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The iFTI Creates the Path to Become a Master Instructor
Quality curricula is crucial to keeping the apprentices and journey workers of the IUPAT the best of the best on the job site, but the quality of instruction is just as critical, if not more so. This is why the International Finishing Trades Institute (iFTI) has been working to take its level of instruction in the United States and Canada to an even higher level than it is now.
The International Finishing Trades Institute (iFTI) Master Instructor Capstone is the final course an instructor will take prior to being recognized as an iFTI Master Instructor. The iFTI Master Instructor Program consists of a total of ten courses. These courses include the combination of two teaching techniques courses, three health and safety courses, four additional elective courses and the Capstone Project offered by the iFTI in Hanover, MD.
The Capstone Project requires further analysis of a training topic impacting the Finishing Trades industries at an international, state/province or local level that is developed into either a research paper or a unit of study for training and education. The strategy for completing the Capstone project includes mandatory attendance at an initial three-day seminar at the iFTI in Hanover, Maryland where instructors will convey all project guidelines and deliverables, and provide for collaboration and assistance among instructors and peers with topic selection, proposal writing, and preliminary project development.
After the initial three days, students will return home to continue the development of their topic over a period of months with periodic check-ins, conference calls, and virtual support and feedback from an IFTI advisor or team of advisors.
The Capstone project culminates in a two-day showcase of project presentations at the iFTI in Hanover MD where students will share their research and findings or share the design and development of their new course of study. Students are evaluated on many elements of the project including demonstrated knowledge and engagement with their topic, originality and complexity of the topic, meeting project deliverables, overall participation, effort, and quality of the project materials and presentation. The final deliverable is a Capstone Project reflection paper that will allow the student to take a final look and reflect upon their successes, failures, plans for improvement and the overall project development and implementation process.
The inaugural Capstone Project was held in February 2019 with 8 participants. Eligibility for participation in the Capstone course is based on completion of the iFTI Master Instructor course requirements.
The iFTI is excited about this new opportunity for our member instructors that will enhance their skills and knowledge and deliver a standard of quality and integrity in our training and education programs as a Master Instructor.