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| Enrollment Priority (on-site courses) Enrollment in courses at the Career Development Center follows this priority list, as determined by the Local Joint Committee: First priority: Active Union employees (US Steel-Minntac) Second priority: Retired Union employees (US Steel-Minntac) Third priority: Active Union employees at other Program sites (Keewatin Tac & Arcelor-Mittal Steel) Fourth priority: Management employees & non-exempt non-represented employees (US Steel-Minntac) Last priority: Dependents ages 16 and over, and spouses (including spouses of Iron Range Union participants), and retired Inland Steel participants. PLEASE REMEMBER ..... PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for all courses listed here. We ask you to call IN ADVANCE (not the day of the first class!) in order to give us adequate time to plan classroom setup and to provide pre-class information to our instructors. FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANTS HAVE PRIORITY over repeat participants. ACTIVE UNION PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ENROLLED in order for a course to be held. Laid-off Union employees are considered Active Employees for 2 years following layoff and are eligible for all Program services. CLASS PROJECTS MATERIALS COSTS/TEXTS. The Program will fund up to $50 per active Union participant for raw materials need to make class projects for courses listed in this brochure. The Program will also purchase texts for active Union participants for classes listed here. TAXABLE COURSES include those involving sports, games or hobbies. ParticipanTUITION ASSISTANCE BENEFITS $1800 PER CALENDAR YEAR is the maximum available amount to active, non-probationary Union members wishing to enroll in courses offered to the public by colleges, community education providers, or other approved providers. EXCEPTION: A new policy can offer up to $3800 Tuition Assistance funding in special cases. This special funding requires a lengthy application and approval process through the local program and also by the Institute for Career Development. Please stop at Career Development to learn more details. TUITION AND REQUIRED TEXTS can be funded, but not college fees, fees for equipment rental, or travel to learning opportunities. RETIREES ARE ELIGIBLE for Tuition Assistance benefits in a limited way ONLY WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF RETIREMENT. Retirees are eligible for up to $1800 of Tuition Assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. The total amount available for retirees is limited to the amount left over from last year’s funding, so interested retirees should plan ahead to make the best use of this small window of opportunity. SPOUSES AND DEPENDENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for Tuition Assistance funding. DOCUMENTATION FROM THE EDUCATIONAL PROVIDER IS REQUIRED before a Tuition Assistance voucher can be created and approved. Generally, courses for college credit or instruction leading to a nationally-recognized certification are approved educational opportunities, but there are exceptions. DO NOT PAY OUT-OF-POCKET FOR TUITION AND/OR BOOKS. We are not able to reimburse you. LAID-OFF EMPLOYEES may be eligible for Dislocated Worker funding for training. Training is limited to 2 years or less of technical training at a MN post-secondary facility or the last 2 years of a 4-year degree. We encourage laid-off employees to utilize Tuition Assistance funding FIRST, but laid off employees are urged to establish their eligibility for DislocatedCUSTOMIZED COURSES Fall 2009 (and a few of our favorite recipes from potlucks and classes!) COMPUTER COURSES Digital Cameras and Photography 4-6 p.m. Mondays beginning immediately Wes Johnson, Instructor ONGOING CLASS based on participation and interest This class has provided a wealth of information to participants interested in learning to utilize their digital cameras to take better photos and to use PhotoShop Elements to enhance and reproduce prints. Participants should feel free to drop in any Monday with your questions and your photo projects. Topics of interest provided by participants will be discussed for as many sessions as needed. The computer lab is equipped with excellent HP photo printers, a scanner, and supplies as needed. Fo:30-6:30 p.m. Sept. 22, 23, 24 Richard Alto, Instructor This series is a repeat of our well-attended May and June series built in response to interest surveys distributed earlier last spring. Basic Computers I is for the “I don’t even know how to turn on the computer!” user, the person for whom the machine is a mystery they’d like to begin to solve. Basic Computers II 3:39-6:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 14, 15 Richard Alto, Instructor A special course for the “I know a little bit about computers, but not enough to really do anything” users. Basic Computers III 3:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 27, 28, 29 Richard Alto, Instructor Computer users who say “I know enough to get to the Internet, but what do I do then?” may learn much more about accessing valuable information, news, e-mail, auctions, and other sites in this course. Troubleshooting, Maintaining, Repairing