At the Southwest Laborers Training & Apprenticeship Fund, we’re setting the standard for construction education. Our cutting-edge facilities and comprehensive courses are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s competitive industry. With a wide variety of construction training programs, you’ll learn everything from foundational techniques to advanced practices—all while earning a paycheck.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your expertise, our “earn while you learn” approach ensures you gain real-world experience without putting your career on hold. Join us and take the first step toward building a stronger, more successful future.
The Concrete program prepares CCLs to work safely and productively in this potentially hazardous field. Safety issues associated with the mixing, forming, placement, and curing of concrete materials as well as the associated skills are covered in depth. Through instructor facilitated and extensive hands-on training, the CCL becomes familiar with construction math and measurements, project planning, and site preparation. Other topics important to a concrete worker, such as forming, placing, finishing, and sawing are covered in detail. Appropriate cleanup procedures and concrete repair are also covered in the program. DVDs for this program include: Concrete Coring, Concrete Forming Systems, Concrete Placement and Consolidation, Concrete Repair, The Walk Behind Saw, Concrete Wall Saw, Concrete Hydraulic Chain Saw, Finishing Concrete Flatwork, Job-Built Forms, The Portable All Purpose Saw, and Site Preparation for Concrete Placement. Additional support materials for this program include: Back Injury Prevention (DVD: Back Injury Prevention), Basic Construction Math, Hazard Communication, Hoisting and Rigging Basics, Trench and Excavation Safety (DVD: On Solid Ground, A Plan for Safe Excavation and Trenching), and Utility Locating Programs. In addition to English, this program is available in Spanish.
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The General Construction program introduces participants to a wide variety of concepts, tools, and skills that are important to successfully begin a career as a Construction Craft Laborer. Participants receive instruction on the work and role of a CCL, commonly encountered safety issues, measurement in construction, safe hand and power tool operation, and materials frequently used in construction. Each topic is presented in a separate module, several of which require students to perform tasks or demonstrate skills being taught. Special emphasis is placed on following proper procedures and developing safe work habits. DVDs for this program include: Chain Saw Operation and Maintenance, Craft Orientation (LIUNA – A Century of Pride and Strength), Electrical Tools, Oxyacetylene Cutting, Pneumatic Tools, Safe Operation of Powder-Actuated Tools, Small Gas Engines, Soil Compaction, and Back Injury Prevention. Additional support materials for this program include: Hazard Communication, Hoisting and Rigging Basics, Trench and Excavation Safety (DVD: On Solid Ground, A Plan for Safe Excavation and Trenching), and Utility Locating Programs. In addition to English, this program is available in Spanish and Polish.
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The Hoisting and Rigging Refresher course is required every three years for individuals who have successfully completed the Hoisting and Rigging program. The refresher course addresses important safety topics; reviews hardware, slings, and inspection procedures; and provides updates on regulations and industry standards.
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The Line and Grade program focuses on the skills, knowledge, and aptitude necessary to operate a variety of surveying instruments and record information for maintaining elevation and alignment control points on heavy and civil construction projects. DVDs available for this program include: Site Layout Instruments, The Transit, The Level, Measuring Linear Distances, Line and Grade: Hand Signals, and GPS Setup. Additional support materials for this program include: Basic Construction Math.
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This course provides instruction on the practical application, set up, and transportation procedures for the Total Station survey system.
The Construction, Renovation, and Demolition program explores the many topics CCLs must be knowledgeable in to work safely and productively on construction, renovation, and demolition projects. An overview of work procedures, the hazards encountered, and personal protective equipment is covered.
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This 16 hour course is designed for CCLs who need training to operate a Rough Terrain Forklift (RTF) as required under OSHA Powered Industrial Truck standard. CCLs learn how to inspect, operate, and maintain forklifts used on construction sites. The LIUNA RTF training meets OSHA requirements by providing both classroom information and operational skills training. This activity-based training helps students understand the machineries capabilities and hazards and teaches them safety precautions that make them better RTF operators. Workers must attend the entire course, attain an 80 percent or better on the written exam, and correctly perform all steps of the practical assessment to receive their RTF certificate.
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This course builds upon the Scaffold Builder Technology I course by teaching workers about the set up, use, and inspection of advanced types of scaffolding. At the end of the course, participants will be able to safely assemble the scaffold systems in different configurations.
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This class introduces CCLs to the basic math skills needed to perform calculations related to distance, area, volume, angles, weight and measurement on construction projects. Participants are provided instruction and an ample opportunity to measure objects, calculate and perform basic math functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole and fractional numbers; measure and estimate volumes, convert fractions to decimals, (and decimals to fractions). In addition participants learn practical applications of the Pythagorean theorem, formulas for calculating perimeters, area, volume, and the use and function of square roots.
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The Hoisting and Rigging program is designed to educate CCLs in the rules, processes, and procedures to safely rig, signal, and hoist loads on construction projects. The program incorporates federal and state regulatory requirements as well as equipment manufacturers’ standards. Knowledge of the regulations, as well as an in-depth understanding of equipment, work procedures, techniques, and safety considerations are essential for CCLs to function in a zero-accident environment. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on exercises to ensure competency. DVDs available for this program include: Hand Signaling, Voice Commands and Hoisting, Rigging, and Crane Safety. Additional support materials for this program include: Basic Construction Math and Hoisting and Rigging Basics.
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The Material Hoist Attendant course provides training on the roles and responsibilities of the material hoist attendant (bell ringer) and inspection, operation, and maintenance procedures for material hoists used on construction projects.
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This course covers the theory, techniques, and procedures required to perform elevation control and structure layout using global positioning systems.
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The Piping Technology I course prepares participants to safely install pipe systems by introducing them to the tools, equipment, and techniques typically used in pipelaying. Special attention is paid to the proper work practices and safety measures to follow when installing a variety of piping systems.
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This 16 hour course is designed for CCLs who need training to operate a Rough Terrain Forklift (RTF) as required under OSHA’s Powered Industrial Truck standard. CCLs learn how to inspect, operate, and maintain forklifts used on construction sites. The LIUNA RTF training meets OSHA requirements by providing both classroom information and operational skills training. This activity-based training helps students understand the machinery’s capabilities and hazards and teaches them safety precautions that make them better RTF operators. Workers must attend the entire course, attain an 80 percent or better on the written exam, and correctly perform all steps of the practical assessment to receive their RTF certificate.
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This course addresses the needs of construction craft laborers who are responsible for building and using scaffolding on the job site. It provides instruction on the safe erection and use of a variety of scaffold types and systems. Training meets the requirements of 29 CFR Part 1926.454.
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