Roundtable

1944 – June 16–17

William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The theme of this meeting centered around the problem of the war years. At this meeting the name of the organization was resolved as the American Apprenticeship Round Table. Other proposed names were National Industrial Training Council and National Apprenticeship Council.

1944 – November 30 – December 1–2

Hotel Pennsylvania, New York, New York

Related Training was the heavy theme of this meeting. By this time the wisdom of meeting in places affording the opportunity to see first-hand plant training facilities was in evidence. The next meeting Ford Motor Company acted as host.

1945 – June 21–23

Ford Motor Company, Detroit, Michigan • Book Cadillac Hotel

Host: Fred Searle – Representative

Testing – Evaluating Applicants, Veterans and the G.I. Bill of Rights titled this Round Table. The next meeting, per custom, was scheduled for New York City to overlap the ASME meeting.

1945 – November 30 – December 1–2

Hotel Astor, New York, New York

The G.I. Bill of Rights and apprenticeship and the expansion of training was the dominant theme.

1946 – June 5–7

Cincinnati Milling Machine Company

Host: “Red” Pratt – Representative

Membership was discussed and a limit of 35 companies was decided upon. Life memberships were established. Fred Searle, Superintendent of the Ford Trade School (then retiring from service), and W.W. Squier of General Motors Corporation were voted life membership.

1946 – November

Hotel Astor, New York, New York

The meeting overlapped the ASME meeting of that year.

1947 – June 5–7

Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia

Host: G. Guy Via – Representative

Featured was a visit to the shipyard, Apprentice School and the aircraft carrier, Coral Sea.

1947 – November 13–14

Hotel Commodore, New York, New York

Dues of $15.00 annually were established and a treasurer, Dave Fleischmann, was elected.

1948 – June 3–5

International Business Machines, Endicott, New York

Hosts: Frank H. Welsh, Jr. and A.R. MacAlmon – Representatives

At this AART the decision was made to meet once each year.

1949 – June 1–3

Caterpillar Tractor Company, Peoria, Illinois

Host: Leonard J. Fletcher – Representative

At this meeting it was decided to hold the meetings for the next five years at host company facilities or in close proximity so that plant or training facilities could be visited.

1950 – May 31 – June 1–2
Falk Corporation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Host: Robert Weaver – Representative

This meeting marked the extended use of discussion leaders. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution, chaired by Raymond O. Johnson.

1951 – July 11–13
Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
Host: Ben Linberg – Representative

The constitution was adopted, Arthur C. Harper was elected president, and three honorary members—G. Guy Via, Leonard J. Fletcher, and Edward Goss—were elected upon their retirement.

1952 – June 18–20
Eastman Kodak Company
Hosts: Jeremiah F. Morris, Charles J. Speidel, Ellsworth F. Baldwin – Representatives

A green, amber, and red light device was introduced to time speakers. The new Constitution, printed by Cincinnati Milling Machine Company, was distributed.

1953 – June 17–19
International Harvester Company, Chicago, Illinois
Host: Raymond O. Johnson – Representative

D.F. Pratt was elected president. The National Association of Manufacturers asked AART to recommend a selection program for its Apprentice-of-the-Year contest.

1954 – June 9–11
General Electric Company, Schenectady, New York
Host: Ray Ellis – Representative

The Constitution was amended to limit multi-plant memberships to two participating representatives and overall attendance to fifty persons (excluding host guests). AART presented NAM its recommendations on selecting the Apprentice-of-the-Year for the annual congress.

1955 – October 5–7
Chrysler Corporation, Detroit, Michigan
Host: William D. Merrifield – Representative

Program topics included forward planning, related training, and apprentice selection and follow-up.

1956 – June 6–8
Textile Machine Works and Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, Reading, Pennsylvania
Hosts: Harry W. Swartz and T. Greenwood Stoudt – Representatives

The Constitution was revised regarding honorary members, and dues were reduced to $10.00, with an executive-committee option to waive dues when the treasury exceeds $1,000. (Treasury balance: $1,977.)

