.

Reaching

Frequently extending hands and arms in any direction. For example, reaching to position boards or materials in preparation for final securing of the structure.

Handling

Frequently seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands. Fingers are involved only to the extent that they are an extension of the hand, such as to turn a switch or shift automobile gears. For example, holding parts and construction materials in the construction process.

Fingering

Occasionally, picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling. For example, placing washers on bolts before the nut is placed and then tightening nut.

Near Acuity

Frequently requiring clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. For example, seeing and understanding blueprints.

Far Acuity

Occasionally requiring clarity of vision at 20 inches or more. For example, reading distance signs up to 200 feet.

Depth

Perception

Occasionally, the need or ability to judge and spatial relationship so as to see objects where and as they really are. For vision, example: judging distances and space relationships of stationary and moving objects to avoid accidents while loading and unloading loose materials.

Visual

Accommodation

Occasionally, the ability to adjust the lens of the eye to bring an object into sharper focus. This factor is required with pointwork at varying distances for the eye. For example, shifting gaze from work to several feet distance to compare with date from blueprints at near distance.

Color

Vision

Occasionally, the ability to identify and distinguish colors. For example being able to place pre-painted materials into the right color setting.

Strength

An all-over rating that reflects the following activities:

 

Standing: Remaining on one’s feet in an upright                position at a work station without moving about;

Walking: Moving about on foot or with assistance of apparatus where appropriate conditions exist;

Sitting: Remaining in a seated position;

Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from on level to another including upward pulling;

Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms or on the shoulder;

Controlling; Using one or both arms or hands or one or both feet or legs to move controls on machinery or equipment. Controls include but are not limited to buttons, knobs, pedals, levers and cranks.

 

The classification of this particular term is heavy work, which entails exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, or 20 to 50 pounds of force frequently, or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for medium work.

SECTION 2, k - ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS – TERM AND DESCRIPTIONS

 

Exposure to Weather:

Frequently exposed to outside atmospheric condition.  For example, construction forms/structures while exposed to hot, cold, wet, or windy conditions

Working in High, Exposed Places:

Frequent exposure to possible bodily injury from falling. For example, constructing structures such as stairways or building forms in elevated areas.

Noise Intensity Level:

Frequent exposure to loud noise intensity level to which the worker is exposed in the job environment.

Exposure to Dust and Fumes:

Occasional exposure to conditions such as fumes, noxious odors, dust, mists, gases, and poor ventilation that affect the respiratory system, eyes, or the skin. For example, sawing of boards and use of adhesive glues.

SECTION 2, l - PROGRAM DISCRETION

The jobs, duties, and requirements that this document describes may be altered or supplemented at any time, and the sole discretion of the Committee.

SECTION 2, m - EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

This document does not create an employment contract either expressed or implied.  All employment is employment at will.

SECTION 2, n - DRUG SCREEN

All selected Candidates should be aware that the employment physical will also include a drug screening test and that all selected candidates will be required to submit to a physical examination, which will include a drug screening test.

In accordance with the provisions of Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska State Law, each candidate should be advised that:

A.     The drug test is administered as part of a general employment physical, that is, the Program cannot have only a “drug test” standing alone

B.     The drug testing will be limited to chemical substances, which “are likely to affect the ability of the employee to perform safely the employee’s duties while on the job.”

C.    Notice that an employment drug test will be part of the employment physical requirement and must be included in any notice or advertisement for employment, or in the application.  In any event, the applicant must additionally be informed personally of the requirement for a drug test at the first interview;

D.    The analysis must be performed by a laboratory or testing facility “approved under rules adopted by the Department of Public Health”;

E.     If the initial test indicated the presence of a controlled substance, a second test using an alternative method of analysis – “when possible and practical,” using the same sample as the first test must be conducted;

F.     The candidate will be offered “a reasonable opportunity” to explain or rebut the results;

G.    The Program will “protect the confidentiality of the results for any drug test.

H.     If the second test also shows positive or if the individual refuses to submit to the drug-screening test, he or she will be immediately dismissed from the Apprentice Program.  Rejected individuals may reapply in one year.  If there is a charge for the second test the cost shall be bore by the candidate.

I.         The candidate shall be responsible for the cost of the physical examination.  The Program will pay for the drug-screening test.

J.      Each applicant shall be subject to random drug and alcohol urine and breath alcohol testing.  Participating within the Apprenticeship Program specifically accedes and concurs that such random testing is a valid condition for participation in the Apprenticeship Program.

K.     The Coordinator or an Employer for whom the applicant is performing compensated service may require urinalysis or breath alcohol testing of an applicant whom the Coordinator or Employer has reasonable suspicion of being under the influence of a drug or alcohol.  A documented summary of the facts supporting the requirement shall be made available to the applicant prior to the actual test.  “Reasonable Suspicion” means that quantity of proof or evidence that is more than a hunch, but less than probable cause.  Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific, objective facts and any rationally derived inferences from those facts about the conduct of an individual that would lead the reasonable person to suspect that the individual is or has been using drugs or alcohol.

 

 

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