COVID-19 Update

Lifelong learning.
Worldclass results.

Covid-19 update 03-01-2021

Night courses have been opened for registration.

Please see the Covid plan for the Training Center Locations.

Downloadable plan in .pdf for ILLINOIS

Downloadable plan in .pdf for INDIANA

APPLICATIONS REMAIN SUSPENDED

Covid Update 12-20-2020

Printable Download

Please be advised that in-person apprentice training classes will resume the week of January 18, 2021.

Apprentices: Please share all updated information with your employer prior to returning to class.

Re-engaging apprentice day classes will require enhanced safety and mitigation measures that will remain in effect at all LU 597 training facilities until reasonable levels of community spread are reported by State and Local Public Health Departments.  Safety protocols will include but not be limited to the following:

  • Strict adherence to PFTF Local Union 597 Coronavirus (Covid-19) Preparedness Plan.
  • Weekly Apprentice and Staff surveillance Covid-19 testing.
  • All class activities will be limited to workshop environments with recommended distance and HEPA ventilation controls.
  • Temperature checks, symptom/contact surveys and face coverings will be required.
  • Modified training schedules designed to eliminate any potential communal gatherings.
  • School closure decision matrix will be closely monitored.

Please report to the Mokena Training Center on your designated School Day and take note of the modified start times and entry locations. 

Class Return

Week Of

Class

Start Time

Facility Entrance
1st year HVAC 1-18-21 7:00am East Shop – North Door
2nd year HVAC 1-18-21 6:40am East Shop – North Door
3rd year HVAC 1-18-21 6:20am East Shop – North Door
4th year HVAC 1-18-21 6:00am East Shop – North Door
1st year BT Block-January group 1-18-21 7:00am Main Entrance – North Door
2nd year Building Trades 1-18-21 6:30am Main Entrance – North Door
3rd year Building Trades 1-18-21 6:00am Main Entrance – North Door
1st year BT Block-April group 4-5-21 7:00am Main Entrance – North Door

 

All classes will be tested for Covid-19 on a rotating basis to help identify potential asymptomatic individuals.  Classes will be scheduled at the Aurora Training Center to help accommodate Covid-19 Viral Testing.  Rotating Covid-19 test schedules will be provided to all students upon return to class.

Night training courses will remain limited to job specific certification classes during the first quarter of 2021.  Additional night class offerings will be posted on the Local Union 597 Training web site as they become available.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Training Fund at (708) 326-9240

 

UPDATE 10-14-2020

Pipe Fitters Training Fund, Local 597 is currently re-engaging limited training events while continuing to monitor the potential risk of covid-19 transmission within each activity.

All 597 Training weld facilities (Aurora, Crown Point & Mokena) are currently open from 7am – 8pm Monday thru Thursday, and 7am – 3:30pm on Friday for walk-on weld training and continuity updates.

UA weld certification testing will continue to be scheduled by appointment and has been relocated to Mokena.

Numerous Medical Gas Re-Certification night classes have resumed for members with expired NITC certifications.  Please contact the Training Center with certification expiration concerns.

  • All other night classes will remain postponed until further notice.

First year HVAC Apprentice CFC certification day classes will start on October 19 in Mokena.

  • All other day apprentice classes will remain postponed until further notice.
  • Applications will remain postponed until further notice. 

Additional training events will be announced when determined reasonable and prudent.

 

Covid-19 Statement

 

The Pipe Fitters Training Fund, Local 597 is committed to providing a safe and healthy training environment for its participants and a safe and healthy workplace for its employees.  To ensure a safe and healthy environment, the Local 597 Training Program has adopted a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. The COVID-19 Preparedness Plan sets forth the measures that the Local 597 Training Program is actively taking to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at its facilities and throughout the community.

The goal of the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan is to mitigate the potential for exposure and/or transmission of COVID-19 to participants and employees of the Local 597 Training Program.  To meet the goals of this Policy, the Local 597 Training Program requires the full cooperation from all employees, members, participants, vendors and other individuals associated with the Local 597 Training Program.

All visitors to any of the Local 597 Training facilities are responsible for complying with all aspects of the Preparedness Plan at all times.  A copy of the Preparedness Plan will be made available to you upon request.

Please monitor your e-mail and this website for more information.

Information regarding COVID-19 can be found by visiting the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov

Pipe Fitters’ Training Fund

Local Union 597

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