Since purchased, the training center has had many
physical changes, including the addition of upgraded
audio-visual equipment in each of the classrooms
and revamping the gym into an indoor training arena.
The new training arena has made a more useful work
space for the trainees. Since the changes, students
can practice hands-on concrete and asphalt techniques
inside. The area has been designed for the students
to actually pour the material, set the forms, and
perform demolition.
Ron Litherland, Apprentice Coordinator for the
Stanford facility, explained the advantages of the
training arena.
"Not only does the enclosed training area
create a more useful workspace, it allows the students
to practice their hands-on training when the weather
doesn't cooperate," said Litherland.
In the addition to revamping the gym, ILCJATP staff
has made plans to remove the wall from the southwest
side of the gym and replace it with a 16-foot garage
door. After the construction is completed, trainees
will have the opportunity to operate heavy machinery
in the training arena.
There are also future plans to beautify the exterior
of the facility. This will include restoring the
sidewalks and creating additional landscape. George
Martinez, an instructor at the Stanford facility,
said that the renovation will be apart of the hands-on
training for future courses.
"The students will take pride in knowing that
their training is being put to good use. The outcome
of the exterior renovation will reflect their hard
work and dedication." Martinez said.
The Stanford Facility is a great asset for laborers
who live in central Illinois. Before the training
center was purchased, trainees would have a much
longer commute to the original training center,
which is located in Mt. Sterling.
"The facilities location has made it possible
for both the students and the instructors to be
closer to home," Litherland said, "I feel
very fortunate to have been involved with the Stanford
facility from the start and I look forward to being
apart of it for many years to come."
