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w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 14 • I NSIGH T | 35 work in the field, she adds. "It seems as though most young adults are going on for continued education, leaving less to start their career in the trades immediately aer high school," Bloedorn says. "Keller has begun to increase focus in the neighboring high schools. We want students to not only gain knowledge about a career path that could provide greatly for their family but also one that could be started immediately upon graduation." Guin says Faith strives to be proactive by reaching out to guidance counselors at high schools with information about career opportunities in the construction industry and Faith's own in-house training program that takes an entry- level employee to a journeyman. "ere's just not many people coming out of high school looking to the trades as a possible career, so we talk about our program where they get paid throughout their education process and come away with no student debt," she says. "It's a wonderful opportunity for those who are interested in the trades as a career option. e sky is the limit." e availability of qualified workers concerns Kevin Hildebrandt, director of risk control for Miron Construction Co. in the Town of Menasha. "Workers who are not up-to-date on the latest safety practices are more likely to become injured, which of course even further depletes the number of men and women available to work," he says. "To combat the shortage and safety learning gap, Miron has emphasized teaching onsite safety to those who are new or returning to the field. e benefit of safety training for new and returning workers, aside from the growth of qualified tradespeople, is that these lessons are reiterated for the entire crew." With skilled, qualified workers at a premium, Guin says Faith is doing what it can to keep the workers it already has. "Within the past year, all workers have received a 10 percent raise. We know it's competitive out there for workers," she says. "There has been a tremendous increase in large commercial projects across the country, so the demand for skilled workers has skyrocketed. Companies have been fortunate to keep all of their trades on the jobsite and union halls can barely keep up with the demand." – S teve S c h m i t z , v i ce p re s i d e nt o f f i e l d o p e rat i o n s fo r C D S m i t h i n Fo n d d u La c A project like this could cost less when you build with our Merit Shop contractors Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin, Inc. 5330 Wall Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53718 Phone: 608-244-5883 Fax: 608-244-2401 Email: info@abcwi.org Website: www.abcwi.org Wisconsin Chapter "Merit Shop is a way of doing business in which companies reward employees based on performance and encourage them to reach their highest level of achievement, and in which contracts are awarded based on safety, quality and value, regardless of labor affiliation." The advantage that merit shop contractors bring to your next project is versatility. Our members find the best subcontractor, at the best price for the job, without being restricted by trade agreements. ABC of Wisconsin members are innovative, efficient and are always looking out for your interests first. Give us a call and we will put you in touch with our members. You will find that it pays! Securities offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. PO Box 64284, St. Paul MN 55164-0284, (800) 800-2638. Alberts & Heling CPAs and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities. Alberts & Heling CPAs, LLC www.alberts-heling-cpas.com Green Bay: 920 405 8549 Fox Valley: 920 886 2241 We'll help guide you through the maze of recent changes in tax laws, IRS procedures, investment strategies, compliance, and health care laws. Don't get lost in the chaos. Call Alberts & Heling today. New tax laws ahead.