I am very proud of the direction Western States Operating Engineers Institute of Training has taken in last five years.

One of my goals when I was elected Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 370, six years ago was to restructure Local 370's training programs. I have achieved that goal with our new innovative director, new modern equipment, and new pre-apprentice safety and skilled training courses before apprentices are dispatched to employers.

But we have just begun...and I have furthered our goals. We must develop other courses important to the industry. I also strongly support Journey Person upgrading, this will allow Local 370 to honestly say "We have the best skilled members in the International Union of Operating Engineers."