Masonry Magazine August 1996 Page. 9
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Many mason contractors do not feel it is worth it to them to provide training to someone who is going to leave their firm. Unfortunately, many contractors do not realize that one cause for the high turnover may be that they do not spend enough time and effort in developing their current and future employees. Finally, many mason contractors have operated with the philosophy that "someone else" will train my workforce. This philosophy may be a result of years of reliance on union sponsored training programs. However, as the number of union contractors diminishes, and the funding source for union programs is reduced, nothing could be further from the truth. Waiting for "someone else" to train your workforce, will result only in "someone else" taking your workforce.
Some Areas Are Moving Forward
There is no way around it. Quality Workmanship requires Quality Training. In any industry that produces well-trained entry level workers, you will find a commitment and coordinated effort on the part of industry leaders and educators. The Masonry Industry is no different. Commitment and coordinated efforts are the only way to develop and maintain a well-trained workforce.
Fortunately, there are many bright spots in a rather bleak national picture. (see "Spotlight on Training.") Many progressive contractors around the country, who realize that the best way to solve this industry's problem is with local "grass-roots" type activity from within the industry, are becoming involved in training. Contractors from areas like Atlanta, Arizona, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Denver are forming alliances with educators and manufacturers to build programs, while others are working more closely with area vocational schools in recruitment and job placement.
Additionally, according to the 1995 industry study, the Associated General Contractors operates training programs in 11 states. The Associated Building Contractors also have a masonry training curriculum that is used in parts of the country. However, at the time the study went to print, the ABC national office did not have a summary of the number of masonry programs run among ABC chapters. Finally, information obtained from the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) reported over 3500 individuals were enrolled in their brick masonry programs throughout the country.
However, We Still Have Far to Go
While activities like these do provide a source of inspiration, it does not diminish the fact that eight states do not offer any type of formal training for masonry according to the 1995 manpower study. Moreover, it is becoming more acceptable for masonry to be combined into a building trades program rather than strive for comprehensive masonry training curriculum. However, folding masonry training into other programs and limiting the exposure we provide students will serve only to further erode the skill level of our workforce.
The sponsors of the 1995 Manpower Study, the Brick Institute of America, National Concrete Masonry Association, Mason Contractors Association of America, National Association of Brick Distributors and the Portland Cement Association, ascertained from interviews with industry leaders, educators, employers and government officials that the following steps could help the masonry industry reverse our direction with regard to recruitment and training and point it toward recovery. These suggestions are:
Raise the visibility of existing training programs making it easier for those who want to enter the field to find suitable training.
Pay more attention to the requirements for entering and completing a training program.
Develop standard training requirements to insure that individuals graduate from specific levels of training with consistent levels of competency.
Develop a clearinghouse so that groups interested in starting training programs can access information on what is working in other areas of the country.
The Mason Contractor's Association of America is, with industry wide support, aggressively developing recruitment and training materials all based on the above recommendations.
Representing mason contractors since 1950, the MCAA exists solely to advance and serve the interests of its members. The association's Board of Directors realizes that a skilled workforce is critical not only to members ability to compete, but to the future of our craft as well.
Nearly two years ago, the MCAA Board of Directors made a commitment to spearhead an industry wide effort by the masonry trade. The MCAA Training Committee, a committee of member contractors, is responsible for overseeing the development of all materials related to recruitment and training and for defining emerging issues. The following interview with Doug Nichols, Chairman of the MCAA Training Committee, summarizes what the MCAA has accomplished and where they are going with regard to their efforts toward industry training.
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