Home
Archived Newsletters |
Apprentices Bricklayers Needed
In an effort to determine the need for new apprentices, the Apprenticeship Office tracks the average age of
Local 3 Bricklayers. Every odd numbered year, in January, since 1999 we have compiled a report that shows the
number of Journeyman Bricklayers in eleven age groups, beginning with twenty to twenty four year olds, and ending
with seventy to seventy four year olds. The report is broken down further by the seven former sub locals,
Fresno (1), San Francisco (7), Oakland (8), Sacramento (9), San Jose (10), Stockton (12), and Monterey (16).
San Francisco has the highest average age (49), followed by Oakland. The youngest sub local is Stockton (41),
then Monterey, with San Jose, Sacramento, and Fresno making up the middle of the pack at about 45.5 years of age. Our average apprentice age is now 29.6 years.
In addition to finding the average age, we can also project reasonable numbers for members likely to retire.
To make up for those members, no longer in the workforce, we should certify seventeen journeyman bricklayers
every year for the next ten years. Considering the length of the training program, and the attrition rate, we
should have one hundred apprentice bricklayers registered with our apprenticeship program. We are currently at
about half of that number, somewhat due to the state of the economy. Over the last ten years we certified 101
bricklayers, well short of our projected goal.
We are hopeful that this year will show some positive results with increased work hours for our members and a
new training center to allow us to be more effective with our training program. The need is real, the numbers
are real, and time marches on.
Journeyman Classes in '09
We will be scheduling more Journeyman classes this year. Interested Journeymen should contact the
Apprenticeship Office (510-553-0991) to get on the list for these classes. Call soon as space is limited.
OSHA 10/Scaffolding and Fall Protection Class will be offered February 21 and March 7, 2009.
Aerial Lift Safety Training Will be held on February 28, 2009.
We are looking forward to having these classes full. Space is limited, call as soon as possible.
Travel Reimbursements
Travel reimbursement checks were mailed on January 28. The JATEC has increased travel reimbursements for
apprentices who live distant from the training center. Distances are measured by crow, with the per class
rates listed below;
Mileage Chart
35/50 miles $15
50/75 miles $30
75/100 miles $40
100 + miles $50
In addition to the mileage chart, apprentices must receive full credit for the class dates to receive
reimbursement. Apprentices should make every effort to be at school on time and work diligently to complete
their assignments.
The travel reimbursement checks mailed on January 28 are for the first nine classes of the 2008-2009
school year. Reimbursements for the second half of the school year will be mailed on June 24.
If you have any questions pertaining to travel reimbursement contact the apprenticeship office.
Terrazzo Apprentices
BAC Local 3 JATEC is now responsible for training Terrazzo Finishers and Terrazzo Mechanics.
We intend to have a training program in place when the new training center is completed.
Terrazzo apprentices are presently attending school at the Pleasanton facility.
Local Contest
We plan to hold our local Apprentice Bricklaying Contest on April 18 in Fresno. The contest,
made up of apprentices from our Fresno and Pleasanton schools, will begin at 8:45 am. Project
drawings are being developed and will be sent to contestants on April 3. About twenty
apprentices will compete for a chance to advance to the Western States Contest, scheduled
for May 30 in Portland, OR.
We invite you to join us for this event. We will serve lunch to apprentices and guests
at the conclusion of the contest at 2:00 PM. The April 18 contest will be a good opportunity
for you to visit our Fresno school and show support for the apprentices.
We hope to see you there.
Probationary Period
An apprentice who is properly registered with the Apprenticeship Office is considered
an indentured apprentice. All apprentices must initially serve a probationary period.
The probationary period for all of our crafts, is nine months and one thousand hours
of on the job training. During this probationary period the apprentice agreement may
be cancelled by the program sponsor (BAC 3 JATEC) for just cause. To avoid cancellation
we encourage apprentices to attend all scheduled classes and comply with our Rules
Regulations and Policies. We like to keep the apprentices as well as employers aware
of this policy.
Applications
We take applications at the apprentice Office in Oakland each week day between the hours of 8:30 am
and 11:30 am. Applicants for apprenticeship should bring their High School Diploma or equivalent.
If you know of someone interested in joining one of our training programs, ask them to contact the
Apprenticeship Office, 510-553-0991.
If you see a new apprentice on your jobsite, ask if he or she has registered with the Apprenticeship Office. If
they have not, ask them to contact us.
Recently Certified Journeyman
Bricklayers
Alex Cobb
Steven Brower
Cenovio Garcia
Hector Barrera
Back to Basics
Considering the uncertain condition of the economy, if you have not already, now is a good time to examine
your personal finances. You may choose to consult a financial consultant for a professional opinion, or
maybe not.
Depending on your personal situation, a simple approach may well suffice. List your annual income and expenses,
simple arithmetic will tell the tale. What will happen if you’re out of work for a month, or two, or three?
It’s not likely that unemployment alone will support your lifestyle, it’s not meant to. You may need to use some
of your savings.
Cut out unnecessary miscellaneous spending, it can add up in a hurry. Find ways to put more money into
your savings account. Decide where and how much to cut your expenses, if you wait, you may reach a point where the choice
is no longer yours.
Since there is no way to know how long this downturn will last, and criticism serves no purpose, make the best
of it. Look at every aspect of your life and find ways to save. Plan simple nutritious meals, wear your clothes
a little longer, make recycling more than putting items into a recycle bin. There are countless uses for things
most people throw away.
Look for a simpler lifestyle, get back to basics, it can be a satisfying way to live.
Roses will bloom again, count on it.
Zack Lambert
News from the Apprentice Office
Antonio Gonzalez
Tobie Lee
PCC
Ernesto Buenrostro
Raul Soriano
Marble Finisher
Marble Mason
Bryan Pritchett
Darryl Vegas
Congratulations for choosing a respected and rewarding craft.
Back Page
Zack Lambert