Background

IATSE Local 835, in cooperation with our contracted companies, has set up comprehensive training programs. This provides a step-by-step process for advancement in job classification and pay rates for all referrals.

ABC Lists

Each of the ABC Lists is sorted based on seniority. Your seniority is based on your original hire date. Under certain conditions, such as an extended absence or failure to pay fees or fines, your seniority may freeze. Once the problem is resolved, you can start accumulating your seniority again.

New Hire Orientations

After completing their initial group interview, new applicants attend a four-hour Hands-on Training in our Training Hall to familiarize them with the equipment they will be using on the job.
They must also attend a second four-hour Orientation held at the Orange County Convention Center. This Orientation acquaints new applicants with the largest and busiest venue in the Orlando area. They are informed about the industry, different contracts, employers and referral procedures.
Depending on anticipated labor needs, these Trainings and Orientations are normally scheduled several times during September through December to prepare for the January through June busy season.

Previous Trade Show Experience?

New applicants with previous Trade Show experience must document their hours for review by the JCTC. If they can show 1000 hours, they are eligible to enroll in Journeyman training, though they will be listed as a Helper on the D List until they pass the Exam.
Applicants who are IATSE members or can show 5 years of experience and 2000 documented hours will automatically become eligible for Journeymen pay. However, they must pass the Journeyman Qualification Test for placement on the D List. They will remain on the D List until they have one year and 500 hours through Local 835’s referral hall.

Fork, Boom and Scissor Lift Certifications

You must have a fork lift certification issued by Local 835 or one of our industry partners in order to work in the Freight Department. Freight Journeyman status is 700 documented industry hours. A Freight Helper has been evaluated and has 300 documented industry hours.
We have a Freight Trainee program to fast track those wanting to acquire more Freight hours.
The Local and its contracted employers cooperate to offer Lift certifications and re-certifications.
 
Local 835 has instructors who can certify the operators of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP).

Helper Task Logs

When a new referent decides to enroll in the training program to begin advancing in their IATSE trade show career, the New Hire receives a Helper Task Log. This Log details each of the individual tasks the individual is expected to be able to perform. After performing each task, their Log is signed by their Lead on that job, Union Steward or a company supervisor. Only three tasks may be completed each day.

After completing a 500 hour probationary period and passing a Helper class, the New Hire is placed on the Local 835 Referral Hall D List and will be eligible for more calls for work.
 
The Helper Task Log are part of our On the Job training. The Logs must be completed and turned in before starting the Journeyman Training classes.

Helper Status

After completing the two-day Helper Class and 500 hours, the individual is upgraded to Helper pay. Besides the pay increase, the upgrade in status also means that they will be receiving more calls for work, since the Local 835 Referral Hall Procedures require that the more qualified and experienced workers are sent out to work first.

Journeyman Training Classes

As a Helper, they will be notified to when they are eligible to attend Journeyman Training Classes that are held three times each year. After successfully completing the Journeyman Training, the Helper must pass the 100 question Journeyman Exam with a grade of 80% or higher. To advance to Journeyman status, pay and benefits, they must have also completed a total of 1000 hours of work.

Back to Training