By Steve Auld
Over the past five to seven years, many skilled construction workers have lost their jobs, retired or gotten out of the industry altogether. As a result, the number of candidates for construction jobs has greatly declined. We’re experiencing a great recovery in our industry.
Skilled workers are in high demand in Northeast Florida, as well as throughout the entire country. The shortage in manpower will continue to be an issue if we don’t act now. NEFBA’s Apprenticeship Program is the solution to replenishing our work force.
At Auld & White Constructors’ founding in 1987, we realized we needed skilled workers to be a successful company. We considered hiring workers from NEFBA’s Apprenticeship Program, soon learning that this program was not so much a place to hire, but one through which our own employees could be trained.
The Apprenticeship Program offers training in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and heating and air-conditioning. At a minimum, a first-year apprentice earns 50 percent of the established journeyman’s wages with 5 percent increases every six months.
There are many bright individuals who don’t consider college the next step in their lives. However, they do want to better themselves and improve their future employment prospects to ensure a higher quality of life. NEFBA’s Apprenticeship Program can offer all of this.
The program wants those who are committed. Apprentices work 40-plus hours a week and attend evening classes twice a week for four years. We had some apprentices with a perfect attendance record.
That’s dedication and describes a person who truly wants to succeed. There is no doubt in my mind that the graduates of this program are our future leaders in this industry. I’ve seen it firsthand as many work with Auld & White now.
Upon graduation, an apprentice in the carpentry track becomes a journeyman carpenter. Many apprentices go on to become lead carpenters with the responsibility of running crews and from there, assistant superintendents and then project superintendents.
NEFBA’s Apprenticeship Program is serving the construction industry’s demand for skilled workers.
If you are considering a career in the construction industry, now is the time to consider this program.