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July 7, 2014

Boilermakers Recognize George Longo's 51 Years of Service as a Lodge 359 Member


[Click to Enlarge] (Left to Right) Grant Jacobs, National Director of NTTF, George Longo, and Ed Power, Retired IVP of Eastern Canada
At the Canadian Boilermaker Apprenticeship Competition in Vancouver, June 24-26, 2014, 51-year member George Longo was recognized for his service to the industry. George began his career in 1956 as an apprentice welder/steel fabricator in Vancouver, joining Boilermaker Local 359 in 1963. His first union job was with Babcock & Wilcox as a TIG welder, where he worked for approximately 5 years. In 1968 he became a Welder Instructor at Vancouver Vocational Institute, instructing Local 359 members in TIG welding boiler tubes. For a couple of years George was self-employed but returned back to work with B&W in 1972, working at various jobsites across Canada. In 1984 he became the B&W Regional Manager for Western Canada.

Throughout the years, George worked as Construction Manager at Canadian Energy Services and Kamtech Services, Superintendent at Foster Wheeler Boiler in Power River, Weyerhauser in Grand Prairie, Commonwealth Construction Boiler Estimator, plus he has worked as an Erection Adviser in the United States, South America and Indonesia.

He never left a project until completed, was the first to erect new boilers from the top down, and all the new boiler projects completed were on time and on schedule. George has also served on the Apprenticeship Trade Advancement committee at 359. He has been a member in good standing for 51 years and has been married for 55 years. George recently retired and we thank him for his many years dedicated to the Boilermaker apprenticeship program.

During dinner, George gave the graduated apprentices some career advice that he followed throughout his career:

Congratulations to you all. You have successfully completed the Boilermakers Apprenticeship program and are now Journeyman Boilermakers. You now have a responsibility to represent the trade and this union as proud tradesmen and experienced professionals.

Boilermaking is a trade that requires all of the skills and knowledge you have learned through your apprenticeship in the construction industry. Show them your best side of what a Boilermakers can achieve.

I'm not going to stand here and tell how to do your job but I will share a few thoughts with you and points to consider:

  • When you accept a dispatch from the union to report to work, consider this as a contract that you have accepted and report to the job site on time and prepared to take on the new challenge because every job will challenge you one way or another.
  • Accept the assignment given to you by your supervisor and if you're not completely sure of your tasks then ask before you proceed with the work.
  • Always stay focused on your task, work safely, to the best of your ability and keep your eyes and ears open at all times.
  • Remember that no job is successfully accomplished by one man. Each project is a team effort so watch out for your partner and all members of your crew.
  • This is a high risk trade where you will find yourself working at heights and in confined spaces where toxic gases and chemicals may be present so always plan your work carefully and then work the plan!
  • Organize your work area, keep it clean and ensure you always have the right tools for the job BEFORE you start work.
  • Rewards do not come easily in this racket...they must be earned! So set your goals and work diligently toward them. In time, a strong work ethic and reputation of reliability (on time and always ready to pitch in) will be recognized by your peers. Before you know it you will get a tap on the shoulder asking you to join the Supervision.
  • Remember you're only as good as the people you work with so be safe, diligent and lead by example.
  • A career as a boilermaker can be tough at times and you will find yourself away from home a lot of the time. On the flipside, you will have many opportunities to travel the world and each project will present new challenges and rewards.
  • Above all, keep safety, quality and integrity at the top of your list and the rest will take care of itself.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!

Thanks George!