and Upgrading PCs 3:30-6:30 Nov., 3, 4, 5 Richard Alto, Instructor This class’s information is valuable for all computer-owning participants to learn if your computer has experienced slowing down or shutting off unexpectedly, or if some programs are opening slowly or not at all. You’ll learn about virus problems, pop-up ads, spyware—and how to avoid these problems and keep your computer running well. And if your computer needs more memory or an additional hard drive, here’s your opportunity to learn how to upgrade. Interested participants may wish to visit with Richard prior to class to learn what their computer may need if upgrading is a goal. Richard’s here on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-8 p.m. Learning to Use Microsoft Publisher 3:30-5 p.m. ct. 20, 21, 22 Mary Karakash, Instructor Would you like to produce a family history booklet to send to extended family members? Maybe you want to make flyers for your club, or maybe you’d like to sell your camper. A newsletter? Mailing labels? Labels for your canning jars? Notecards? All these projects can be done using Microsoft Publisher. Bring your particular projects and we’ll help you produce the material for your family or club! SURVIVAL COURSES Pre-Retirement Planning 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 Paul Schmidt, Facilitator What income level do you think you’ll need to maintain in your retirement years? How about money for your kids’ college educations? When should you—or should you? Or can you? - move your 401(k) funds? What if you retire before age 59 1/2? Bring your specific questions (spouses welcome) to this seminar to learn all you can before you make the decision to retire. Tax Incentives for Home Remodeling Dates, time and instructor to be announced We’re hoping to provide pertinent, timely information on how you can best take advantage of tax savings on energy-efficient remodeling materials prior to the end of 2009. Watch for more information! SKILLS COURSES Millwright Preparation Courses Blueprint Reading & Sketching 3:30-6:30 Tuesday, Sept. 22 + additional class times planned for Sept. 23, 24, 29, 30* Al Waldorf, Instructor *Please note: All millwright instruction classes offer flexible scheduling for shiftworkers. Please plan to attend the first class in order for a class or small group or individual sessions to be planned. Layout & Measurement 3:30-6:30 Tuesday, Oct. 6 + additional class times planned for Oct. 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15.* Al Waldorf, Instructor *Participants are asked to attend the first class session in order to receive course background information as well as to make arrangements with the instructor for succeeding class times according to your individual scheduling needs. About 21 hours of instruction is included in this class. Hydraulics 3:30-6:30 Tuesday, Oct. 20 + additional class times planned for Oct. 21, 22, 26, 27, 28* Al Waldorf, Instructor *As with all millwright instruction, we request participants attend the first class on Oct. 20 in order to arrange flexible scheduling around your shiftwork patterns for the remainder of the class. Millwright Preparation: Pumps 3:30-6:30 Tuesday, Nov. 3 + additional class times planned for Nov. 4, 5, 9, 10* *Participants are asked to attend the first class session on Nov. 3, and at that time class schedules convenient to shiftworkers will be determined. Power Transmission 3:30-6:30 Tuesday, Nov. 17 + additional class times planned for Nov. 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 30, Dec. 1, 2, 3* Al Waldorf, Instructor *Participants should plan to attend the first class on Nov. 17, at which time schedules will be arranged for shiftworkers. Welding 3:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15 Wally Rosewall, Instructor Plan on Monday Oct. 5 and Monday, Oct. 12 as lectures concerning arc welding and plasma welding and cutting. Instruction will be provided to help participants development individual skills in order to work on personal projects and repairs as needed. Class times are flexible; please work with the instructor if your work schedule requires daytime classes. Repair Skills Chain Saw Maintenance 3:30—6:30 Oct. 6, 7, 8 Ed Roskoski, Instructor Now’s the time to be sure your chain saw is running smoothly and efficiently to do the necessary clearing and wood preparation this fall. Snowblower Maintenance 3:30-6:30 Nov. 3, 4, 5 and (if needed) 10-3 Saturday, Nov. 7 Ed Roskoski, Instructor It’s inevitable: snow will arrive, and big snows mean that a shovel just isn’t the most efficient way to handle driveway clearing. Past students in repair and maintenance class have been surprised to gain new life to equipment they thought might have been destined for scrap! CONTINUING OUR FINE DINING TRADITION: THIRD WEDNESDAY POTLUCKS 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 19. Please join us for our delicious meals and great visiting during our regular Third Wednesday potlucks. We’ll provide the theme and the main dish; please bring a favorite salad, dessert or side dish as you choose. Class participants who happen to be here on Third Wednesdays are ALWAYS are encouraged to enjoy the meal. Your spouse and family members are