MCAA Regional Report, Region G

Words: Glenn HottmannArizona - Tony Avila
Colorado - No State Chairman
New Mexico - No State Chairman
Utah - Alan Johnson
Wyoming - Jim Thompson

Workforce Development

Arizona

In 2015 AMCA working with the AZ Masonry Guild (AMG) focused the majority of its efforts on workforce development. AMCA & AMG partnered to develop & launch the Tender Training Program, a 6 day (48hour) training program targeted to people who are interested in entering the masonry industry but have no previous experience in our trade. The program is designed to provide participants with training in four basic skill areas needed to be a tender:
  • Jobsite Safety
  • Mixing mortar
  • Stocking masonry materials & accessories
  • Basic introduction to erecting & dismantling scaffold
Two sessions were held in 2015 (June & November). Each session produced 8 graduates and all were hired by mason contractor members. Based on the graduates from the June session, 50% of the graduates are still currently working in the industry. Although the graduating class for each session has been small, AMCA expects the class size and number of graduates to increase as awareness of the program continues to spread throughout the greater Phoenix Metro area.

AMCA continues to build stronger ties with key educational groups/stakeholders. In July, AMCA partnered once again with the AZ Department of Education, Industrial Trades to host masonry training for high school construction technology instructors. 16 instructors participated in the day long masonry training in Tucson. AMCA is currently working with this same group to develop a masonry continuous education training program for construction technology instructors that will launch in 2016. This program will consist of 2 to 3 separate half day “train the trainer” sessions throughout the year and focus on building instructors knowledge & skill level in masonry so they are better equipped to implement a masonry curriculum in their classrooms. Instructors will receive continuous education credits required by the state for the renewal of their teaching certificates.

As in previous years, AMCA continued to support various high school outreach programs. AMCA participated in the AZ Construction Career days in Tucson-a 2 day event targeted to high school students. The purpose of the Construction Career Day events is to increase high school students’ awareness of career opportunities available in the construction industry. In addition, AMCA members provided assistance with masonry training at various high schools across the state including Pinon HS, Tuba City HS, Queen Creek HS, Metro Tech, EVIT, and WES MEC.

Colorado

No State Chairman

New Mexico

No State Chairman

Utah

Here in Utah, we are blessed. Unemployment stands at 3.4% (2.9%) in Salt Lake Metro. Great for work opportunities, but tough to find qualified labor to grow with the opportunities presented. Most General Contractors are having trouble finding qualified subcontractors with healthy balance sheets and open schedules to take on the work opportunities coming their way. Most are predicting a healthy construction market through at least 2017.

Wyoming

No report as of this writing.

General & Economic Conditions

Arizona

Overall market condition did improve slightly in 2015 from 2014. But like 2014, the improvement was inconsistent. Contractor members experienced periods of heavy bidding combined with the start of many projects but then would experience a month or two of few bidding opportunities and little to no work. This cycle was repeated many times throughout the year.

Wages also saw a slight increase in 2015 but in the opinion of many members still remain too low to draw back those who have left the industry during the downturn. According to many members, the low wage rates are not attractive enough to entice new talent into the industry. For those contractors who have been awarded projects, they are scrambling to find the labor needed to staff the needs of their various projects.

Colorado

No State Chairman

New Mexico

No State Chairman

Utah

Most mason contractors are very busy and building back financial strength on their balance sheets. Labor shortages are showing up all over. At the same time, there is low participation from most mason contractors in participating with apprenticeship programs sponsored by the Utah Masonry Council and the MCAA. Kind of a sad statement.

Wyoming

No report as of this writing.

Market Expansion & Initiatives

Arizona


With the assistance of our lobbyist, AMCA focused its efforts in 2015 on the following issues:
  • Misclassification of employees as independent contractors
  • Provided feedback to key policy makers regarding the states TPT simplification plan
  • Exploration of development and implementation of local “Check Off Program” — discussions with key state legislators
  • Identifying key state and local policymakers/legislators and key personnel in the city fire departments. In 2016, AMCA & AMG will begin a grassroots effort to begin pro-actively telling our story of masonry as preferred building material to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community. This is in direct response to the Wood First Initiative and their efforts to pass building codes that will allow use of cross laminated timber and structural composite lumber in even higher structures currently allowed by the IBC.
  • Securing co-sponsors for national Check-Off bill.
  • Securing letter of support for Arizona Congressional Representatives on the inclusion of the Hoeven Amendment in the Labor, HHS, and Education Appropriations bill in the Senate Appropriations Committee that would require OSHA to answer some key questions before promulgating this rule.

Colorado

No State Chairman

New Mexico

No State Chairman

Utah

SLC, Utah is just getting heavy into Utah’s new airport construction project, which will keep contractors busy for the next four years. A complete brand new prison is being designed to be built just west of the new airport expansion. Construction is expected to start in mid-2018. This will probably be the largest masonry project to ever be built in Utah. Numerous other large projects are sprouting up all over the Wasatch front. Great times are here at the moment for the construction industry.

Wyoming

No report as of this writing.
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