TRAINING & EDUCATION ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ground and passion derived from corporate training in the medical industry where she blasted into traditionally male-dominated roles in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The company began training their own apprentices 14 years ago when they realized it was impos- sible to hire someone with the par- ticular combination of enthusiasm, interest, motivation, math skills, reliability and trust, detail, artistry, creativity, familiarity with tools, craftsmanship and excellence that high-end customers had come to expect from Lee. “Gaining the respect of the cus- tomers, the other trades, the archi- tects, GCs, designers, etc. takes time and has to be earned,” Jane explained. “But the result lands you in a place where you can become an integral part of the team from the design phase and onward. Receiving a place at the table at the earliest stages, as a trusted partner, consultant and advisor is where you want to be. This requires depth of skill and knowledge but it also requires breadth.” Dragonfly has attracted its appren- tices from various sources: word of mouth, a Craigslist ad, a package of information Jane developed for high schools explaining what the tile trade is and what is means to be an apprentice at Dragonfly, referrals, and career days. Developing a program In recent years, Dragonfly has incorporated NTCA University and its slew of courses into its program. Apprentices are enrolled in the university and use NTCA materials, including TileLetter magazine for independent study. “Even small employers like us can have an apprenticeship program,” said Jane Callewaert. “Thanks to the many other organizations, like the NTCA and its online univer- sity, and the various state-sponsored apprenticeship programs, there are resources available to assist us. We have outlined a process that includes online learning, inde- pendent study, industry-sponsored workshops, and on-the-job learning that includes instruction and prac- tice in the various proficiency areas. Progress is measured by observed behavior on the job and participa- tion in the other programs.” Jane reveals that the apprentice- ships aren’t “Tile 101. On the job, our apprentices get a lot of ‘trial by fire,’” she said. “We believe in the ‘tell them, show then, let them, and show them again’ methodol- Dragonfly Tile and Stone Works evolved from the reputation Lee Callewaert had built for high-end, technical and distinctive work in the area. Fifteen years ago, Lee and his wife Jane decided to start their own busi- ness. 56 TileLetter | October 2018