 |
Kip E. Garrison, a 3rd Year
Apprentice for CM Squared, Inc.
in Harrisburg, shown installing
a Media Panel to integrate
the modern home's electronics. |
"Co-op programs are really a two-way street when it comes to the benefits," said Pat Marolo, co-op coordinator for the Sun Area Career and Technical Center. "Employers have a chance to make a difference in a student's life by providing hands-on training and experience, which greatly benefits the student. On the other hand, employers get a well-trained, driven employee who is eager to learn, and the employer can use the experience as a long 'interview' to see if the student would make a good future employee. In a labor shortage like the one we are experiencing, these benefits are invaluable for both sides."
Christian D. Malesic of CM Squared, Inc. and a member of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Metro Harrisburg, agrees, "I like to think of it as participating in a grassroots movement to help with the labor shortage, and all the statistics say that the shortage isn't about to change anytime soon unless we start doing something to get more properly trained people in this field."
Finding the Right Co-Op Program for You
Just as every business' needs vary, so do the co-op programs that are available, and finding the right program for your business can make the difference between a good or bad experience. Many builders find that starting small is a good way to ease into the co-op experience.
"We started out with job shadowing, mostly because our local technology center didn't have a co-op program for masonry at that time," said Bill Leonardo of Leonardo Masonry and a member of the Indiana-Armstrong Builders Association (BA). "That was good, though, because we were able to get a taste of it, and we eventually helped to start a co-op program at the center when the students started expressing interest in summer work."
Other programs involve students anywhere from the high school level to the college level with commitments running from one summer to four years. Whether you are interested in a long-term or a short-term commitment, experts suggest that you do some research into a program before signing on.
"Visit the school you are considering getting involved in and look at the curriculum to see if they match your needs," said Marolo. "We are very selective in our program, and you want to make sure your program is quality driven and accredited with the Department of Education."
 |
Although only a 1st Year Apprentice
for CM Squared, Inc., Christopher A.
Lightner, is already proficient at
basic electrical rough-wiring
techniques. |
If you are interested in influencing more than just one student at a time, many schools encourage builders, remodelers, and specialty contractors to join the advisory boards, where they have a chance to influence the entire curriculum of the program.
"We love it when our builders get on the advisory boards, because we want to hear if what we are teaching is really what is needed in the field," said Marolo. "If something is missing or needs to be added, they tell us and we can make the adjustment."
The Everlasting Interview
How much can you really tell about a person in a one-hour interview? Can you tell what their level of skill is? How about their work ethic? How do you know if this person will be a loyal, dependable employee? Co-op programs are a great, non-committal way of finding out all this information without the risk you take hiring a full-time, permanent employee who could turn out to be a nightmare.
"Under the guise of training them, co-ops are a great way to see what the learning capacity and abilities are of a student," said Warren Peter of Warren Peter Construction and a member of the Indiana-Armstrong BA. "It's like a long interview, and we have hired a lot of employees from the program."
Curtis Schneck of Curtis Schneck Inc. and member of the Lehigh Valley BA, agrees. "We've got some really good employees out of the co-op program. Sure, sometimes you get one that doesn't work out, but you don't have to hire them - or fire them."
Another advantage to the co-op programs is the builder's ability to train the student in the way that the builder's business is run. "I like to think of it as baptizing them from the ground up," says Leonardo. "We get a fresh employee who comes in with no prior way of doing things, and they learn it our way."
Maggie Kramer, co-op coordinator of the Lancaster Career Tech Center, says this is a big advantage for builders. "A high percentage of our students are hired by their co-op sponsor, mostly because that student has already been through the company's orientation process, and they know the business. They build a rapport with the builder, and the builder already knows the strengths and abilities of this new employee."
 |
After only a few months of
training, many apprentices, such as
Wade M. Burrell, become integral
members of the construction team. |
With Great Advantages Come Great Responsibilities
While there is little doubt that involvement in a co-op program has many benefits, there are some employer responsibilities that need to be considered before making a decision to get involved. Perhaps the most important one is compliance, when applicable, with the state's Child Labor Law.
"If you are going to get involved in a program, you had better get up to speed on the child labor laws, especially in Pennsylvania, because they tend to be a little more strict than in other states," said Leonardo.
Marolo says that although builders must abide by the laws, another good reason to participate in an accredited program is to gain some leeway on the law. "There are 17 exemptions to the Child Labor Law if the student comes from a program that is accredited through the Department of Education. For instance, any other minor cannot be on a roof or operate some machinery, but if they come from an accredited program, they can do those things," she said.
A certain amount of paperwork is also to be expected when taking on a co-op student, but most builders say that it is only a minor inconvenience. "Most of the paperwork needs to be done in the beginning, and after that, you just need to log their hours and fill out a checklist along the way," said Peter. "It's really minor, and the schools do a good job of giving you all the materials you need."
And while this may seem common sense, many say that builders need to be realistic about the amount of time and patience they need to have for the students. "You can't just throw them out on the job," said Kramer. "These are students who need someone to spend time with them before they are left on their own."
Malesic agrees, "Yes, you are getting someone with a certain amount of training, but this person is still inexperienced and needs to be trained. It is going to take some time away from your experienced crew members initially, but eventually, the student will become a great asset to you and your company."
Peter says that despite all the paperwork, time and patience, involvement in a co-op program is one of the best things a contractor can do. "I think there is a misconception about how much time and trouble is involved with bringing in a co-op student. There is a limited workforce out there, and as builders, we need to do something to help the situation. I don't think of it as a chore; I think of it as a responsibility."
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