Fall is here Tom. Schools are back in session and I see so many smiling faces on the school buses.
Sandy: Fall is here Tom. Schools are back in session and I see so many smiling faces on the school buses.
Tom: We are getting into my favorite time of year. Speaking about school, I have noticed what I perceive as an increase in seminars and learning opportunities by the YCCA for our industry. Bravo Sandy!
Sandy: Well, I do not know about more, I never really counted them, I just know that YCCA just puts the opportunity out there and loves sharing processes and education with the industry.
Tom: Some of the topics are quite important and germane to what the industry is experiencing. From legislative updates and code changes to permitting across the Quad Cities, YCCA seems to have a good handle on things.
Sandy: Staying relevant is key to thriving, Tom. We have had a lot of updates to our permitting processes and our members appreciate the opportunity to stay abreast of these changes.
Tom: Those seminars impart a lot of good information and can help to relieve a bunch of frustrated contractors and building department employees.
Sandy: We have had a number of suppliers put on informative gatherings to introduce the industry to new products on the market and how some of these products might be better than what is out there now – and, of course, there are always new application methods.
Tom: I remember going to those seminars when the cement board that looks like wood siding was introduced. I also recall YCCA putting on the Boot Camp a few years ago before COVID-19 hit. That was successful at getting young people interested in the industry.
Sandy: That was a lot of work and included a large number of volunteers such as yourself. But we are not the only source for ongoing education and training. Many of our members also belong to other industry groups.
Tom: I am familiar with National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or NARI. This organization provides hundreds of courses online and webinars.
Sandy: I am familiar with NARI and would add the Association of General Contractors of America. As with NARI, they provide online courses and webinars.
Tom: Both are great resources for us. The courses tend to be a bit longer and certainly go into more depth on a subject than do the webinars.
Sandy: The courses are longer but cover a lot more ground. With the advent of online learning, one can tale courses offered from anywhere. There are a lot of schools that have a construction curriculum.
Tom: The ability to learn remotely is truly a blessing. So many aspects of the construction industry can be learned without hard classroom time. Examples of what can be taught would be codes, basic structural information, scheduling and basic or advanced business practices.
Sandy: Basic business practices are important and might be overlooked by too many in our industry. That type of course would be valuable. The other thing, though, is there are a lot of “How To” subjects that cannot be taught online.
Tom: True, I think Zoom has helped with that. It allows the student to ask questions in real time.
Sandy: I like that. YouTube is fine for some instructional videos, but I agree that Zoom can really help flatten the learning curve. Because construction is so hands on, it is difficult to demonstrate a process and learn from it without human interaction.
Tom: Our readers need to know that we are talking about everything from two-year degrees where a student can gain knowledge and skills necessary to enter the industry as a seasoned apprentice, to higher degrees in construction management, to the ongoing opportunities for current trades and contractors to hone their skill level.
Sandy: The possibilities and offerings are incredible. There are so many topics to choose from. I am always on the lookout for ways to help our members learn and improve their ability to serve the folks in our community. One of the coolest links for our industry is the International Code Council (ICC), which offers a variety of professional development and training options for every individual at any point in their career.
Tom: Yes, ICC Assessment Center provides nationally recognized credentials that demonstrate a confirmed commitment to protect public health, safety and welfare and participating in ICC education sure does raise the professionalism of a business and offer certifications.
Sandy: ICC also has a great Technical Training Program (CTTP) to welcome the next generation of leaders to the building safety profession. This program works in tandem with existing construction trades, construction technology and engineering programs to encourage colleges and trade schools to instruct students about codes and standards.
Tom: I will shout this from the tallest mountain. The building safety profession is an excellent option for young adults looking for a rewarding, high-paying career.
Sandy: Tom, I agree, the demand for skilled workers is up. Over the next 15 years, the building industry will experience a loss of 80% of the existing skilled workforce. This is an excellent career field for those looking for a challenging and enduring career.
Tom: It is never too late to learn. Thanks for stopping in to read At Home with Tom and Sandy. You are in good company and we love sharing educational, fun and important information with you. QCBN
Tom Reilly, LEED Accredited Professional, Architect.
Sandy Griffis, Executive Director, Yavapai County Contractors Association. (928) 778-0040
Remember to tune in to YCCA’s Hammer Time every Saturday and Sunday morning 7:00 am on KQNA 1130 am/99.9 fm/95/5fm or the web kqna.com. Listen to Sandy and her wingman Mike talk about the construction industry and meet your local community partners. Hammer Time is a great way to start your weekend.
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