President’s Column

The Joint Training Institute and You

What exactly is the Joint Training Institute? How does its activities affect me on the job? These are important questions that are often asked, and I want to use this column to address them.

IBEW Local 18 and the Department of Water & Power agreed to amend the current Memorandum of Understanding in order to establish the Joint Training Institute (JTI). This is significant because no matter who is in charge of the Department, funding and efforts will continue to be directed to IBEW employees in the focused area of job-related education and training.

The JTI is modeled after a Joint Training Trust that was established at Boeing, in Seattle. This Trust has been very successful for more than a decade. Our JTI is governed by four trustees from labor and four from DWP management. JTI is jointly administered by Susana Reyes (the management administrator) and myself. The Institute operates as an independent body that focuses on IBEW Local 18 worker training needs. Under the direction of its Board of Trustees, JTI provides advice, consultation and resources for corporate training, Business Unit training and the general workforce.

The JTI’s vision is development and retention of a workforce with abilities that shape and foster the DWP’s business goals. Also, it provides a work environment that encourages personal growth and development for all IBEW Local 18 employees.

The JTI mission is to create and foster a culture and environment that continuously educates and trains workers in abilities and skills that elevate productivity and enhance career growth. We promote open communication, and mutual trust and respect between labor and management concerning educational and training issues.

JTI’s guiding philosophies are:

• Safety is a core value that must be promoted and integrated into all training programs.

• Training is a key investment in human capital.

• Employees must be afforded opportunities to improve their jobs and their lives.

• Well-trained and competent employees provide value to the Department and to the residents of Los Angeles.

JTI’s roles, activities and functions:

• Provide advice and consultation on training needs, career mobility, job satisfaction and life-long educational opportunities.

• Assist in the design of training programs that develop employee skills, increase productivity and add value to the business.

• Establish accessible, flexible and enhanced learning opportunities that promote career and personal growth, and serve as an advocate for workers in their relationship with external educational providers.

• Identify specialized and targeted training programs and initiatives.

• Recommend potential outreach efforts to the community.

• Partner with the Joint Safety Institute on safety training in order to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.

I hope this outline helps you understand both what JTI does and how we aim to serve you.

In unity,

Frank Miramontes - President, Local 18