It’s an exciting time for the NEFBA Apprenticeship program, according to NEFBA Training Vice President Keith Ward.
“We’re making great strides in bringing the program up to national standards and in reaching our goals of providing the highest quality construction trades training in Northeast Florida,” Ward said. “Now, we are able to offer our apprentices an alternate way to attend class when they are working out of town.”
Since attendance is critical, students working out of town faced a major hurdle when their work assignment prevented them from being in class.
Now they can access the class with the use of a laptop or mobile phone through a two-way video chat. Apprentices can fully participate in the classroom discussion from their remote location.
Some pre-notifications are required. The employer must notify the NEFBA apprenticeship coordinator in writing 48 hours prior to the class, confirming the apprentice’s out-of-town schedule.
The first time the remote access tool is used, the apprentice must also notify the NEFBA coordinator at least 48 hours in advance of the class to receive instructions on downloading the software, checking device compatibility, conducting a trial run and generally getting set up. After that, the only notification required will be from the employer.
And, of course, the apprentice must have access to a laptop with a camera or an iPhone (or other mobile device) that is video-chat compatible.
“We are proud of this step forward that makes it possible for apprentices to meet their work commitments and their classroom attendance requirement when working an out-of-town job,” Ward said. “It’s another way the program is improving and contributing to the success of individual apprentices.”
For information about entering the NEFBA Apprentice Program in the carpentry, plumbing, electrical or HVAC trades or in becoming a sponsoring employer, contact Penelope Geismar, NEFBA’s training director, at (904) 421-0296, or email [email protected].