12th Annual Technical Update Workshop

The Resource Center held the 12th Annual Technical Update Workshop at the IBEW Training Facility in Birmingham on February 22-23, 2007. This was the second year the workshop included updates for automotive, collision repair, and electrical/electronics instructors as well as welding. Over 150 participants attended the two-day workshops.

Presentations were given by Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, ESAB Welding, Smith Equipment Supply, UA Apprentices, Technical Lab Associates, Lab Volt, Snap-On Tools, Urethane Supply, PPG Paint, Alabama Laser Technology, CCC Information Services, CDX Global, Advance Auto Parts, LJ Technical Systems, Training Consultants, and Birmingham IBEW.

Others in attendance were Andy Godley (Alabama Power Company), Mr. Gregg Collins (Department of Labor), Rudon Taylor and Randy Ward (UA), and Myron Laurent (Career/Technical Education). Representatives were present from Local Unions 498, 372, 48, 108, 91, 760, 52, Greater Huntsville AWS, and Birmingham Chapter AWS.

The workshop was hosted by Birmingham Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. Special thanks to Bradley Hepinstall, Training Director, and Randy Bottomlee, Assistant Training Director, who helped coordinate and host the workshop.

The workshop was co-sponsored by Quality Mazda Volkswagen, Alabama Power Company, McAbee Construction Company, AirGas, Birmingham Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Birmingham AWS Chapter, AWS Greater Huntsville Section, Miller Electric, ESAB Welding, Lincoln Electric, BE&K Construction, United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices, Urethane Supply, Technical Lab Associates, Snap-On Inc., CCC Informational Services, CDX Global, Advance Auto Parts, Alabama Laser Technologies, PPG Paint, LJ Technical Systems, Lab Volt, Training Consultants, Local 498 - Gadsden, Local 372 - Tuscaloosa, Local 760 - Muscle Shoals, Local 52 - Montgomery, Local 91 - Birmingham, Local 48 - Birmingham, and Local 108 - Birmingham.

Technical updates allow instructors to stay on top of what's happening in business and industry. It was another successful workshop this year.

Workshop Location

Thanks to the IBEW team for a great barbeque lunch

Award Presentations


Robert Shepherd recognized for 10 years of making presentations for Miller Electric	Bradley Hepinstall and Randy Bottomlee receive IBEW Appreciation Award

Randy Kelly receives Appreciation Award for his support of the apprenticeship trainers	Spencer Jones recognized for many years as a presenter for ESAB Welding

Mobile Training Vehicles


UA Medical Welding Van	Lincoln Electric Mobile Welding Vehicle

UA Training Trailer	ESAB Mobile Training Trailer

Regular Attendee

Activities during the Two-Day Workshop

General assembly on Thursday


Andy Godley, Darrell Levi	Left to right: Rudon Taylor (UA), Andy Godley (Alabama Power), Randy Kelly (Local 372), Jim Casey (Shelby County)

UA welding demonstration at mobile lab	Lincoln Electric demonstration

Branden Muehlbrandt of Lincoln Electric gives a demonstration	Electrical presentation

Electrical presentation from Lab Volt by Bill Rouse (standing) and Dan Rodriqueze (in front)	Smith Equipment demonstration by Tom McClure (2nd from right)

Roy Adkins (center) tells how he does it	Automotive participants

Welding participants visit UA trailer	Checking out the Smith Equipment display

Collision Repair participants

Collision Repair participants listen to presentation by Urethane Supply

Dennis Klingman demonstrating for Lincoln Electric	Collision Repair participants trading shop secrets

Dennis Klingman showing one of his tricks	Welding tips or fishing stories?

Snap-On Tools presentation	Ed Mulvaney, Alabama Laser Technologies makes presentation

Kurt Lammon, Urethane Supply	Advance Auto Presentation

ESAB Presentation