1957 – June 12–14
National Cash Register Company, Dayton, Ohio
Host: Robert Kline – Representative

Special committees were formed to study and promote apprenticeship—covering surveys and publications. American Optical resigned in June 1957.

1958 – June 18–20
Executive Committee (host) with cooperation of Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, Washington, D.C.

1959 – June 18–19
Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, New York
Host: Harold E. Wilcox – Representative

The Constitution was amended so elected officers would serve two-year terms instead of one.

1960 – June 23–24
Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Fort Monroe, Virginia • Hotel Chamberlin
Host: Fairmont White – Representative

Constitution changes adopted. Samuel A. Hickey, Sylvester J. Dearbeck, and William F. Patterson passed away during the year, and the Patterson Memorial was established.

1961 – June 22–23
Blaw-Knox, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Host: James Holtsapple – Representative

Ford Motor Engine & Foundry Division and Thompson Ramo Wooldridge became members. W. J. Hebard (Blaw-Knox) and Jerry Morris (Eastman Kodak) were elected honorary members.

1962 – June 21–22
General Electric, Lynn, Massachusetts
Host: Larry Calahan – Representative

Theme — The Training Image of the 1970’s.

1963 – June 20–21
Sahara Motor Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio
Host: Executive Committee

A Purpose and Direction Committee was appointed.

1964 – June 18–19
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio
Host: J. J. Eyre – Representative

Report of the Purpose and Direction Committee and related constitution changes. Presentations on “Industrial Training in Great Britain and Europe” and a plan for apprentice selection. Warner & Swasey Company joined AART.

1965 – June 17–18
The Timken Roller Bearing Company, Canton, Ohio
Hosts: Henry Ross and Robert C. Hahn – Representatives

Honorary memberships awarded to Harry C. Slagle (Alcoa), Fairmont White (Newport News), Martin Grotejohan (General Electric), and Harry Ross (Timken). Allis-Chalmers Company joined.

1966 – June 23–24
Cincinnati Milling Machine Company, Cincinnati, Ohio
Host: Al Casselman – Representative

D. F. “Red” Pratt and Arthur C. Harper passed away. Brown & Sharpe returned to AART. West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company joined.

1967 – June 21–22
Textile Machine Works, Reading, Pennsylvania
Host: Harry W. Swartz – Representative

Celebrating twenty-five years of collaboration, AART reaffirmed the significant value of its professional networks and standards-setting role in apprenticeship training.

The constitution has been revised three times to stay current, chiefly:

1. Membership requirements broadened to include technical and craft training, in addition to indentured programs.
2. Membership resides with the company, not an individual; a representative must attend each meeting, and membership is forfeited after three consecutive absences.
3. No more than two representatives per company (after 1960).
4. Member companies should host meetings when practical, but are not expected to pay meeting expenses.

In 1962, on AART’s 25th anniversary, the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the organization.

1968 – June 12–14
Allis-Chalmers, Milwaukee, Wisconsin • Ramada Inn
Host: Frank Churchill – Representative

A standing committee was appointed to revise the constitution. Meeting format changed to adjourn by Friday noon. No new members were added, but efforts to recruit continued.

1969 – June 18–20
Westinghouse Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Chatham Center
Host: Jim Wray – Representative

New members: Armco Steel, Corning Glass, Bausch & Lomb, and Lockheed of California. Recommended constitution changes— including an appendix on membership procedures—were adopted, and the fourth revised constitution was published.

1970 – June 16–19
Alcoa Corporation, Tapoco, North Carolina • Tapoco Lodge
Host: Cas Putkoski – Representative

A Purpose and Direction Committee was formed to survey members about changes in apprenticeship. Curriculum updating was the main focus, and New-In-Brief was published for the first time. Charter member Henry Ross died in 1970. Warner & Swasey and Brown & Sharpe were dropped from membership; Addressograph Multigraph was added.

1971 – June 22–25
Eastman Kodak, Canandaigua, New York
Host: Fred Libby – Representative

Discussion centered on Title 29, Part 30 regulations. Dr. Lane Riland of Kodak presented views on testing and validation.

