The Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund (IIIATF) announced the creation of a new leadership position and named the first member to fill this new post.

The IIIATF Board of Trustees approved the creation of the position in early October. Local 7 Seattle and Anchorage JATC Instructor Samuel Tafolla was selected as the first member to fill the new position.

The Assitant Training Fund Administrator will work in conjunction with IIIATF Administrator John L. Stahl and report directly to him.

For the first three months of 2023, Tafolla worked part-time as the Assistant Administrator and part-time for Local 7. Beginning April 1, he transitioned to his new post-full-time.

Tafolla, 43, has more than two decades of experience in the Union.  He began his career with  Local 135 in Las Vegas and was the 2006 MAC  Champion representing the Western States Conference.

For six years, while work was slow in Las Vegas and before he transferred to Local 7, Tafolla spent time on the road. He traveled to several different Locals across the U.S. for work, including Local 4 Buffalo, Local 17 Chicago,  Local 46 Knoxville, Local 82 Spokane and Local 7, where he eventually transferred.  

Tafolla expressed his sincere gratitude to all the Locals where he worked over those six years for accepting him as a traveler and keeping him working during those tough times. 

After moving to Seattle, he worked as a  Local 7 JATC Training Instructor for several years. He  was instrumental in bringing the Firestop program to  Local 7 and has committed to continuing his education in  various mechanical insulator training classes, including  

the Advanced Pad and Metal classes, as well as other train-the-trainer programs. 

“Joining this trade is the best thing I’ve ever decided to do,” Tafolla said. “I’d like to think of myself as a reflection of my apprenticeship and the people that have shared their skills and work ethic with me along the way. It’s amazing  what can happen when you wake up every day and go to  work, and I’m fortunate to keep finding myself in front of  people who see value in me and are willing to continue  to invest in me.” 

In his new role as Assistant Training Fund  Administrator, Tafolla will work closely with Stahl. His first major task is taking a lead role in updating the Union’s online training platform, manuals, and all supporting training documents.

Stahl is grateful the Trustees recognized the need to expand the IIIATF staff and is excited to work with Tafolla in this new role.

“The creation of the Assistant Training Fund  Administrator position is a positive step toward the  IIIATF’s commitment to enhancing training opportunities for (all) its members,” said Stahl. “Sam and I will work on new initiatives to improve apprenticeship training. I  am confident that his knowledge, dedication and positive  work attitude will help bring the Union’s training into the  21st century.”

The IIIATF staff are committed to continuing their work in apprenticeship recruitment and training, and creating the Assistant Training Fund Administrator position is a significant milestone in that effort.

With Tafolla’s appointment, the IIIATF is poised to provide enhanced training opportunities for its members and ensure they receive the necessary skills and education to succeed.

When not learning or teaching mechanical insulator techniques, Tafolla enjoys working on his ‘65 Ford Mustang and woodworking in his garage. He is looking forward to meeting more of his Union Brothers and Sisters as he begins to attend more International events this year.