Under the leadership of National Secretary-Treasurer David Estes, the Education & Training Department expanded its reach in 2025 by continuing to offer hybrid learning options that meet members where they are. While in-person instruction remains the gold standard, Zoom access ensured that no Division, General Committee, or State Legislative Board officer was left behind because of geography, scheduling conflicts, or cost.
More than 500 members participated in Education & Training programs this year through a combination of in-person and hybrid classes.
This training matters. Well-trained officers protect the union by maintaining compliance with federal law, developing strong, accountable leadership, and ensuring members receive effective representation on the job. Education is not optional; it is how the BLET defends its autonomy, credibility, and bargaining strength.
In-person and hybrid workshops held in 2025 included:
- LM-3/LM-4 Class – February
- LM-2 Class – March
- Secretary-Treasurer Classes – March and September
- Local Chairman Classes – April and October
- Legislative Representative Class – May
The department also conducted a variety of one-day training sessions at the 2025 Regional Meetings in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Seattle/Bellevue, Wash., including seminars covering Railroad Retirement and Insurance Benefits.
The year opened with Zoom-only training for more than 100 newly-elected Division officers and closed with refresher sessions for more than 100 Secretary-Treasurers — reinforcing the BLET’s commitment to preparing officers at every level to lead and represent members effectively.