welcome. Please interpret these month themes very loosely! Wednesday, Sept. 16 Fall Fiesta! Mexican favorites Wednesday, Oct. 21 Soups and sandwiches Wednesday, Nov. 18 Harvest favorites Wednesday, Dec. 16 Holiday hors d’oeurves Wednesday, Jan. 19 Super Bowl Buffet COURSES OF INTEREST Fall Gardening Seminar 3:30-5:30 Thursday, Oct. 1 Gary Rantala, Instructor Should I prune those trees now or wait till spring? My lilies are too crowded—can I separate them in the fall? Fall always means cleanup time for the garden—bring your questions and gardening problems to discuss at this helpful seminar. Quilting Projects 3:30-7:30 Mondays, Oct. 26 to Nov. 30 Kitty Nyhus, Instructor Sometimes there just isn’t time in your life to make a large quilt project. Here’s a chance to try a variety of smaller projects to enhance your home or create practice gifts for the holidays. Project information will be available in advance of this class. Stained Glass Hanging Santa/Holiday Ornaments 3:30-7:30 Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 Bill Cox, Instructor Participants may choose either of these stained glass projects, or both. Holiday Santa is about 12” high. Pattern information will be provided in advance of this class. Jewelry-Making 3:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8 Diane Netzloff, Instructor Project information will be available at a later date—active Union employees can count on project supplies being funded up to $50 per participant for this class. Grandfather or Wall Clock Construction 4-8 p.m. November 9-12 and 16-19 Joe Kotnik, Instructor Participants may choose to make a grandfather or wall clock from a kit, or may choose to make a clock from scratch using patterns the Program has on hand. Please plan to visit with Joe well in advance of this class so kits may be ordered, if desired. Program policy allows up to $50 toward class supplies for active Union participants. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AT THE CENTER Computer Help 3:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Due to increased usage of this service, please call ahead to make an appointment or to speak with Richard about a problem you may be able to handle from home. If Richard suggests you bring your computer to the Center, please plan to bring the CPU and any supporting software and operating system disks. Please be prepared to provide user id information if your problem is e-mail related. Richard is also available to provide on-on-one tutoring with your various computer projects, downloading, learning new software, etc. Call 735-8088 for more information. Safety Seminars By appointment Mondays through Thursdays with Joe Kotnik, Woodworking Shop, and on Tuesdays with DuWayne Peterson, Auto/Metal Shop. In order to use either the Woodworking Shop or the Auto/Metal shop for personal projects or as part of a class, completion of a Safety Seminar is required for all participants. These seminars are individually arranged with each of the shop supervisors at mutually convenient times. The seminars stress common sense safety measures as well as allowing participants to become familiar with the facility and the location of commonly-used tools and supplies. Participants also learn Program guidelines for use of the shop areas, including the requirement that only US Steel employees/retirees are allowed to use tools and equipment in the shop area. Participants taking safety seminars should bring drivers’ licenses in order to have safety certificates prepared at the conclusion of training. Note: Career Development tools and equipment may not leave the Center nor be borrowed for home use under any circumstances. Available for Participant Use Copier Color Copier Free Internet on all computers Folding Machine Fax machine Laminating machine Spiral Binding Machine Photo printer Digital cameras for checkout Technical help with computer problems Those participants wishing to make large numbers of copies or photographs are asked to bring paper or photo paper as needed for their projects. Participants must provide all parts, wood, or hardware as needed for individual shop projects. Participants are strongly reminded to clean their work areas and to return all tools and equipment to their proper storage areas. USWA/US Steel-Minntac CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone: 735-8088 FAX: 735-8151 E-mail: mary@minntaccdp.com CLOSED FRIDAYS AND ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: Monday, Sept. 7 for the Labor Day holiday Thursday & Friday, Nov. 26-27 for the Thanksgiving holiday Dec. 24 through January 3 for the Christmas/New Year’s holiday Mary Karakash, Coordinator Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Joe Kotnik, Woodworking Shop Supervisor Mondays through Thursdays, 2:30-8 p.m. DuWayne Peterson, Auto/Metal Shop Supervisor Tuesdays from 10 a.m.—4 p.m. Richard Alto, Computer Help Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 3:30-8 p.m. Al Waldorf, Saturday Shop Supervisor Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Bruce Cook, Retiree Volunteer Emeritus Local Joint Committee: Chad Daniels, USW #1938 Cherie Averill Manner, USW $9115 741-0887 749-7272 (W) Maureen Sadar, US Steel Bruce Bjerke, USW #1938 749-7255 (W) 742-3599 (W) | |