Masonry Magazine October 1998 Page. 19
revenue that "might've been." The third dagger comes in the cost of the employee's normal working wages during the time they're in training. Now, I know some employers prod (did I say "threaten" out-loud - or was I just thinking it?) their employees into training sessions during non-paid or off hours, but the obvious pitfall here is the eventual sure-fire resentment on the part of the employee toward the employer. And with lowered morale looming over the entire event, haven't you defeated the purpose of trying to better the employee and your company?
Although this 3-tiered attack alone is enough to convince an employer to take his time - we haven't even discussed the biggest gamble of all. Sit back and listen to this horrifying tale: Scary, huh? And enough to make many employers shy away from the whole training issue.
Softening the Blow
So what to do? Well, considering (and admitting) that we're human and owing to our perpetual and relentless yearning for personal and professional growth, it's only natural that most caring employers will at some time or another - offer training to their employees. So, with this acknowledgment in mind, let's look at a few of the many avenues for training available to the masonry contractor many of which offer their services at reasonable to very little cost to the trainee and employer.
Apprenticeship Programs
Most of you have heard of, or are familiar with these programs. Apprenticeship programs offer excellent instruction and preparation for the young or new worker. They're generally multiple-year programs (usually four), requiring a mandatory minimum amount of hours of instruction per year and are supplemented with on-the-job training. Those persons enrolled are commonly registered in an apprenticeship training program with that particular state's apprenticeship agency or similar office.
Degree Programs (Full or 4-year)
These, of course, are the full four-year degree programs in such fields as civil engineering, building construction, architecture, and more. Obviously, this type of training is more general and would require much greater time, planning, cost, and commitment on the part of the student and employer and a long-term strategy on the part of all parties involved. But everyday-employers shouldn't count these places out. Often, these same schools offer, along with their regular curriculums - periodic and/or abbreviated non-credit or continuing credit courses for interested participants.
Technology & Vocational Programs (2-year)
I've taught building construction technology at a local junior college for about ten years now, so I admit to a certain bias towards this type of training. These are, however, tremendous programs that commonly offer two-year associate degrees along with an assortment of, perhaps, 1-year certificate programs and shorter-term educational goals. Two-year programs are often less-expensive than their four-year counterparts and are probably (because there are more of them) more geographically accessible to the average person. As a matter of fact, there's no-doubt one close to you.
Private Organizations
There are many private organizations who offer wide-ranging and excellent training resources to the interested person. One such place is the Masonry Institute of America. The Institute, founded in 1957 under the name of Masonry Research, is (this is from their WEB page) "a promotion, technical and research organization established to improve and extend the uses of masonry. Supported by the mason contractors through a labor management contract between the unions and contractors, the Masonry Institute of America is active in promoting new ideas and masonry work, improving building codes, conducting research projects, presenting design, construction and inspection seminars and writing technical and non-technical papers, all for the purpose of improving the masonry industry."
If you'd like more information on the institute, and how they may help you, you can contact them at:
Masonry Institute of America
2550 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90057
Phone: (213) 388-0472
Fax: (213) 388-6958
Mason Contractors
Association of America
1910 South Highland Ave. #101
Lombard, IL 60185
Phone: (630) 705 4200
Fax: (630) 705 4209
Other Training Venues
In addition to the many private organizations out there, interested persons may also search out training assistance through local building material suppliers, larger corporations (who often sponsor training programs geared toward their product or specialty), and masonry trade shows and/or Expos. There are also many strong foreign programs, many of which - like their native counterparts- can be found by searching the INTERNET.
Once you begin searching for options, you'll probably not have a hard time finding the type of training you're after. More likely the toughest part will happen on a more personal level and that is whether or not to make the commitment to your employee and the future of your company. And that's a decision that only you can make.
Editors Note: S.S. Saucerman is a full-time commercial construction estmator/project manager, freelance author and lecturer for the construction industry, and also teaches Building Construction Technology at Rock Valley College in Rockford, linois.
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MASONRY SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1995 19