Building Trades Service Committee Established
In April, a Building Trades Service Curriculum Committee was established to assess the content, timing and relevance of existing modules to meet current and future industry needs.
The committee members, consisting of BAS contractors and labor representatives, initiated the process of understanding how the JATC program has established the current framework of topics, how time is allocated for each module and the importance of leveraging the right third-party certifications for a competitive edge. They also highlighted the vital role of on-the-job training to equip service technicians with the confidence and skills to troubleshoot, analyze and address operational conditions, systems and automatic controls effectively.
Management Committee members Carna Phillips (Marina Mechanical), Jeremy Day (Silicon Valley Mechanical), Kathy de Jong (BAS) and alternate Rob Connor (Fairview Heating and Air) were joined by Business Representatives Anthony Urbina and Keith Slyva, along with Assistant Business Manager Brian Masters. All agreed that BT Service opportunities are a great way to increase market share for signatory contractors, with many noting its resilience during economic downturns. For Local 104 employees, the data shows that solid service apprentices are rarely out of work. The objective is to continuously enhance soft skills and technical training when needed. Coupling the classroom with targeted on-the-job training builds diversified experiences and proficiencies approved by the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and, as importantly, provides contractors with best-in-class employees.