ABC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (ABC), and Contractors’ Safety Council (CSC) recently sponsored graduation for Merit Shop Training, Inc. Craft Training Programs.  For the first time, the chapter celebrated the completion of craft training not only with our local community college partner and our Accredited Training Units, but also with our in-house Construction Management Academy graduates.  While each program varies in length and requirements, the outcome is the same – increased knowledge and skill, both of which will lead to a safer, more productive industry. 

Approximately 125 people gathered in the Corporate Learning Center at Brazosport College on June 2, 2009, to recognize graduates.  The ABC/MSTI Craft Training Programs are competency-based training programs designed to prepare individuals for occupations in skilled crafts. Students move through the programs at an accelerated pace based on their capability rather than being tied to strict time requirements. This training is a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction, with a structured course outline and on the job training (OJT) under the guidance of a journeyman. Upon successful completion of all required courses or modules, along with sponsorship by an ABC member, students are issued an ABC/MSTI “Certificate of Completion.”

2009 Graduates

This year’s graduates represented four different crafts: Electrical, Instrumentation, Scaffold Building and Millwright. These graduates were either trained at Brazosport College or by a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Accredited Training Unit (ATU).  Miken Specialties, Ltd., like all of our ATU’s, has NCCER Certified Coordinators and Instructors and has been the ABC/MSTI primary craft training unit since 1973.  Additionally, we recognized craftsmen with many years of experience who have chosen to return to the books to seek further certification in Project Management and Project Supervision.  These gentlemen received training through our Construction Management Academy and were also instructed by NCCER certified instructors.

Jim Heath of. served as the Master of Ceremonies again this year and did an extraordinary job making sure every craft professional felt welcome despite Mr. Heath’s ‘roasting’ of each craft.  Mike Huston of delivered the commencement speech to the graduates and their guests.  Mike’s personal journey from contractor helper to his position today with Dow reinforced his message about life-long learning and bettering oneself.  Mike began his career in the ranks of electrical craftsmen and worked his way up to his position now as I & E Workforce Development Coordinator with Dow Chemical Texas Operations.  His words and career path served as an example to many young craftsmen beginning their educational journey.