WTF is up? ⬇️ I read a recent briefing by the American Institute for Research (AIR) which stated that the completion rate for apprenticeships in the US averages around 35%. It cites several factors in depth but the following points stuck out to me: - Challenges related to apprentices’ experience in the workplace environment. - Factors concerning the classroom instruction component of the apprenticeship program. - Challenges related to the financial security of apprentices and program costs. - Personal and life challenges faced by apprentices during their program and access to support services. What is your experience and thoughts on improving this to help get more people into the industry? 👇 #construction #constructionindustry #constructionsite #constructionworker #apprentice #constructionmanagement #contractor #subcontractor
Joe Prim
6mo
During the late 90s when I did my apprenticeship with the UBC which is second to none. Only about 25% made it through the 4 year program. I believe that there must be an industry wide understanding of the difficulty of the job and level of skill it takes to become good. The first four years are by far the most difficult. There are too many companies that lean on apprentices because of their lower pay rate and this is unfair. In many locations a "career" in construction isn't feasible with the low pay rates, lack of benefits, after a couple of years they realize they can't support a family on the pay and leave. The focus needs to be on attracting the best, and brightest, with good pay and benefits, and investing the time and resources needed to develop them into the best they can be. We don't need everyone, and low wages attract, the wrong crowd seeking a stop gap. I'm committed to helping as many apprentices as I can navigate the unwritten rules, and understand their options and opportunities.
Joseph Richards
6mo
Being a good craftsman is a totally different skillset from being a good teacher, so that was the most difficult part for me to deal with. That can lead to some frustration that's hard to overcome in the beginning, which was true in my case.
🍁Robert Tipping🍁
6mo
There could be many reasons for this. I had a hard time as an apprentice but excelled in self-tutoring. We are not all built the same, and it's a hard lesson to realize that no silver bullet surpasses time and graft .
Forrest Dohrmann
6mo
Because we don't do a good enough job showing them what to expect and praising hard work and dedication it takes to get to top of their trade. The common thought most have is "I can't do this for my whole life" You won't, but all the young folks will see is the old grouchy guys in the industry that had no passion that stayed in the same position for 30 years. Now those guys teach the young apprentice. This is just a piece of it in my opinion
If a man doesn’t work he shouldn’t eat
If you want the Skinni™️ we should sit down for a pod-chat. BYOB (beverage)
Robert Zimmerman
6mo
This is great question, how do you help someone finish? The truth is you can't. There is a level of "want to" that must be attained by the individual. Lowering standards and creating gimmicks won't produce what is needed either. Apprenticeships are hard work. Hard work doesn't attract a lot of people and that's just a historical fact. The pay sucks too. It is extremely difficult to raise a family, which eliminates many candidates and there is some investment in proper tools and weather gear that many just don't have the initial resources to cover. Real world problems, high cost of living and other locality factors play a huge part in an individuals decisions. Life = Challenges
Brien Convery
6mo
Angelo Suntres, P.Eng, let's connect and see how I might be able to help! emrge talent
Skilled Trades Advocate | Talent Acquisition Manager
6moSome factors I think bring this number down. Didn't know what to expect (hard work and weather), unclear career progression, lack of follow through on training, lacking access to tools, and lack of mental health support to name a few.