1972 – June 13–16
Fisher Body Division, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan • Kingsley Inn
Host: Harry Hitchcock – Representative

An “Awards and Recognition” Committee was established. Constitution changes provided for “Active” Honorary Members and clarified representatives’ authority. Honorary status awarded to Harry Swartz, Ken Slutz, and Joe Eyre. West Virginia Paper and Lockheed withdrew; United Airlines and Reynolds Aluminum joined. Elliott French retired with AART’s commendation.

1973 – June 19–22
TRW Equipment, Willoughby Hills, Ohio • Hospitality Inn
Host: Hap Berichon – Representative

Debate focused on shortening program length and related registration issues with BAT and state agencies. Al Casselman reached Honorary status. National Cash Register, International Harvester, and Cincinnati Milacron withdrew.

1974 – June 18–21
Armco Steel, Middletown, Ohio
Host: Lou Brown – Representative

Shorter apprenticeship terms again dominated discussion. Honorary status awarded to Hap Berichon, Bob Hahn, and Sam Gintz. IBM withdrew; Deere & Company joined.

1975 – June 24–27
General Electric (Appliance Park), Louisville, Kentucky • Executive Inn
Host: Bob Gleichsner – Representative

Main theme: increasing numbers of female and minority applicants. Testing and validation remained a concern. Cas Putkoski reached Honorary status. Textile Machine Works withdrew. Clarence Ledin (Corning Glass) passed away.

1976 – June 22–25
Corning Glass, Corning, New York • Corning Hilton Inn
Host: Andy Kosty – Representative

Extensive discussion on revising apprenticeship standards to meet EEO requirements for female and minority participation. Fred Libby and Bob Houghton reached Honorary status; Keith Slutz and Paul Harper retired. Goodyear Atomic withdrew; Bausch & Lomb and Addressograph Multigraph were dropped.

1977 – June 21–24
United Airlines, San Francisco, California • Holiday Inn (Chinatown)
Host: George Lum – Representative

New members: Corning Corporation, Xerox, Union Carbide, and Gillette Corporation. Honorary status awarded to Harry Hitchcock, Bob Gleichsner, and Jim Wray. Hugh Murphy of BAT received special recognition for “10 years of aggravation.” Although retiring from General Motors, Harry Hitchcock was unanimously asked to complete his term as AART president.

1978 – June 20–23
Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Williamsburg, Virginia
Host: Jim Wallace – Representative

Cummins Engine Company, represented by Carletta Ault, was accepted as a new member.

1979 – June 19–22
General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Michigan • Detroit Plaza Hotel
Host: Don Pfeifer – Representative

Proposed federal apprenticeship legislation dominated discussion. Bill Main and Frank Churchill were elected Honorary Members. Brown & Sharpe was reinstated; Caterpillar obtained a second membership; Skill Corporation withdrew.

1980 – June 17–20
Caterpillar Tractor Company, Peoria, Illinois • Holiday Inn (Brandywine)
Host: Dick Gumbel – Representative

General Dynamics – Electric Boat Division was elected to membership; Falk Company was dropped.

1981 – June 23–26
Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Virginia • Hyatt Richmond
Host: Dick Webb – Representative

Hooker Chemical withdrew on July 9, 1981, and United Airlines on July 29, 1981.

1982 – June 22–24
ARMCO Incorporated, Kansas City, Missouri • Ramada Inn Southeast
Host: Richard Draheim – Representative

40^th Annual Meeting. Goodyear Tire & Rubber and Westinghouse Electric resigned membership.

1983 – June 20–23
General Dynamics – Electric Boat Division, Norwich, Connecticut • Norwich Sheraton Inn
Host: Don Howard – Representative

Inland Steel and Pratt & Whitney Aircraft were elected to membership. Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Company and Gillette Safety Razor Company withdrew. Richard Webb attained Honorary Membership status.

