Rowan University, IUPAT District Council 21 partner to boost career opportunities

IUPAT District Council 21 and Rowan University announced a unique partnership that will offer District Council 21 members the opportunity to earn both graduate and undergraduate degrees on a flexible schedule.

The collaboration combines District Council 21's world-class training provided by its training partner the Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region with the flexible course delivery of Rowan University. Rowan's 100% online construction management program allows for maximum flexibility to accommodate work, union training, and personal commitments.

"This partnership is a great opportunity for our members to further their education," said Erin O'Brien-Hofmann, Director of Education at the Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region. "We pride ourselves on providing quality training and ensuring our members are the best in our industry. With the opportunity to get a bachelor's or master's degree from a prestigious university like Rowan, members can broaden their economic horizons. We believe this collaboration will take our members to the next level."

"We're proud to offer our community the opportunity to learn a skilled trade and build good union careers with great benefits," said Bernie Snyder, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer of IUPAT District Council 21. "We want to stay ahead of the curve and bring our members even more opportunities to excel in their field. This partnership will give people who may not otherwise have access to higher education the opportunity to earn a degree on a flexible schedule and at a more affordable rate."

Through the partnership, union members will be able to apply for one of the following programs:

• Construction Management Certificate
• Project Management Certificate
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Construction Management
• Master of Engineering Management (MEM)

The program provides discounted tuition rates, making it easier and more cost-efficient for members to invest in their future.

"Our construction management program is designed to build on the union's "earn-while-you-learn model, allowing members to earn their degree while working in their field," said Rowan University Provost Tony Lowman. "With our collaboration, District Council 21 members can have it all: a great career in the trades and a degree that can bring members' professional growth to new heights."

About IUPAT District Council 21

IUPAT District Council 21 represents over 6,000 members in the finishing trades in Central and Northeast Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Region, New Jersey, and the state of Delaware and is affiliated with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. District Council 21 is proud to provide career opportunities to apprentices and journeypersons in the construction industry and is determined to ensure the best wages and benefits for painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaziers, and glass workers.

District Council 21 is recognized as one of the most active unions in the region for both its community service and member involvement. District Council 21's mission is to represent members for purposes of collective bargaining, to organize workers in a variety of occupations, and to advocate for workers and their families.