DFW International Airport Celebrates 10,000th Graduate From Capital Development Program’s Safety Training Program

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (June 17, 2003) — Airport officials will celebrate the 10,000th graduate of the innovative Construction Education Foundation (CEF) safety training program during a ceremony today at 2:45 p.m. in the CEF Safety Lab at DFW Airport.

“The Safety Training Program was created to ensure that all workers on the DFW Capital Development Program have access to the most up-todate, highest-quality safety training, regardless of whether they are employed by a major corporation, small company or a minority/womanowned business,” said Clay Paslay, DFW’s executive vice president of airport development. “Today we will graduate our 10,000th student. This is a major milestone, and our safety record is indicative of the program’s success.”

The safety training is held at the Construction Education Foundation, which is affiliated with North Lake College and Texas A&M University.

The graduation will be marked with a balloon drop, confetti and serpentine toss. Paslay; Jane Hanna, CEF executive director; and Joseph Halcarz Sr., president of BEST Institute Inc. will make comments; and a letter from Joe Reina, OSHA deputy regional administrator, will be read.

Field salaried and hourly CDP workers are required to participate in the Capital Development Program’s safety training program held at the DFW Education Center. Classes are conducted in English and Spanish using both classroom and hands-on training.

Upon completion of the five-day training program, graduates receive certification for OSHA 10-hour training, CPR and first aid. Additionally, English speakers are required to learn basic Spanish construction terminology, and Spanish speakers are required to learn basic English construction terminology.

In 2002, the Hispanic Contractors Association of DFW recognized the safety program for its impact on improving safety standards and the ripple effect the program has created across North Texas. Javier Arias, Hispanic Contractors Association Executive Director, will also attend the graduation.

Directions: From DFW Airport North Entrance: take 114 East, exit Freeport Parkway, turn left onto Freeport Parkway (going north), turn left on Royal Lane (going west), turn left on 12th Street (going south). Parking is on the north side of the building.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the “MediaSite” section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact Steve Roth with CDP Communications at 972 586 5743 or sroth@dfwairport.com