1984 – June 19–22
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York • Rochester Hilton
Hosts: Bill Andre and Joe Kenney – Representatives

International Paper was elected to membership; Allis-Chalmers withdrew.

1985 – June 18–21
General Electric Company, Erie, Pennsylvania • Bel Aire Hotel
Host: Sam Gintz – Representative

Deere & Company’s membership was canceled. Bob Kasper attained Honorary Membership status.

1986 – June 17–20
United Technologies – Pratt & Whitney, Cromwell, Connecticut • Treadway Cromwell Hotel
Host: Jim Wallbeoff – Representative

Richard Draheim and Andy Kosty attained Honorary Membership status. Discussions focused on training format, administration, future outlook, management support, and trainer needs.

1987 – June 16–19
Ford Motor Company, Ann Arbor, Michigan • Holiday Inn West
Host: Bob Kasper – Representative

Carrier Corporation was elected to membership. United Technologies – Pratt & Whitney and Ford Motor Company were approved for second memberships. Eugene Urick attained Honorary Membership status.

1988 – June 21–24
Corning Glass Works, Corning, New York • Corning Hilton Inn
Host: Don Hopkins – Representative

Dow Chemical was elected to membership; Union Carbide withdrew. The meeting confirmed that the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training was ineligible for membership under AART’s constitution and bylaws.

1989 – June 20–23
Cummins Engine Company, Columbus, Indiana • Columbus Holiday Inn
Host: C. David Beatty – Representative

Allegheny Ludlum Steel Company and Weirton Steel Company were elected to membership. Continuous quality improvement in the workplace was a key topic of discussion.

1990 – June 19–22
U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Apprenticeship & Training, Washington, D.C. • Capital Hill Quality Hotel
Host: Minor Miller – Representative

Deere & Company was reinstated, and Remmele Engineering joined the Round Table. Don Hopkins attained Honorary Membership status. Presentations highlighted federal programs and the efforts of the Office of Work-Based Learning.

1991 – June 18–21
Xerox Corporation, Rochester, New York • Stouffer Rochester Plaza Hotel
Host: Ross Micali – Representative

Merck Pharmaceutical and Tampa Electric were elected members. LTV Steel joined with two memberships. Jim Mitchell received special recognition for eleven years of attendance. Key topics included work-force quality and the need for stronger educational support. Members reiterated that AART does not publish policy positions as an organization; individual members may do so, but not on behalf of AART.

1992 – June 16–19
The Timken Company, Canton, Ohio • Canton Hilton
Host: Lloyd M. Groves – Representative

Eastman Chemical Company – Texas Eastman Division (William R. Hansen) joined AART. James L. Wallbeoff, Jr. (The Association for Manufacturing Technology) became an Honorary Member. The Timken Company designed a 50^th anniversary emblem, adopted as the official symbol of AART. The Constitution was amended to clarify the status of conglomerate members.

Key topics discussed included:

1. Incorporating new technologies into apprentice training
2. Maintaining academic requirements
3. Management involvement
4. Selection, testing, and assessment
5. Educational linkages (youth apprenticeship, tech-prep, 2 + 2 programs, standards/occupational certifications, curriculum development)
6. Competency-based and video-based training, and documentation/verification of OJT
7. Linking training to strategic objectives and demonstrating ROI
8. Implications of the Americans with Disabilities Act
9. Preserving programs during cost-cutting and downsizing

A 50^th-anniversary recognition program was held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Plaques for 25 + years of continuous membership:

• Caterpillar Inc.
• Chrysler Corporation
• Ford Motor Company
• General Motors Corporation
• Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company
• Eastman Kodak Company
• General Electric Company
• Aluminum Company of America
• The Timken Company
• TRW, Inc.

Certificates for 15 + years of continuous membership:

• Armco, Inc.
• Corning Incorporated
• Reynolds Metals Company
• Xerox Corporation
• AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology
• Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
• Lukens Steel Company

Distinguished Service Award recipients: James P. Mitchell and Hugh Murphy.

