The Institute for Career Development (ICD) is a benefit under the Basic Labor Agreement to provide non-work-related training. ICD started in 1989 when bankruptcies, plant closings, and mass long term layoffs devastated the American steel industry. Then International Steelworkers President Lynn Williams said that the companies throwing our members out of work should be responsible for training them for other good-paying jobs.

After the industry consolidated, very few members used this benefit for possible employment outside the steel industry. Some continued to use ICD as a hedge against possible future economic downturns; for advancement within the mill; or to prepare for side or retirement jobs.  However, most members now use ICD to help save money by learning to make their own auto and home repairs; solve computer problems; or pursue personal interests. As Williams explained, ICD continues to prepare steelworkers for their life after steel – including a long, happy retirement.

Nationally, there are now more than 70 ICD programs in steel, tire, and glass. In Cleveland, we offer a range of customized classes at the ICD center. Whenever an ICD instructor is paid on a per head basis, only active hourly employees can participate. By paying most instructors an hourly rate, Cleveland ICD is able to also open most classes up to retirees, spouses, and salaried employees.

Customized classes include pre-craft classes, which prepare members to enter the company mechanical and electrical training programs; and HVAC classes, which give members two of the qualifications needed to bid into the company’s HVAC department. They also include a variety of hands-on classes including small engine, gardening, auto repair, woodworking, and motorcycle repair. There are classes to help members stay in shape including Jazzercise, Fitness for Steelworkers, and Self Defense. Computer, language, glass, and music classes round out the selections.

The other type classes ICD offers are tuition voucher classes. These are only available to active hourly employees. These vouchers can be utilized to obtain associates, bachelors or masters degrees. They can be used at various area vocational schools. They will pay for continuing education classes required to maintain state licenses or certificates. Anyone interested in a tuition voucher should contact Arbert Gonzalez at 216-441-3040.