IAM Local 701Training Program Gives Hope to Chicagoland’s Next Generation of Workers

IAM Local 701 in Chicago recently celebrated a new graduating class of students who completed its renowned automotive and diesel training programs, better known as the IAM Mechanics' Local 701 Training Fund. The ceremony, which took place in early May, was attended by families, IAM leadership and instructors. Almost 30 former students are now certified and more prepared for lucrative careers in the automotive and trucking Industry, including 22-year-old Lydia Flores of Sleepy Hollow, IL. She developed a passion for automobiles as a child, grew up fixing cars and attended auto shows with her mother.

"I started doing my own maintenance on my cars and helped my family members in the garage late at night," said Flores. "After I got my first car, I knew I was born to be in the car industry. I took a few auto classes in high school and started getting more comfortable with the tools and more intrigued with the customization of my own cars."

Flores was fortunate enough to get hired by a local automobile dealership while she was taking courses in the Local 701 Training Program, an accomplishment that blends her love of cars with a lucrative trade, which also comes with an IAM contract.

"I got employed at Patrick Cadillac. Being employed at my dream job at 18-years-old opened my eyes to so many opportunities," said Flores. "Little did I know being a union mechanic created a phenomenal salary for me."

Chris Brzuskiewicz is a 21-year-old recent program graduate from Chicago. Like Flores, he's been passionate about cars since childhood. It's a hobby he shared with his father growing up, and he's turned that devotion into a working way of life.

"Being part of the graduating class made me feel proud to take a lifelong passion and make it into a successful, rewarding career," said Brzuskiewicz. "I'm honored to follow family footsteps and to see my hard work reflected."

Brzuskiewicz is now employed at an Allison transmission dealership in the Chicagoland area. He works on medium to heavy duty vehicles, performing everything from diagnostics to transmission overhauls.

"It feels gratifying to be in a field that will provide me a dependable income, transferable skills, and daily satisfaction from fixing real-world machines for decades to come," said Brzuskiewicz.

The educational program, which was conceived in the 1990s by current IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli, opened in 2010. Since then, the program, which is now based in a 30,000 square foot training facility in the suburb of Aurora, has been graduating high-skilled technicians at an impressive rate. Tuition is also drastically cheaper than education at community colleges or four-year universities.

"We have tremendous pride and a passion for the next generation of high-skilled workers," said Cicinelli. "This program is providing a pathway for young workers and our graduates by giving them a good education and a stable way of life under the hood, a rare opportunity in this changing economy."

The program is intense and inclusive with hands-on training and guidance overseen by seasoned instructors with decades of experience.

"The IAM Mechanics' Local 701 Training Fund currently has two main programs available; a 22-month diesel power and equipment program, and a 27-month automotive technology program," said Jerry Eckert, Program Training Director. "These programs deliver a level of training that is tailored to meet the needs of technicians at various levels as they progress through the program and simultaneously gain experience in the field."

Local 701's success is occurring at a crucial time in the IAM. The union recently announced plans to increase training programs and apprenticeships for a new generation of eager workers around the country. Anyone interested in learning more about the Mechanics' Local 701 Training Fund should email [email protected].

"We've developed a unique educational avenue that's giving this young generation a path to goods jobs and a solid future," said IAM Local 701 District Business Representative Mark Grasseschi. "Four-year college isn't a path for everyone, but we're proud to provide an accredited alternative that fosters lucrative careers in automotive, trucking and other various mechanics' industries."