“While our veterans were realizing the importance of staying in the know of their ever-changing indus- try, the apprentices were digesting the many aspects of an industry they have just begun a career in. “It’s great to see these guys the several days after the training ses- sion because there is a synergy that comes from these sessions: the guys learning something new, and the guys realizing the company cares about their professional growth and development as well,” Owen said. “It’s also intriguing when we tell the general contractor we are pulling guys off their jobsite for the day. As a specialty contractor, logic would tell you that the GC will have a fit but to our disbelief most are in sup- port when you tell them it’s a train- ing session. “More importantly, the NTCA regional event was an opportunity for our tile setters to experience the tile industry in a different way than they are used to,” Owen concluded. “Meeting Mark, Robb and David Gillespie of Crossville and other superstars in the industry who have a passion for tile was a little astonishing. Receiving the high level of training and event type atmosphere was in a way a version of Total Solutions Plus or Coverings. Our tile setters left this event motivated, refreshed and eager to enhance their skills in the trade, the same way that the national events do for me.” Due to the magnitude of hands- on work and training by Heinlein, class sizes are limited to the first 20 registrants. In many cases, we are also unable to accept attendees without a registration and don’t have room in the training area to allow peo- ple to just stay and watch. If you decide to register, no matter which training event you attend, you are going to learn something even if you think you are an expert already. The next regional training event is in Elk Grove, Ill., on July 13th. To learn more about regional events avail- able in your area, visit https://bit.ly/2Lccbq6. NTCA UNIVERSITY UPDATE ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 90 TileLetter | June 2018