ARE YOU LOOKING TO PROVIDE YOUR TRADESPEOPLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE THEIR CAREER? 

NEW IN 2026

This is an INDUSTRY LED program facilitated by one of their own, a union worker with over 26 years of experinece in the construction industry. Attendees will be exposed to knowledge about leadership and construction best practices for advancement through interactive activities, lectures and discussions. Topics to be covered are standard expectations of a 'Working Foreman' in the construction industry. 

Breakfast & lunch will be included during every session.

JOURNEYMAN TO FOREMAN - LEVEL 2

SESSION #1 - LEADERSHIP & MANAGING PEOPLE 

FEBRUARY 12, 2026 | 7:30am - 11:30am

SESSION #2 - CONTRACT DOCUMENTS & DOCUMENTATION 

FEBRUARY 26, 2026 | 7:30am - 11:30am

SESSION #3 - JOBSITE PLANNING & COST MANAGEMENT 

MARCH 12, 2026 | 7:30am - 11:30am

SESSION #4 - JOBSITE SAFETY & OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT

MARCH 26, 2026 | 7:30am - 11:30am

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: 

This program is intended for current Journeymen who would benefit from continued professional development or are seeking to further develop their leadership skills, to further advance their careers. Recommendation of 5-7 years of field experience or equivalent equal. 

SESSION DETAILED BREAKDOWN:

Session 1 – Leadership & Managing People  

• Situational Leadership (How do you lead) 
• Managing / Training Others & Giving Feedback  
• Communication Skills  

Session 2 - Contract Docs & Documentation  

• Basic Construction Documents (& Understanding the WHY) 
• Jobsite Documentation (& Understanding the WHY) 
• Tech  

Session 3 - Jobsite Planning & Cost Management  

• Jobsite Planning   
• Understanding Budgets 

Session 4 – Jobsite Safety & Operational Risk Management  

• Jobsite Safety  
• Quality & Risk Management 

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

CEA members requested CEA develop a program that provides trade individuals who are being considered for CREW Leader, Foreman and/or Superintendent positions an opportunity to learn about leadership expectations and constructions best practices.  Input from 17 CEA member companies was used to develop this curriculum. 

The individuals who provided context for curriculum have worked with their tools in the field or are directly working with their company’s field workforce. The instructor for all Levels/Sessions will be an individual that has served as an apprentice, journeyman, foreman and superintendent over their career. Each Level/Session will have team activities reinforcing the curriculum.

If you have any questions, please contract Tim Linville (tim@ceacisp.org) or Jackie Ruhlin (jackie@ceacisp.org).

CLASS FACILITATOR - JASON ANDERSON

As a 26-year member of the Carpenters Union, Jason has progressed through various levels of his career, including completing his apprenticeship, serving as a crew leader, working foreman, general foreman, project superintendent, and currently, field superintendent in the industry.

Jason is an experienced-based leader, as the majority of his knowledge and skills have been acquired through numerous projects over the years, on which he has led crews ranging from two to 150 individuals. Jason is passionate about providing effective leadership to his teams, and is committed to continuous learning and adaptation of leadership principles and practices for the better of the industry.

ASSOCIATE INSTRUCTOR (SESSION #1) - Sydney (Syd) Merz

Syd brings over two decades of experience in designing, developing, and optimizing leadership potential for an array of audiences and organizations. She spent the first part of her career working in intercollegiate athletics, providing leadership development and facilities management with the NCAA, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Oklahoma. Her work has supported education and nonprofits, and she has enjoyed HR stints with the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Clinic, and Heinen's.  Merz served two tours in the U.S. Peace Corps (Armenia and the Philippines) and is a proud small-town Nebraskan (Go Huskers!). In her spare time, you can find her wandering in nature or in new places, volunteering, playing pickleball, or coaching Special Olympics sports.