ABC Instructor of the Year Blog – By: Nicole Bazdar

You probably already know that many construction workers are well-educated via apprenticeship programs that provide specialized training and experience. However, that education is only as good as the instructors! James CRAFT & Son is fortunate to have 2 very talented instructors on our team.

Jerry Brown, one of our Sheet Metal Mechanics, was recently honored by the Keystone Chapter of ABC as the 2013-2014 Instructor of the Year. He’s now in competition with Drew Doxzon, who has received the award twice. It’s one thing to be a great Sheet Metal Mechanic or Electrician, but it’s even better to be able to share those skills and knowledge with others.

 

 

Jerry started at CRAFT at the age of 15 as a helper/laborer in the shops and warehouse. He graduated from the ABC Apprenticeship Program in 2010, and even won a Bronze medal in sheet metal at the 2010 National Craft Competition. Jerry joined ABC Keystone as an instructor in 2011. He is highly regarded by ABC staff and students, and we’re proud to have him.

Congratulations, Jerry!

Free Enterprise Day 2014 Blog – By: Steven Kearns

On Tuesday, April 29, representatives from construction firms across the state of Pennsylvania (including members of the James CRAFT & Son, Inc. team) gathered in Harrisburg for the second annual Associated Builders and Contractors, Free Enterprise Day. The group had the pleasure to be educated on critical issues on the state level, which negatively affect their firms, by a panel of political experts. After which, they received a visit from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, who took the time to discuss the progress made in the state by his administration, and even gave a few minutes for Q&A.

Following the Governor’s talk, individuals in attendance broke into groups to visit the state capitol and discuss pressing issues such as Paycheck Protection, House Bill 1154, and updating PA Apprenticeship and Training Laws. Thanks to the efforts of the attendees, the group was able to make stops at the offices of all state Representatives and Senators. Days like this remind us that while it’s easy to focus on what affects us at a National level, it is also imperative that we communicate with our State and Local governments, since they often have the largest impact on our daily lives.