apprenticesI will be the first to say that I do not have all the answers on how to build up this next generation of apprentices, but I do know this.There is no question, that with all the baby boomers leaving the construction industry in the next several years that there has never before been a time when the service of the apprenticeship has been in greater need, or greater pressure to perform. Let’s face it. The future of the construction industry depends on how well we can train the next generation to begin to fill the gap of the exiting baby boomer.

 

I have had the privilege of working with a variety of apprentices over the past couple of years while implementing the professional development curriculum that I developed focused on building a better apprentice.  Along the way I have learned a few things:

  • I am surprised and excited about the response we are seeing from the apprentice in such a short period of time.
  • This cause (professional development of the apprentice) is not a lost cause.
  • Changing the mindset and behaviors of the apprentice is not a quick fix.

My intention is to share with you what I am learning through this process. I will share with you the good, and the bad; the things that are working, and those that are not working. I hope you will participate and give me your thoughts and ideas as well.