INDIANAPOLIS and FORT WAYNE,
Ind., Jan. 18, 2018
/PRNewswire/ -- Jack Laurie Group (JLG), Indiana's largest commercial flooring and
interiors contractor, has partnered with Associated Builders and
Contractors, Inc. (ABC) to offer the nation's only merit shop floor
covering apprenticeship program. The program was created to boost
the talent base of skilled floor covering installers and address
the construction industry's staggering workforce shortage, which
began during the Great Recession.
With guidance from the Flooring Contractors Association (FCICA),
Jack Laurie Group developed a four-year curriculum in floor
covering installation that culminates with a graduate's
certification as a trade journeyman. Participants are paid for
on-the-job training, and a minimum rate of pay is guaranteed
throughout the program. Participants also have opportunity to earn
an associate's degree from Vincennes
University completely free of charge, thanks to a grant from
the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The program has been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor
(DOL) as an official or "bona fide" apprenticeship. This is the
first time the nation's labor department has approved an
apprenticeship program in Indiana
created by a private employer. Until now, all DOL-certified
programs were offered by trade unions. Indiana is a Right-to-Work state, so nearly 80
percent of the construction work is completed by merit shop
employees.
"This is a huge opportunity for the entire construction industry
and the men and women who strive to make it their profession, and
we are optimistic about the impact the program will have on the
local economy," said Tom Postell,
JLG vice president of operations and chief architect of the
program. "I feel responsible for finding, developing and supporting
the next generation of construction tradespeople here at Jack
Laurie Group and in our communities. Ultimately, the success of our
company depends upon it."
Following the 2008 financial crisis and housing debacle,
construction-related occupations declined by nearly 1 million or 16
percent overall, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many of those who left never returned, even when the industry
rebounded, instead pursuing jobs that were considered less
cyclical. This led to a critical shortage in skilled workers,
particularly in the 25- to 45-year-old age group, and higher wages
in the industry.
Hardwood flooring installers make an average of $52,477 per year, according to Salary Expert. The
average journeyman at Jack Laurie Group also makes north of
$50,000 annually, and the minimum
starting rate is $18 an hour.
The apprenticeship program is the latest addition to JLG's Jack
Laurie University, an in-house employee development program that
offers ongoing training and certifications in a variety of services
and professions.
The apprenticeship includes classroom, lab and field training by
JLG's own National Center for Construction Education & Research
(NCCER)-certified instructors. More specifically, requirements
include 8,000 on-the-job hours and 576 classroom and lab hours. The
program is completely tuition free, but participants must have a
high school diploma or GED. Participation in the Vincennes University associate's degree program is
optional.
The Indiana/Kentucky chapter of Associated Builders and
Contractors will host a graduation ceremony at Lucas Oil Stadium,
including dinner for two and a tour of the stadium, for
participants who complete the program.
Interested candidates are asked to visit
http://jacklauriegroup.com/careers/. Click on the 'register' tab
and fill out the short contact form.
About Jack Laurie Group
Jack Laurie Group (JLG) is Indiana's largest provider of interior
contracting services, including commercial and residential
flooring, athletic floors, framing, drywall, paint, ceilings and
facilities cleaning services.
Locally owned and operated, JLG has offices and showrooms in
Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. The company was founded by
Jack Laurie in 1950 with nothing
more than a tiny rented garage, an old Chesterfield cigarette truck
and plenty of gritty determination. We have grown to nearly 300
employees, and our customers include many of the state's largest
employers.
The JLG motto is "Making Spaces Better Places to Work and Live."
But beyond that, we're obsessed with providing customer service
like you've never seen. We're so determined to impress you and blow
away the competition that we offer the World Famous Puppy
Guarantee. If a customer feels like we've dropped the ball in any
way, we will credit their account for the service AND make a
matching donation to Make-A-Wish in their name. If they're still
not happy, we'll give them a puppy
becauseā¦ well... it's a puppy.
About Associated Builders and Contractors
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national trade
association that advances and defends the principles of merit-based
shops in the construction industry, representing merit shop
contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and related firms
in the United States.
The Indiana/Kentucky Chapter
ranks in the top five in the nation for membership size, and in the
top three for education and training. The local chapter has
received numerous awards for grassroots initiatives, internal
operations, member retention and more.
Contact:
Ashley Smith
603-988-6758 (c)
ashley.smith@jacklauriegroup.com
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SOURCE Jack Laurie Group