If your chapter isn’t involved in an organized training program, Steve Denny says, “Shame on you. Find out what others are doing, and copy that. Then get creative.”

For ACCA chapters and others who want to be part of the solution, Chason and others recommend these steps:

• Get in touch with the state board of apprenticeship and training. Knowing state guidelines and regulations will save you time and energy.

•  If possible, get help from another chapter that has a program in place.

  Says Foard, “I know our chapter would be willing to assist. We have a lot of time and energy invested in the program.”

•  Consider as a resource the U.S. Dept. of Labor. Call 202-219-5000 and ask for Employment and Training. (This Department can be hard to reach.)

•  Affiliate with a local accredited college or high school with facilities for training. Staff there can be a big help in developing curriculum and putting the pieces together.

  Says Foard, “We were lucky to find Hartford Community College. They courted us. They have been very supportive. Our students have full campus privileges.”

•  Consider location; try for one that’s easily reached. Otherwise, people may be unwilling to travel.

•  Expect to lose money for four or five years.

•  Have a solid plan in place for recruiting.

•  Anticipate members’ concerns that this company will pay for training, only to have the new journeyman jump ship.

  Says Cook, “There’s little to no concern around here that a newly trained person will be stolen by a competitor. When there is a transfer, the new employer will typically pick up half the cost of training or something like that.

  “Our company has paid another company for the investment they had in an apprentice who came over to us. Why not develop a gentlemen’s agreement among contractors?”

•  Plan for simple-but-regular communication among trainee, instructor, and sponsor. It could prevent problems.

  For example, if the student has no opportunity to practice on the job what he’s learned in class, someone, perhaps the advisory committee needs to be notified. The solution could be transferring him to another sponsor.

  Maryland students keep track of hours and what kind of work they are doing. That report goes to the chapter.

•  Consider wages.

Says Chason, “We’re obligated that when he [or she] starts, the apprentice makes 55% of the average journeyperson’s wages. That percentage will escalate until, at the end of four years, he’ll be earning the journeyperson’s full wage.”

Steve Faulkner challenges, “If you don’t do this, who will?” Why not be part of the proactive team that makes good things happen for the industry?