Honorary Lifetime Members recognized: L.M. “Hap” Berichon, Robert C. Hahn, Louis J. Brown, William L. Main, Richard L. Draheim, Robert L. Kasper, Andrew R. Kosty, Richard H. Webb, and Al Casselman. Harry C. Hitchcock received an engraved pewter tray for 25 consecutive years of participation.

1993 – June 22–25
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Illinois • Jumer’s Castle Lodge
Host: Leroy Roberts – Representative

Caterpillar presented an AART banner for annual meetings. Activities included a product demonstration at the Edwards Training Center and a tour of the track-type tractor plant. Topics covered related instruction, apprentice recruitment/selection, and educational linkages. Cummins Engine Company’s 11-year labor agreement was highlighted. ARMCO, Inc. was dropped from membership. Word was received of Harry C. Hitchcock’s passing (December 1992).

1994 – June 21–24
Newport News Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Virginia • Radisson Hotel, Hampton
Host: James H. Hughes – Representative

Events included a harbor cruise of Hampton Roads and a shipyard visit. Discussion topics: related training, selection/testing/assessment, craft training, program policies, training technology, educational linkages, and program evaluation. Lukens Steel withdrew; Bath Iron Works became the newest member. Ross Micali (Xerox) attained Honorary Membership.

1995 – June 20–23
Remmele Engineering, Inc., New Brighton, Minnesota • Radisson Hotel, Plymouth
Host: Michael Bates – Representative

Focus areas: related training, soft-skills instruction, competency-based training, career paths for graduates, distance learning, impact of High Performance Work Teams, and National Skill Standards. Mead Paper Company joined AART. Discussion began on whether the name “AART” should reflect a broader technical-training focus; Jim Hughes volunteered to chair a study committee. Jerry Eluskie (Ford Motor Company) became an Honorary Member.

1996 – June 18–21
Chrysler Corporation, Detroit, Michigan • The River Place Hotel
Host: Russ Bayly – Representative

Round-table topics included School-to-Work activities, evaluating apprentices and program effectiveness, candidate selection, apprenticeship standards, related instruction, and Trade & Craft Revitalization Agreements. New members: National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) and Alcoa Tennessee Operations (second Alcoa seat). New Honorary Members: C. David Beatty (Cummins), James H. Hughes (Newport News), James H. Freeman (Eastman Chemical). After study, members voted to retain the name “American Apprenticeship Round Table.”

1997 – June 17–20
Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tennessee • Meadow View Conference Resort & Convention Center
Host: James Freeman – Representative

Discussion topics: skill standards, training technology, related instruction, disability issues, evaluation/testing, recruiting apprentices, multiskilled crafts, School-to-Work, and mentoring. Greenville Tool & Die Company (Stephen Foster) joined AART. A one-page mission/description was finalized; President David Beatty distributed it to all members.

1998 – June 16–19
Dow Chemical, Midland, Michigan • Ashman Court Hotel Conference Center
Host: Doug Struble – Representative

Topics: training technology, competency-based programs, related instruction, assessments, recruiting apprentices, School-to-Work, and program costs. LeRoy Roberts (Caterpillar) attained Honorary Member status. Membership Book data were digitized to preserve the original volume.

1999 – June 22–25
Greenville Tool & Die, Grand Rapids, Michigan • Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Host: Steve Foster – Representative

Topics: assessments & skill standards, related instruction, recruiting apprentices, union involvement, retention, program cost, non-traditional programs, and computer training. Jim Conn (Allegheny Ludlum Steel) became an Honorary Member. Luk, Inc. (Wooster, Ohio) joined AART. Greenville Tool & Die digitized and distributed the AART meeting manual and host-activity checklist. After debate, members voted to keep officer terms unchanged.

2000 – June 20–23
U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer & Labor Services, Washington, D.C. • Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
Host: Anthony Swoope

Discussion topics: skill standards, assessments, recruiting, related instruction, expanding apprenticeships, performance testing, retention, program costs, outsourcing, non-traditional programs, and computer training. Oberg Industries joined AART. A subcommittee proposed a conference fee to offset hosting costs (initially $500 per attending member plus one guest); revisions were requested for the following year.

