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It has often been said that
the future of our industry lies in apprenticeship. Realistically, the future of
our industry lies within the industry itself. We all must work together to
instill in the apprentice the self-discipline, expertise, attention to detail
and appreciation of the craft, which is essential to becoming an accomplished
craftsman. As a journeyman we should remind ourselves that the apprentice is
relatively new to all aspects of our industry. It will take time for them to
come to realize the appreciation for the craft most journeymen share.
It is the responsibility of the apprentice to ask for advice and be receptive
to it. There is more to being a craftsman than production alone. In addition to
quality, apprentices need to learn and follow a good work ethic, be reliable and
be responsible. As our workforce ages we are coming dangerously close to a
crises situation. Construction demand is expected to increase in the years ahead
and we need to find some creative ways to recruit and retain our apprentices.
This has been a common scenario nationwide for some time now. As a result we are
finding some new recruiting resources that we didn’t previously have. We are now
working with an organization whose goal is to transition veterans from the
military into the union trades. Their program is funded by the Department of
Defense. We are also supporting a charter school whose goal is to place
graduating high school students into union apprenticeship programs. They both
show promise and we are hopeful we will get some good young apprentices from
these programs. As an industry we need true craftsmen to carry on the proud
traditions of the past. This can be done if we all continue our commitment to
apprenticeship.
Our numbers have dropped slightly over the past few months. We currently have
75 PCC students, 57 Bricklayers, 29 Marble Finishers and 15 Marble Masons, for a
total of 176 apprentices registered and attending school. Class attendance is
mandatory and we follow a strict attendance policy meant to instill self
discipline and promote responsibility. We thank the contractors for their
support.
The Local 3 Bricklaying and PCC Contest will take place on Saturday, 29
March, 2003 at our training center located at 2350 Santa Rita Rd. in Pleasanton.
The hands-on portion of the contest will run from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. Our
contractors and journeymen are invited to attend and join us for lunch following
the contest. The top contestants will be announced as soon as the judges
finalize their score-sheets. We will be sending our top bricklayer apprentices
to the Western States Contest which is scheduled for 10 May at the Tropicana
Hotel in Las Vegas. Look for more on the Western States Contest in The April
issue of Apprenticeship Today.
Our Joint Apprenticeship Training and Education Committee meets monthly to
address the concerns facing our program. The committee is made up of trustees
from management and labor and consultants from the Division of Apprenticeship
Standards and the Hayward Unified School District. Trustees from management are;
Wayne Mika; President, Ron Bennett, Bob Filippi, and James Guinn, from labor;
Dave Jackson; Secretary Treasurer, Greg Miranda, Bob Keeles and Al Knauer. We
also have apprentice stewards to speak up on behalf of the apprentices. For
bricklayers we have Mike Hennessy, and the marble crafts are represented by Ron
Weiss.
Michael Height is the Apprenticeship Coordinator and the secretary is Lauren.
The apprentice office welcomes your comments suggestions and complaints.
Recently Certified Journeypersons
Bricklayers PCC Marble Finisher Congratulations to each of you for choosing a respected and rewarding craft.
I want to apologize for not being at the special called meeting for the
California State Conference that was held on January 18, 2003. I was asked by
Roslyn Dorado to attend a Memorial service and speak on behalf of Leo Dorado who
passed away earlier this month. I was told there was a discussion about sending
delegates to represent BAC Local 3. It was decided that I should be the only
delegate at the California State Conference. The date of the conference is March
8, 2003. From what I am told there is very little on the agenda. I will give a
full report at the April chapter meetings and will write about it in my
newsletters.
The JATC apprenticeship training program is going well. Michael, Brent and I
are still trying to pass on our 70+ years of experience to the apprentices. The
date has been set for the local contest that will be held at the Pleasanton
facility. Michael has this date posted. It would be nice to see some of our
Journeymen bricklayers in attendance to show support for the apprentices,
especially those you work with. Family members are always welcome and I’m sure
Michael could use a few good judges. It’s always nice to get an RSVP so we can
make sure there is enough food on hand for everyone who wishes to attend.
Another subject I have been doing a lot of writing about is the negotiations
that will start the early part of this year. Work seems to be holding up, but
remember to save at least three (3) months of income so that when there is a
slow period you won’t be wondering where the money will come from to pay the
bills. I hope that members will start coming to chapter meetings to voice their
concerns and share their suggestions.
There are many things about a career in masonry to like. In addition to the
diversity of the craft, our work can be satisfying, challenging and rewarding.
We often work with different people in different places on different jobs. As a
union craftsman we receive good wages, a good health and welfare plan and are
able to build a good pension for our retirement years. In spite of these
positives work alone does not make for a fulfilling life. For this we need to
balance work, play, education and our family life as well.
Most of us have come home from work exhausted, hungry and just want to be
left alone. While on another day we may stop to watch a little league game,
arriving home a couple of hours later and in a better state of mind. Changing
our thought pattern, even briefly can have a tremendous effect on our
well-being.
We have a great variety of outdoor activities, sporting events, museums and
tourist attractions to choose from. Planning activities and events with your
family and friends can be very exciting and will give you something to look
forward to down the road. An exercise program, a hobby or a good book can also
be refreshing. Commit to continuing your education whether by enrolling in
classes, taking correspondence or Internet courses or studying a book or other
literature on a topic that you find interesting. Participate in positive
activities with positive people. This will leave you with more energy and
passion to put into your demanding career. Plan your life, maintain your
balance.
Zack Lambert
News From The Apprentice Office
Joel Enriquez
Jesus Gonzalez
Steve
Hanley
Justin Thayne
Jerry Turley
Francisco Quintero Avina
Roberto Mejia Garcia
Walter
Garcia
Jesus Lara
Jose Mejia
Ramon Mejia
Gabriel Stabile
Dean
Westergren
Brian Taylor
From the President’s Desk
Greg Miranda
Back Page
Zack Lambert
Maintain Your Balance