Reaching out to students

Fri, May 16 2008

— With a shortage of qualified and skilled craftsmen, Dilling Mechanical Contractors decided to reach out to high schools.
The Logansport-based company invited area school officials, as well as a state labor department official to an informational open house held recently. During the meeting, members of the business introduced “Dilling Mechanical Contractors Pipe Fitting and Welding Skills Enhancement Program for Apprentices.”
“We have a shortage of craftsmen, especially in our trade — pipe laying, welding and plumbing,” said Dilling’s vice president Eric Ott. “Our trade ranks 247 out of 250 of careers students want to get into out of high school.”
Representatives from Logansport High School, Heartland Career Center in Wabash and Whitewater Career Center from Connersville all attended.
John Delgado, Indiana State Director with U.S. Department of Labor, was also present to discuss how high schools can set up programs that allow students to receive credit toward an apprenticeship out of high school.
Dick Dilling, president of Dilling Mechanical Contractors, also emphasized the lack of skilled craftsmen in the industry.
“Last year there were 600 people working in the field,” he said. “We were looking for 200 more. We’ve looked all over.”
In the past three years he said his business has shifted people around to cover all the areas needed to make up for the shortage, but grew tired of the tactic.
By reaching out to high school students and making them aware of options available, Dilling said he feels the company is moving forward in two ways.
“For the future of the industry and community, we will do whatever we can to help the high schools,” he said. “We thought, let’s adopt and modify the apprenticeship program into the high schools.”
Students that finish the program also receive a certification card.
If schools decided to participate with the same material Dilling Mechanical uses in its regular apprenticeship program, students will get a head start.
Dilling said if the high schools teach the students the basic materials, the student could enter as a second-year apprentice after high school graduation. The business has even looked into job shadowing for the student during their junior and senior years.
The current apprenticeship program is in its pilot year. It is a three month program that allows members to not only receive a book-based education but also a chance to work hands-on in the training center.
The program is supplemental to the four years of training required for the field, explained Ott. He said it has allowed the students in the program to excel at a faster pace.
Current members of the pilot apprenticeship program also had a chance to talk during the open house and explain how it has benefited them.
“When I started in this business, I knew very little,” said Brandon Beckman. “After a year and a half, they offered me a chance to come to this class. It gave me the chance for individual attention. I’ve learned more in the past three months than in the past year and half in the field.”
Ott said he feels it is important to inform schools and students of the opportunities in the skilled trades field.
“I think people aren’t aware of the opportunities available in this trade,” he said.
Denise Forsberg can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or via e-mail at denise.forsberg@pharostribune.com

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What more info?
To learn more about the apprentice program, contact Eric Ott at (574) 753-3182

Photos

Several school officials watch as Rodney Pearcy cuts a carbon steel pipe. Pearcy is a part of a three-month pilot apprenticeship program offered at Dilling Mechanical Contractors.

Dick Dilling, president of Dilling Mechanical Contractors, talks with a group of school officials about training high school students.