The Website Template Program started at the beginning of 2025, giving JATCs an opportunity to launch a website with information on their programs and the ability to customize it at an additional cost. The ITI negotiated the $1,500 base package price with an outside vendor for only 2025, making it necessary for those interested to sign up by Dec. 31.
The base package includes a template populated with content provided by the JATC. Website maintenance and security, as well as customizations such as local-specific photos, can be provided at an additional cost.
For training centers across the country, the Website Template Program provides an avenue for recruitment, including the ability to accept applications online, not to mention additional points on their accreditation.
Steve Savoca, training coordinator at SMART Local 83 in Clifton Park, New York, didn’t have a training-specific website prior to the JATC’s participation in the template program. Now, he has a mobile-friendly website he can use for reference at career fairs, and interested parties can immediately access the apprenticeship program application before they leave the event.
“We had a union website, but not a specific JATC recruitment page,” he said. “For what we use it for, since we have been utilizing it, we have been growing. We have a class of 19 new apprentices coming in this year, which is a number we haven’t seen in years. It’s certainly beneficial.”
Chris Romo, director of training for SMART Local 54 in Houston, also didn’t have a digital presence, other than a couple social media accounts. With about 100 apprentices, he couldn’t say “no” to the price tag.
“It’s been great for us, and the cost is attractive,” he added. “The best thing about it is you can apply online. That’s probably the biggest benefit we see daily.”
For many JATCs, applications are in person and often during work hours, when the hardest working people, even those looking for a career change, are at work. With the website, applicants can safely apply for the apprenticeship and upload any required documentation.
“We’ve never had the opportunity to do that,” said Ruben Velasquez, training coordinator for SMART Local 435 in Jacksonville, Florida. “It’s made it a lot easier for me, since I’m the only person on staff. It’s streamlined the process. Now, I can direct everyone to the website.”
Even those who had previous websites said the template provides an upgrade, making their jobs easier by taking one more task off their plates.
“There are a lot more resources on there than I had before — the college versus apprenticeship tab, the veterans tab,” said Steve Allen, training coordinator for SMART Local 24 in Columbus, Ohio. “You can use this for outreach. You don’t have to do a Power Point [presentation]. There are a lot of good talking points on the website. It’s all there.”
The template program is just another way Savoca said he feels support from the ITI. As a part of the Coordinator Subsidy Program, Savoca is the first full-time coordinator in the local’s history. The website makes his already overwhelming career change one step easier.
“We don’t have a tremendous amount of resources, so when there was an opportunity to take part in this, it was a no-brainer. I’m glad we took the step to do it,” he said. “Without the ITI’s support, we can’t do what we should do or what we’ve been able to do for the year I’ve had this job.”
For those struggling with their current website, or lack thereof, the Website Template Program is a way to alleviate stress and have a professional, recruitment and informational tool at their fingertips.
“I don’t understand why anyone who doesn’t have a website, or who has a poor one, isn’t getting this,” Romo said. “We’re really happy with the result.”
The pricing negotiated by the ITI will end Dec. 31, and the cost of the Website Template Program may increase at the vendor’s discretion. For additional information and pricing, as well as to register for the program, visit https://smjatc.com.
