By Keith Ward, Thomas May Construction
NEFBA Training Vice President
NEFBA is celebrating 70 years of service to the industry and the community. For 40 of those 70 years, apprentice training has been a major focus of the association. Carmel Morris of Allstate Electrical Contractors was the original NEFBA Apprentice Committee chairman and because of his deep commitment then and through the years, Carmel is known as the godfather of the NEFBA apprentice program.
It’s obvious that Carmel recognized early on the value of a program that provides skilled construction trades men and women to meet the needs of the industry.
If your electrical, plumbing, carpentry or HVAC company hires a NEFBA apprentice, you will reap benefits from the start. The first benefit is a well-trained employee. Apprentices receive instruction under experienced, seasoned professionals in evening classes.
During the day they contribute to your workforce while receiving on-the-job training. They are learning the way your company operates as well as their trade. Even with a specialized training department, it would be difficult to top the quality and depth of instruction provided by NEFBA’s four-year apprentice program.
Employers who are committed to employee advancement and improvement demonstrate their investment in individuals. Making this opportunity available allows you to retain your best employees as they move up. It’s an excellent way to build morale, which typically is accompanied by higher productivity and employee loyalty.
Hiring apprentices truly is a win-win situation. You help individuals achieve career goals, and your company reaps the benefit of having well-trained, productive and loyal employees. You’re also strengthening the community where you live and do business by helping develop citizens who contribute to the economy, the social structure and future of the community.
And, investing in the future is the underpinning of the entire program. As a business owner, consider becoming a sponsoring employer and join in our effort to replenish the skilled workforce, develop industry leaders and build a strong future for Northeast Florida, the state and the nation.
Call the NEFBA Apprenticeship Program at (904) 421-0297 to learn more. Applications to the program will be accepted every Monday evening in February at 7 p.m. in the NEFBA office at 103 Century 21 Drive, just off Atlantic Bouelvard in Jacksonville.