In an effort to attract more world class tradeshows to Boston, Teamsters Local 25 has introduced a tradeshow worker training program that aims to create a more skilled workforce to serve the city’s exhibition and event industry.
“Boston is a top destination for international tourists, and working together, we can make it a top destination for the most coveted trade shows,” said Teamsters Local 25 President Sean M. O’Brien. “Having an educated and well-trained workforce is critically important for Boston to attract the events that have the biggest economic impact. Making this training available will create more jobs, more visitor spending, and put more working men and women in a better position to support their families by working in this industry.”
The first of what officials say will be a series of training sessions took place at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center and was attended by more than 100 workers who were explained the art of building and deconstructing trade shows quickly, efficiently, and safely. Pictured above: Teamsters Local 25 members (L-R) Sara Pierce of Salem, Mass., Rich Schievink of Somerville, Mass., and Michael Blackler of Wilmington, Mass., and pictured below is Teamsters Local 25 member Jennifer Whatley of South Boston, at that first training session.
The training program is made possible by the Teamsters Local 25 partnership with the convention and trade show employers working in conjunction with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety. “Customer service excellence is at the heart of the MCCA’s mission and our success is directly tied to our constant focus on providing training throughout the organization,” said David Gibbons, executive director of the MCCA. “We applaud and appreciate the commitment of Teamsters Local 25 on its new training initiative as we continue working together to drive economic activity and opportunity locally by bringing the world’s best events to Boston.”
Boston’s trade show industry is primarily seasonal and only large enough to support a part-time workforce, union officials say. They hope that by making this new training available, workers will have a chance to earn certifications and licensure in handling the various aspects of working in the trade show industry. In addition, they expect a more skilled trade show industry workforce to help the city be more competitive in the trade show venue market.
“This program is great for our members,” said Teamsters Local 25 Steward Ed Welch. “Giving these workers the chance to be fully trained and certified will open the door to many more job opportunities in this growing industry, and give them a much more reliable way to support their families.”
