Apprenticeship Today

Money Smart Financial Education

Bricklayer and PCC apprentices recently attended a financial education course. The course was offered by our friends at United Labor Bank and held in Pleasanton on October 4th.

United Labor Bank (ULB), a union owned and operated federal savings bank, actively participates in “giving back to the community,” and defines their “community” as labor unions and their affiliates. In conjunction with the FDIC, ULB developed a financial education course called “Money Smart” to provide exposure to responsible money management practices.

The three-hour class is offered at no cost to the apprenticeship schools for the trade unions. ULB believes that without exposure to disciplined spending and saving techniques; it’s easy (for people) to develop poor financial habits resulting in negative consequences such as a poor credit rating, credit denial, non-qualification for a home mortgage loan, rejection for a checking account, and possible bankruptcy. ULB feels that early financial literacy is the best way to prevent such consequences, and the class aims at helping apprentices understand the value of money management and the effect it can have on their lives.

The class is instructor-led, supplemented by a PowerPoint presentation, exercises and take-home materials (printed in both English and Spanish). Basic topics include: budgeting, managing a checking account, and moving progressively through getting, keeping and fixing one’s credit.

We received positive feedback from both the apprentices and the instructor. Another class has been scheduled for November 1st.

News From The Apprentice Office

We are beginning this school year with a total of 164 apprentices in our combined crafts. The majority are returning students from last year, plus several new apprentices. We have 9 marble masons, 16 marble finishers, 65 pointer, cleaner, caulkers and 74 bricklayers.

We would like to remind the apprentices to keep us informed of any changes of address, phone number, or employer. Apprentices are responsible for notifying the Coordinator (as well as BAC Local No. 3) of any change in mailing address and/or phone number. Failure to comply will not excuse the apprentice from any disciplinary action, including recommendation for cancellation of the apprentice agreement, resulting from schedules, notices, citations, etc. not received. The JATEC and the Union are separate organizations. Notice to one does not constitute notice to the other.

Apprentices and contractors will occasionally receive mail from the apprentice office. Your prompt attention is sometimes requested. Please read your mail and respond to it when asked to do so.

Some apprentices are occasionally asked to work on a school day. This is against the policies of the JATEC and is typically not allowed. Apprentices should not assume that any contractor or business agent will have any bearing on this policy. If a school class is scheduled, apprentices must attend. In cases of emergency, apprentices should contact the apprentice office.

Fifteen apprentices were recently certified by the apprenticeship committee. We wish them each the best of luck in their chosen craft. Certified journeymen will each receive a letter stating they will receive a union jacket, compliments of BAC Local No. 3. They should bring their “jacket letter” with them to the union office when they come in to pick up their jacket.

Recently Certified Journeypersons

PCC
Inicacio Buenrostra
Victor Cerda
David Lujan
Ismael Soto

Bricklayer
Miguel Cabrera
Gerardo Guzman
James Losey
Jack Pimentel
Jose Robles
Douglas Thompson
Calvin Chess

Marble Mason
Dominic Marshall

Marble Finisher
Shamus Johnson
Buddy Woodard
Edgar Ceballos

Congratulations to each of you for choosing a respected and rewarding craft.

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Manage Your Time

We hear a lot about financial planning and money management and less about the importance of time. There are similarities as well as differences between managing your time and managing your money. They are both important, however, you can run out of money and still have time, but when you run out of time your money won’t matter. I don’t believe we are put on earth with a predetermined time to go. We should nevertheless be appreciative of the time we have and make every effort to use it wisely.

Unlike money, which some will beg, borrow and steal, time is constant and always moving forward. When it’s gone, it’s gone, sometimes with opportunities lost as well. By first allotting time to your commitments, you can find time for the other things that are important to you, such as family and friends. The more you plan to do, the more you will get done.

We occasionally run into the self- centered who will often make excuses and ask for more time to get things done, with no consideration for others. Similar to the individual who is going deeper in debt, while simply trying to maintain their image. Don’t get caught up in this trap, you could reach the point of no return.

Money can usually be paid back, time can not. Give some thought to what you would like to do with your time, that should help you decide how to manage your money, which can enable you to do the things you want.

Zack Lambert