A training tower provides real-world experience for learning ironworking skills in a safe, controlled environment.

Adaptive Construction Solutions Inc. (ACS) of Houston, Texas, has been approved by the Steel Erectors Association of America as a SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Training Unit and Assessment Site.

The company, which opened its doors in April and recently became a member of SEAA, completed its first two training classes in June and July, providing 36 veterans with Level 1 ironworker training. ACS hires military veterans, trains them to become ironworkers, and contracts them out to local general contractor and steel erection contractor partners in the Gulf Coast region.

ACS was founded by Nick Morgan, a commercial insurance agent, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and veteran of the Iraq War.

“We are veterans, taking care of veterans for the purpose of retraining military personnel and supplying much needed qualified workers into the construction industry,” said Brittany Burton, marketing director of ACS and USMC Sgt.

Initial training consists of an intensive 96-hour program, with classroom and hands-on training over a 12-day period. This includes use of a training tower, which provides a real-world environment for lifting and placing steel, learning fall protection and prevention techniques, bolting, welding, and other tasks. ACS uses the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker curriculum.

Upon completion of the initial training period veterans immediately enter the workforce with enough skills to be a productive apprentice member of their ironworking crew. Empire Steel, Postel International and Steelco are among the companies in the Greater Houston area that have already hired ACS Ironworkers for projects.

“ACS's mission aligns with SEAA's, which is focused on recruiting new individuals into the ironworking trade and providing them with training to become skilled and qualified for the job,” said Tim Eldridge, craft training and assessment coordinator of SEAA and president of Education Services Unlimited. Experts estimate that in the Gulf Coast region thousands of ironworkers will be needed in the coming decade to fill open positions and meet construction demand.

Choosing to hire veterans outright in order to provide them with the necessary training, ACS sub-contracts its ironworkers to area steel erectors. Morgan took this unique approach because he believes one of the most important factors in re-integrating military personnel to civilian life is a steady paycheck.

“Transitioning veterans thrive in team-oriented environments built on trust and empathy,” said Morgan.

For more information, visit www.ACSTexas.com and www.seaa.net/Craft_Training.

About Steel Erectors

Association of America

Founded in 1972, SEAA is a national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its ironworker craft training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures.

For more information, visit www.seaa.net.

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