2001 – June 19–22
National Tooling & Machining Association, Greensburg, Pennsylvania • Sheraton Four Points Hotel
Host: Richard Walker

Topics: related instruction, competency-based programs, skill standards, expanding apprenticeships, assessments, recruiting, performance testing, loss of craftsmen to retirement, program costs, career-prep programs, outsourcing. Timken Aerospace (Tom Truman) joined AART; Jerry Rodak (Timken) became an Honorary Member. Members authorized the Executive Committee to levy up to a $300 conference fee per company if needed.

2002 – June 17–21
Bath Iron Works (General Dynamics), Sebasco, Maine • Sebasco Harbor Resort
Host: Jon Kirsch

Topics: apprenticeship costs, benchmarking, culture change, diversity, evaluations, leadership training, Lean, mentoring, program credit/time, recruitment, related coursework, supervisory training, technical training, testing, Workforce Investment Act, advanced credit. Jim Meadows (TECO Transport) attained Honorary Membership.

2003 – June 16–20
Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, New York • Rochester Crowne Plaza
Hosts: LeRoy Quick (Eastman Kodak) & James Winston (Monroe County Dept. of Planning & Development)

61^st AART. Topics: apprenticeship costs, field training, administration, training materials, accelerated programs, skilled trades, benchmarking, facilities. Friday presentations included Penn United Technology, Monroe Community College’s business/education partnerships, and Oberg Industries’ Tooling U platform. Bill Reca (Merck) became an Honorary Member. New members: Hamill Manufacturing, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems – Avondale, and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems – Ingalls. Plans initiated for an informational website.

2004 – June 14–18
Oberg Industries, Monroeville, Pennsylvania • Radisson Hotel
Host: Greg Chambers

62^nd AART. Topics: related instruction, adjunct instructors, online training, post-apprenticeship training, launching new programs/facilities, LMS systems, apprentice selection/testing, college partnerships for associate degrees. Guest presentations covered competency-based programs with NIMS requirements and assessment validation. Officers for 2005–2006 were elected. Anthony Swoope (USDOL) was banquet speaker. Honorary Member James Wallbeoff was remembered.

2005 – June 6–10
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems – Avondale Operations, New Orleans, Louisiana
Host: Sterling J. Dolese

63^rd AART. Topics: related instruction, online training, progress tracking, skill check-sheets, basic-skills remediation, implementing competency-based programs, multi-craft maintenance roles, testing/articulation with community colleges. Banquet speaker: Bat Robinson (Sector VP & GM, NGSS). Friday featured presentations from USDOL (Anthony Swoope), Northrop Grumman’s iLead program, BattleBots IQ, and NIMS.

2006 – June 19–23
The Timken Company, Canton, Ohio • McKinley Grand Hotel
Host: Julie Bland

64^th AART. Discussion categories: instruction, evaluation, green-labor issues, management/policy, supervisory training, recruitment, related instruction, technical skills training, testing. Tours of Timken’s Harrison Steel Mill and Apprentice Training Center were provided. No new Honorary Members.

2007 – June 4–8
Northrop Grumman Newport News, Newport News, Virginia • Marriott City Center
Hosts: Dan Brookman & Jim Hughes

65^th AART. Topics: pre-employment testing, applicant evaluation, alternative training methods, instructor training, retention, competency-based training, interviewing, recruiting, marketing. Facility tours included the CVN-77 George H. W. Bush, a Virginia-class submarine, training areas, and the Mariners Museum. Membership dues were suspended for 2007. New members: Aker Philadelphia Shipyard and Southern Manufacturing Technologies. Distinguished Service Award: Jim Hughes. Honorary Members: Richard Walker and Steve Foster. Friday presentations featured AMT productivity initiatives, NGNN’s web-based systems, Louisiana’s Manufacturing Academies, and NGNN’s corrective-action program. The updated AART website was previewed.

