by Michael Bonts
Special To Realty/Builder Connection
Keith McCarter says education is the key to the future in the building industry. That’s why he’s a great supporter of the Northeast Florida Builders Association Apprenticeship Training Program.
“With the apprenticeship training program, we’re looking after our own interests,” McCarter said. “It’s the best way to promote the trade and also protect its future.”
In its 28th year, the Association’s apprenticeship training program is designed as a recruitment tool to help train and develop workers in the skilled trades of the construction industry.
McCarter is a field supervisor for Elkins Constructors. He’s also serves on the NEFBA carpentry board and on the executive committee.
“Keith McCarter is always promoting the apprentice training program,” commented David Snead, a project manager at the Dana B. Kenyon Company and a fellow board member. “He is a great supporter of the program and always very involved in anything he can help out with.”
A former teacher, McCarter is concerned that Duval County schools dropped its program although vocational training classes still exist in Clay and St. Johns counties.
“I’m upset it was taken out of high school in Duval County,” he said. “Not everyone goes to college.”
McCarter says that’s why the Apprenticeship Training program is so valuable. “The apprenticeship training program serves as an introduction,” he said. “The program also helps to fill the gap.”
Trades people like Bobby Reyes know the value of the apprenticeship-training program. Reyes is about to complete his final year and says McCarter is a role model for others in the profession.
“If you want to get ahead, he’ll help you,” Reyes said. “A lot of people have been with the company for a long time and now there’s a new breed of younger workers, too. He really helps us out in the field and we know he’s really looking out for us.”
With vocational training, McCarter says you’ll likely discover talented trades people. “The program provides a great introduction to the trades,” he said. “A lot of young kids will find their calling as a result of that program. If they find they have an interest, then they’ll often pursue a career.”
Elkins Constructors has had five students in the program.
“Job opportunities for carpenters are expected to be excellent over the next decade. Well-trained workers will have especially favorable opportunities,” said Jonny Moore, NEFBA training vice president. “In North Florida, construction activity should increase in response to demand for new housing and commercial and industrial plants and the need to renovate and modernize existing structures.”
Although it’s a significant cost to the business, McCarter says the benefits are great for the sponsoring company as well as to the student. “The company pays for the program,” he explained. “It’s tough. The student works a full time job and gets paid well, but they also go to school two nights a week. We pay them to work, we pay for their school and we pay for their books.”
The Northeast Florida Builders Association will be accepting applications for apprenticeship training in the carpentry, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning and sheet metal trades in March. Call 725-4355 for more information.
(Michael Bonts is communications director for the Northeast Florida Builders Association.)