If you are not sure exactly what the USW/Granite City Works Learning Center (ICD Career Development Program) is all about or how it affects you, take a few minutes to read through these Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the program.  If your questions are still not answered, contact us by phone, in person, or by e-mail. 

What is the ICD Career Development Program?
The ICD Career Development Program (USW/USS Granite City Works Learning Center) is an educational program created by a contractual agreement between the United Steelworkers and United States Steel Corporation.  The purpose of the program is to provide educational opportunities to union steelworkers.  Each Career Development Program is directed by a Local Joint Committee (LJC), a body of union and company appointees who develop and monitor the program. A Program Coordinator administers the program.

Who is on the Granite City Local Joint Committee (LJC)?
The LJC consists of representatives from USW Locals 1899, 50, and 68 as well as two representatives from U S Steel, Granite City Works. Any questions concerning the Career Development Program can be directed to these representatives.  Members of the current LJC include:

Who is eligible to participate?
All active status U S Steel Granite City Works employees who are members of USW Locals #1899 are eligible to participate in all ICD program benefits based on their employment status. Active Steelworkers who have completed sixty days of employment are only eligible to participate in the customized classes conducted by the Learning Center. Active Steelworkers who have completed their probationary period of 1040 hours are eligible to participate in all program benefits including tuition assistance. To be considered an active status employee, a Steelworker must be currently working or on an approved illness or injury leave. If an employee is laid off, he or she maintains active status for ICD eligibility for two years from the date of layoff.  Retirees and family members can participate in customized classes on a limited basis.

What services are available through the program?
The USW/USS Granite City Works Learning Center offers Steelworkers many educational opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. These include customized classes that are offered at the Learning Center, tuition assistance (for active Steelworkers only) that can be used at accredited universities, state licensed vocational schools, and ICD approved schools, Online Learning classes at ICDSkillMill Online, TV411, and a book lending library.

What will it cost me to use the program?
The greatest cost to use ICD is the commitment of personal time and dedication to an educational goal. Out of pocket monetary costs for customized courses may include any personal supplies such as a notebooks, pens, etc. Tuition Assistance course participants may also incur the costs for any tools, supplies, or software purchases necessary for a course.

How do I get in touch with the Learning Center?
The USW/Granite City Works Learning Center is located in the Labor Temple building at 2014 State Street on the ground floor. The telephone number is 618-709-7234. The ICD Program Coordinator can be reached during normal business hours. If the ICD Program Coordinator is unavailable, please leave your name, number, and a brief message on the answering machine.  Someone will return your call within twenty-four business hours.

How will I know what classes are available at the Learning Center?
All CLASSES offered by the Learning Center are posted on this web site.  In addition, Steelworkers can receive USW/Granite City Works Learning Center updates via email. Class flyers are also available at various locations within the mill.

How do I register for classes at the Learning Center?
Students can click here to register online, call us at 618-709-7234, or stop in at the Learning Center during normal business hours.

Where are classes held?
Most classes are held on-site at the USW/Granite City Works Learning Center 2014 State Street. A few are held off-site at a designated educational institution.

What times are offered at the Learning Center?
Individual class times vary. However, most classes are offered at least twice each day at 7:30 -10:30 am and 3:30 -6:30 pm.  All students are notified of class times prior to the start of any class they take.

How will I know when my class starts?
Students are sent a reminder via email, mail, or telephone before their class starts.  You can also check class location, dates, and times on the class schedules page of this web site.

What if there is a new course that I would like to see offered?
All customized classes come from Steelworker ideas, the LJC members, and the annual survey.  If you are interested in a specific class contact your ICD Program Coordinator or an LJC committee member.  All classes must conform to ICD guidelines.

How many participants are needed to start a course?
Class enrollment requirements vary depending on course costs.  However, many of our classes only require 4 or more active Steelworkers to start the class.

Can I use the computers at the Learning Center?
The Learning Center computer labs are available during non-class hours (approximately 11:00 am through 3:00 pm) Monday through Thursday.

What costs are covered by the tuition assistance program?
Funds may be used for tuition, required textbooks and course related fees. Each participant may receive a maximum of $2,500 per calendar year. Payments and reimbursements can be made for credit and non-credit courses taken at accredited universities, state licensed vocational schools, and ICD approved schools.  Anyone planning on using tuition assistance should meet with the ICD Program Coordinator prior to attending class for a complete review of the tuition policy. Failure to do this can mean loss of benefits.

When can I get a tuition assistance voucher?
Tuition assistance vouchers can be obtained from the ICD Program Coordinator during normal business hours 7:00 am-3:00 pm Monday through Thursday.  Students may also call for an appointment.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact the ICD Program Coordinator, Marshall McElroy or your Local Joint Committee representative.