2008 – June 3–6
Eastman Chemical Company, Longview, Texas • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
Host: Pete Lamothe

66^th AART. Topics: partnerships with community colleges/technical schools, apprenticeship costs, apprentice “boot camps.” Plant tour on Thursday. Banquet speakers: James Ray (Eastman) and Dr. Bill Holda (Kilgore College). Friday presentations covered WIRED-grant workforce development, USDOL regulatory updates, and job-fit software. Membership dues were suspended for 2008. Distinguished Service Award: Jim Conn.

2009 – June 1–4
AART Executive Committee, Scottsdale, Arizona • Chaparral Suites
Host: AART Executive Committee

67^th AART. Focus: managing program costs and optimizing operations during a recession. First use of web conferencing: nine companies presented online, four in person. Presentations from USDOL (John Ladd) on funding and initiatives and from Rosalyn Boxer (Arizona Dept. of Commerce) on apprenticeship’s future in Arizona. Tours included Gateway Community College’s metalworking facility and PING (Karsten Manufacturing). Additional presentation from Amatrol on CNC Machine Operator training.

2010 – June 7–11
AART Executive Committee, San Francisco, California • Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf
Host: AART Executive Committee

68^th AART. Topics: related instruction, determining ROI and value of registered apprenticeship, competency-based training, online training, articulation agreements, interim credentials, community-college partnerships. Tours of Agilent Technologies and Petaluma High School showcased innovative vocational-program funding. Banquet speaker: Juliet Dozier (Shabot Las Positas Community College) on technical training’s economic-development impact. Friday presentations: SkillsUSA national competency assessments, Train by Cell mobile-learning solutions, and USDOL updates.

2010 – June 7–11
AART Executive Committee • Holiday Inn Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, California
Host: AART Executive Committee

Topics discussed: related instruction, valuing registered apprenticeship, ROI of programs, competency-based training, online learning, articulation agreements, interim credentials, and community-college partnerships.

The group toured training programs at Agilent Technologies and Petaluma High School (noted for its innovative funding model). Banquet speaker: Mrs. Juliet Dozier (Shabot Las Positas Community College) on the economic impact of technical training in the Bay Area.

Friday presentations:

• Eric Gearhart, SkillsUSA — “National Competency Assessments for Technical Occupations.”
• Dave Asheim, Train by Cell — “Using Cellphones to Conduct Technical Training Programs.”
• Todd Yamamoto & Patty Garcia, U.S. Department of Labor — “USDOL Update.”

2011 – October 10–14
AART Executive Committee • Holiday Inn Philadelphia Historic District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Host: AART Executive Committee

Topics: U.S. strategic apprenticeship plan, pre-apprenticeship, RACC consortium, 75^th Fitzgerald Act events, Right Skills Now initiative, skilled-worker shortages, new AART website, accelerated learning, ROI, competency-based and blended learning.

The group toured the U.S. Mint’s training program—unique for its stringent security and quality controls. No Friday presentations were held.

2012 – October 8–12
AART Executive Committee • Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel, Hampton, Virginia
Host: AART Executive Committee

Topics: related instruction, competency-based programs, apprentice pay, cultivating culture, senior-management communication, LMS platforms, computerized occupational simulations. AART was honored as an Apprenticeship Pioneer & Trailblazer by USDOL at the Fitzgerald Act 75^th anniversary.

Tours: NASA Langley (aerospace) and Liebherr (heavy-equipment). Both organizations presented on their apprenticeship systems.

Friday presentations:

• Huntington Ingalls – Newport News — “Adding Value to Apprenticeship Programs.”
• Huntington Ingalls – Newport News — “Student Perceptions of Instructional Methods.”

2013 – October 15–18
Huntington Ingalls – Newport News Shipbuilding • Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Topics: blended-learning models, dual-outcome programs (associate degree + journeyworker), AART dues, registrar interactions, hybrid models, compensation structures, progress tracking, teacher certification.

Tour: Stihl USA’s revived apprenticeship program with lessons learned.

