One of the first steps in increasing awareness about NEFBA’s Apprenticeship Program is a newsletter aimed at prospective and current apprentices, apprentice employers and the public. One feature of the newsletter will be “Board Notes,” authored by members of the apprentice committee.
Keith Ward, who entered the trades through an apprentice program, is NEFBA’s training vice president and vice president of Thomas May Construction Co.
Ward had this to say to newsletter readers: “The good news is there’s growth in the residential construction industry. The not-so-good news is there aren’t enough skilled construction workers to meet the demand.
“During the slowdown, skilled trades people retired or invested in a different career path as construction jobs disappeared. Today, according to statistics reported by the National Association of Home Builders, as many as 46 percent of builders are challenged to complete projects due to a lack of workers.
“As housing starts increase, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 1.8 million more construction jobs will be created. A recovering housing industry has an important impact on the general economy. It is estimated that 3.7 new jobs are created for every unit of housing completed. So, the impact is far reaching and extends beyond the housing industry itself.
“It’s clear, then, that we must address quickly and decisively the issue of workforce availability if the recovery is to continue. NEFBA’s apprenticeship training program has been filling this purpose for more than 40 years. Unfortunately, it, too, lost ground during the economic downturn, and we are now in a position of playing make-up.
“It’s a challenge but not impossible. We have a new director dedicated to recruiting qualified apprentice candidates and participating employers from among NEFBA members, to streamlining processes and to strengthen relationships within the community. We have statistics to support the need for more skilled construction workers. We have a strong motivation — restoring the economy, improving job opportunities and getting people back to work.
“As NEFBA’s training VP, I’m excited about the potential for success, and I invite you to join us in developing new relationships to bolster our program. We welcome your ideas and your participation as we work together to stoke the engine that drives recovery by providing a trained workforce to build tomorrow.”