TRAINING & EDUCATION ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Agents” are asked if they are inter- ested in bringing them into the pro- gram, with the intent of creating a labor pool. Each student apprentice must be employed by a Training Agent. The program is adminis- tered by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Parker explained how appren- tice candidates are culled at Hawthorne Tile: “We may have a worker employed at entry level as a driver,” he said. “If they show aptitude, we give them opportunity to join the apprenticeship program. It’s a stepping stool on our team to get there.” The program is completely free to the student apprentice, funded by a monthly fee per student paid by the Training Agent co-op members. As previously noted, the pro- gram is based on the NTCA year one apprentice classes, and will utilize years 2 and 3 as they are completed. “By the end of year three , we should have all the bugs worked out.” Though Parker calls this ven- ture “uncharted waters,” he added that, “It makes sense up here – being part of a commu- nity. Dirk has done a great job as State Ambassador and Regional Director getting people excited about this, and Jason [McDaniel of Stoneman Construction LLC] and I are regional evaluators, so we can get people excited.” Hawthorne Tile’s office manager Lara Walker and project man- ager Ryan Willoughby have been “incredibly helpful” as well, Dirk Sullivan added. And Parker praised the industry for its support, saying, “Our indus- try is so willing to invest money in education.” Becky Serbin, NTCA Training and Education Coordinator, added, “It’s great to see tile contractors in a region coming together to devel- op a co-op training program to help grow the tile industry. I look forward to working with them through NTCA University. I hope that NTCA members are able to take this concept and repeat it in other areas of the country to help start training the next generation of tile setters.” e-Learning Program Industry and product information in short, easy segments Train from the comfort of your home or office anytime Fast and easy to access, listen, and complete A-8511-0718 ©2018 LATICRETE International, Inc. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners. Register today at laticrete.com/university Globally Proven Construction Solutions 68 TileLetter | July 2018