NC labor ledger [2002 : May, v.10 : no.5]

Inside this issue May 2002 Vol. 10 • Number 5 Agency Recognizes Top Apprentices ‘ Tried and True ’ Program Is a Benefit to Businesses and Workers The N.C. Department of Labor recog¬ nized the outstanding accomplishments of several apprentices across the state during its 18th Annual Apprenticeship and Training Forum near Research Triangle Park. The forum, an annual event sponsored by the N.C. Department of Labor, brings together business people, craftsmen, educators, state officials and others to discuss ways to promote and enhance apprenticeship and on-the-job training in North Carolina. “Apprenticeships are tried and true,” said N.C. Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry. “An apprenticeship program is an investment that pays big dividends. It benefits the worker and the economy. Everyone benefits.” Winners included outstanding fourth-year apprentices Michael Wallace, an electrician apprentice with Raleigh - Durham JATC in Research Triangle Park; Jessica Brevard, a pipefitter apprentice with JATC Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 421, in Raleigh; Chad E. Bowles, a mold maker apprentice with Tyco Electronics in Greensboro; Eugene W. Yelton, a maintenance mechanic apprentice with Baxter Healthcare Corp. of Marion; and Clayton E. Brass III, N .C . Department of Labor 4W.EdentonSt. Raleigh, NC 27601-1092 a pneudraulics system mechanic with the U.S. Marine Corps Naval Aviation Depot in Cherry Point. Third-year outstanding apprentices were Timothy D. Harrison, a mainte¬ nance mechanic apprentice with Baxter Healthcare Corp. in Marion; Anita Y. Williams, a cook apprentice with the U.S. Army in Fayetteville; James A. Mathes, a maintenance mechanic apprentice with Baxter Healthcare Corp. in Marion; Baxter R. Owens, an aircraft mechanic apprentice with the U.S. Marine Corps/Naval Aviation Depot in Cherry Point; Ron Carr, an HVAC service technician apprentice with Newcomb and Co. in Raleigh; Michael L. Sondys, a chemical plant operator 111 apprentice with PCS Phosphate in Aurora; and Daren L. Brewer, a maintenance mechanic apprentice with Baxter Healthcare Corp. in Marion. Second-year apprentice winners were Derek C. Spransy, a network support specialist apprentice with the Orange County Board of Education in Hillsborough; Douglas A. Varley, a senior development technician apprentice Continued on раде 2 NCDOL Offers Training to Improve Funeral Home Safety The N.C. Department of Labor has stepped up its efforts to boost safety for funeral home employees. The department’s Occupational Safety PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1 54 Raleigh. NC Division of and Health is offering edu¬ cation and training ses¬ sions along with consulta¬ tive services, it has also increased its focus on funeral home inspections. The move stems from a review that revealed a variety of safety and health violations during funeral home inspections nation¬ wide. There are approximately 630 funeral homes in North Carolina. Department officials wanted to address the issue quickly in order to enhance worker safety. Workshops on funeral home safety and health have been an important outreach tool. “We thought it would be helpful to the industry to provide workshops explaining Continued on раде 4