Building Trades Service Curriculum Reviewed
In April, a building trades (BT) service curriculum committee of Bay Area SMACNA (BAS) contractors and labor was put together to review the content, timing and relevance of existing modules to meet current and future industry needs.
Committee members 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. Another key part of the apprentices’ development discussed was the critical role on-the-job training plays to prepare service technicians with the confidence and competence to diagnose and troubleshoot operating conditions, systems and automatic controls.
Management committee members Carna Phillips (Marina Mechanical Services), 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 BT service opportunities are a great way to increase market share for signatory contractors, and many stated it’s a more recession-proof alternative. For Local 104 employees, the data shows that solid service apprentices are rarely out of work. The goal is to continually improve the right soft skills and technical skills training at the right time.
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.