Friday presentations:

• Dr. Alok Verma, ISAM — “Preparing Future Generations of Shipbuilders and Mariners.”
• Dr. Garry Carter, Huntington Ingalls — “Predicting Completion Rates at Technical Schools.”
• Dr. Robert Lerman, American University — “The American Institute for Innovative Apprenticeship.”

2014 – October 15–17
Huntington Ingalls – Ingalls Shipbuilding • Hilton Garden Inn, Pascagoula, Mississippi

Topics: regulatory updates, new federal initiatives, ROI, employment selection, blended learning, articulation for college credit.

Activities: round-table reports; evening networking in Biloxi; tour of Ingalls Shipbuilding and the new 70,000 sq ft Haley Reeves Barbour Maritime Training Academy. Banquet speaker: Richard Schenk (VP Program Management, Ingalls).

2015 – October 13–16
Siemens Energy • Hyatt House Charlotte Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina

Topics: novel blended-learning approaches, recruitment/selection, compensation strategies, evaluating reviewers, youth and high-school pre-apprenticeship, training resources & copyright, OJT quality.

Tours: Siemens Energy plant (partnership with 11 local high schools). Banquet speaker: Dr. Pam Howze (NC Dept. of Commerce/NC Works).

Wednesday presentations:

• Dr. J. Scott Christman, Huntington Ingalls — “Enhancing Apprentice Success Through Supervision of the Work Experience.”
• Carla Whitlock, Apprenticeship Carolina — “Apprenticeship South Carolina.”
• Garfield Garner, USDOL — “National Apprenticeship Initiative & LEADERS Program.”
• Andreas Thurner, Blum Inc. — “Apprenticeship 2000 – Charlotte-Area Success.”

2016 – October 11–14
AART Executive Committee • Crowne Plaza Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina
Host: AART Executive Committee

Topics: virtual reality training, WIOA, video-classification software, body-camera training, marketing, legal aspects, simulation software, FLSA, attracting/retaining apprentices.

Tours: the multi-company Manufacturing Innovation Center and Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research. Banquet speaker: Dr. Robert Lerman (American University / IZA).

Wednesday presentations:

• Dr. J. Scott Christman, Huntington Ingalls — “AART and Legislative Initiatives.”
• Todd Estes, Tidewater Community College — “The Apprenticeship Institute.”

2017 – October 10–13
Siemens Energy • Hyatt House Charlotte Airport, Charlotte, North Carolina

Topics: entrance requirements, instructor assessment, secondary-school programs, compensation/bonuses, industry certifications, documentation systems, career readiness.

Tour: Siemens Energy Spartanburg plant (185,000 sq ft; smart-grid and high-voltage products). Banquet speaker: Jeff Phelan (VP Energy Management, Siemens).

Wednesday presentations:

• Dr. J. Scott Christman, Bath Iron Works — “Legislative Initiatives.”
• Dawn Braswell, Siemens Energy — “The Siemens Apprenticeship Program.”
• Roger Collins, Siemens Energy — “NC Works.”

2018 – October 10–11
Oberg Industries • Hampton Inn & Suites, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Topics: registered programs vs. IRAP, community-college partnerships, mentor/OJT development, evaluating online training, adult-learning assessments, emerging-tech skills, ROI methods, registered pre-apprenticeship.

Banquet (Gateway Clipper Riverboat) speaker: James Foti (USDOL) on “Understanding IRAP.” Tour: Oberg Industries’ Freeport campus and 50-year apprenticeship program. Thursday concluded with a members-only business meeting.

2019 – October 30–31
General Dynamics – Bath Iron Works • Hampton Inn & Suites, Bath, Maine

Topics: apprentice compensation, Conscious Leadership, free online assessments, grants, simulators, financial-skills training, virtual reality, minority participation, veteran recruitment, Skills Bridge, program costs, National Guideline Standards, women in apprenticeship.

Banquet speaker: Pam Howze (Wake Technical Community College) on IRAP status and national initiatives. Tour: Bath Iron Works shipyard, where apprentices earn an AS degree alongside journeyworker papers.