There is a newly-expanded apprenticeship program to help stem the construction workforce shortage.
According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry needs an additional 650,000 workers in 2022. Several industry associations and other groups are initiating programs to help recruit and train construction workers. The International Standards and Training Alliance (INSTALL), which focuses on floorcovering installation training and certification, is one of those groups.
INSTALL recently announced an expansion of its apprenticeship program for floor covering installers by launching additional programs by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Southwest Carpenters Training Fund (SWCTF) in Las Vegas, as well as the Buena Park Training Center near Los Angeles.
“The western U.S. is rebounding from pandemic shutdowns, while still experiencing a significant trade labor shortage,” said John T. McGrath Jr., executive director of INSTALL. “With increasing market demands, we expect our classes, at both training centers, will continue to grow.”
According to INSTALL, the courses were developed using standards created by the Carpenters International Training Fund, manufacturers’ subject matter experts and INSTALL’s professionally trained instructors. The curriculum includes the commonalities inherent in all floorcovering installations and the proprietary requirements of each of the industry’s manufacturers. This helps apprentices and mechanics learn and keep up with the best installation methods for each individual flooring manufacturer.
INSTALL’s curriculum is reviewed regularly to ensure the organization offers the most current and comprehensive training in the industry. And students are encouraged to enroll in career-long training to further expand their knowledge.
Apprentices go through a four-year apprenticeship at training centers and on the jobsites across the U.S. and Canada. INSTALL’s training program requires a minimum of 160 hours of formal training per year and steady jobsite experience.
INSTALL’s west coast training offerings have advanced significantly since the start of the program. Today, the Buena Park Training Center, which opened in 2014, features courses servicing nine INSTALL contractors, while the new Las Vegas center services three INSTALL contractors, and these programs continue. INSTALL plans to expand the ever-growing apprenticeship program into Phoenix, Arizona and into the Pacific Northwest region.
