Beware of the “bare minimum”
As I travel the United States visiting our chapters and members, the one most common thing I see among successful metal building contractors is the depth of their certifi ed training. They realize that this factor alone can be the difference between winning or losing a contract, sometimes even overshadowing the price factor. The corps of engineers, most state offi cials, OSHA and very large general contractors are starting to enforce the rule on basic training requirements, such as rough terrain forklift, aerial work platform, rigging one, signal person and basic fi rst aid. I have also noticed that over the last dozen years,
There are many different certifi cation subjects available and many different organizations available to provide them to metal construction employees. (Images courtesy of Paramount Metal Systems and Thomas Phoenix International Inc.)
the majority of contractor erectors have stepped up to the plate. However, a lot of the job supers, suppliers, salesmen and local inspectors don’t seem to realize that they can’t just go up and look at the roof without certifi ed lift-and-fall protection training. The bottom line is: successful erectors, contractors, salesmen and sup- pliers have embraced this training and certifi cation, and it shows. Others just do the bare minimum and if they don’t change, that’s what they will always have: “the bare minimum.” Gary T. Smith, president of Metal Buildings Contractor & Erectors Association and chairman of Metal Building Institute’s apprenticeship committee.
nized throughout the construction and maintenance industries. NCCER offers craft training curricula in more than 60 craft areas and has developed more than 70 craft assessments. NCCER’s curricula and assessments are commonly used in industrial and commercial construction, and craft professionals who complete training and/or assessments earn an industry-recognized credential that can be easily verifi ed using NCCER’s secure database called the Automated National Registry (ANR). As it relates to contractors or craft profession-
als involved in metal construction, NCCER has a three-level ironworking curriculum, which includes training on the erection and installation of pre-engi- neered systems. A 2007 study by the Construction Indus-
Certifi ed employees are safely and successfully installing this metal roof at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. (Photo courtesy of Paramount Metal Systems)
www.metalconstructionnews.com
try Institute (CII) titled “Construction Industry Craft Training in the United States and Canada” found that craft workers who achieve the NCCER “certifi ed plus” designation receive an average of $2/hour more than uncertifi ed workers in the same fi eld. A second study completed in 2011 by The Harvard Graduate School of Education titled “Pathways to Prosperity” concluded that 27 percent of people with post-secondary licenses or certifi cates—credentials short of an associate’s degree—earn more than the average bachelor’s degree recipient.”
November 2013 METAL CONSTRUCTION NEWS 31
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