Explore Our Learning Resources

ICD is a joint initiative, with labor and management working together to provide educational services to Steelworkers.

Since its inception, ICD 307 has helped over 900 associates with their educational goals.

Getting ICD Into Your Contract

The Institute for Career Development (ICD) is a contractually negotiated benefit for eligible members of the United Steelworkers and the companies that employ them.

Lifelong Learning for USW Members

“Experience has shown that worker growth and development are stunted when programs are mandated from above, but flourish in an atmosphere of voluntary participation in self-designed and self-directed training and education.” USW/Company Contract Language

Tuition Assistance

Each eligible member can receive up to $2,000 per year for Customized Courses and up to $2,500 per year in Tuition Assistance. None of this money comes out of your own pocket. It is a negotiated benefit.

Customized Courses are those classes that are taught locally, normally onsite, to a group of members who are interested in a particular subject.

Tuition Assistance is money that is available for you to earn college credits.

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Learn by Doing

We have a wide range of classes to meet any interest or skill level.

Instruction ranges from basic skills, such as GED preparation or financial investing, to graduate-level college courses. Steelworkers can also take a variety of classes that teach technical skills, such as plumbing, electrical wiring or small engine repair, and a wide array of computer classes are available as well.

The emphasis is on teaching “portable” skills Steelworkers can use to enhance their existing careers or take with them beyond the steel mills, rubber plants and iron mines should they change jobs. Many Steelworkers use the program to prepare for pre-apprenticeship tests.

Build your portfolio

What Makes The Program Unique?

Everything is geared toward making learning comfortable and accessible for Steelworkers. Our learning centers are conveniently located, usually on or near work sites or in a union hall. Classes are offered before and after shift changes to accommodate workers’ schedules.

Each site offers classes under the direction of the LJC. The LJC decides what courses to offer by documenting workers’ needs and interests. They do this through surveys or by sending program Learning Advocates to talk to workers on the shop floor. Each Career Development Program is uniquely tailored for the Steelworkers at that location. It’s a “bottom-up” philosophy that enables Steelworkers to drive the program.

Achieve your goals

The Institute has developed numerous resources and educational programs.

Cutting edge Energy Efficiency and Green Jobs Training – Using funding from a Department of Labor Energy Training Partnership grant, ICD has been able to offer hands-on courses like Building Analyst, Envelope Shell and Geothermal training to its participants.

National Educational Partners – Partnering with national educational providers allows ICD to negotiate discounts for members at credit-granting institutions across the US. National partners include colleges like American Business and Technology University, Ashworth College, Columbia Southern University, DeVry University and Keller Graduate School, and University of Phoenix.

Online Learning – Keeping up with the technolgy of learning, members may take advantage of non-credit learning opportunities available online in just-in-time programs such as Rosetta Stone, Lynda.com, and others. Resources like these are especially helpful in exploring new careers, pursuing computer certification and taking courses for personal enrichment. Members may also participate in private, customized, 24-hour online tutoring with NetTutor.

What is the Institute for Career Development (ICD)?

ICD is an understanding during the 2006 Master negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Goodyear to offer and facilitate both credit and non-credit education programs offered by Washburn, Washburn Institute of Technology, and any other accredited institution for USW Local 307 members. The ICD Local Joint Committee (LJC) provides members up to $2,500 per year in tuition assistance for accredited college courses and up to $2,000 per year for approved customized courses.

To be eligible to apply you must be an active member. A laid-off member must apply within the first two years of layoff. A retired member must apply within the first year of retirement.

ICD is a bottom-driven organization, custom courses require a minimum of 5 people per policy.

What is the Institute for Career Development (ICD)?

ICD is an understanding during the 2006 Master negotiations between the United Steelworkers and Goodyear to offer and facilitate both credit and non-credit education programs offered by Washburn, Washburn Institute of Technology, and any other accredited institution for USW Local 307 members. The ICD Local Joint Committee (LJC) provides members up to $2,500 per year in tuition assistance for accredited college courses and up to $2,000 per year for approved customized courses.

To be eligible to apply you must be an active member. A laid-off member must apply within the first two years of layoff. A retired member must apply within the first year of retirement.

ICD is a bottom-driven organization, custom courses require a minimum of 5 people per policy.