Masonry Magazine November 2006 Page. 47
MV-Tech Online Courses
Davenport is eager to get his employees started using MV-Tech. "Our goal is to make MV-Tech a mandatory part of the bargaining process. Continuing education has to become part of every tradesperson's professional life. We intend to have our people begin the courses immediately."
Jerry Painter, owner of Painter Masonry in Gainesville, Fla, also plans to have his crews take MV-Tech courses right away, noting that "Our industry has neglected formal training. This has been one of our issues for a long time."
Painter is also excited about the concept of individualized, Internet-based training. "We need to train individually, outside the classroom setting. I can teach one man through a computer program a lot easier than I can teach 10 of them in a classroom. Everyone doesn't learn at the same pace. I like this idea of computerized modules."
Confidence and Competence
Furthermore, according to Painter, increased education and knowledge will serve to increase bricklayers' self-esteem, which should then increase job quality.
"Anything that increases the level of knowledge, increases how [a worker] views himself, and it darn sure increases him in my [eyes]," he said. "First, I know he's willing to get more education, and second, hopefully he did learn something."
He also appreciates the inherent cost-effectiveness of MV-Tech, noting that while some companies shut down for a day or two to send all of their employees to training, from both a monetary and scheduling basis, he simply can't afford to do that. With MV-Tech's online courses available any time, students can take the classes without taking time away from work.
Also, when a worker is trained, he or she takes pride in not only being competent in doing the work, but also in being able to intelligently discuss methods and systems with owners, project managers and co-workers. A new attitude of confidence will permeate the job site; productivity will increase, creating a win-win environment.
MIM created and developed MV-Tech due to the need for this kind of education in the industry. According to Adelizzi, there have been few educational outlets available to mason contractors.
Each MV-Tech course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and includes one interactive learning activity and two brainteaser sections with three questions each. Also, the program is easily accessible; courses are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so users can learn at their own pace and convenience. Courses may be paused and progress restarted if the user is interrupted. The user will receive a certificate acknowledging he or she has completed the course, which will be valid for three years. There is a nominal cost to take each course.
Courses are open to everyone in the industry no affiliation with a trade or professional organization is necessary. General contractors, mason contractors, masons, architects, engineers and building officials will all benefit. MIM plans to produce six new courses every year, with expansion to include specific courses for owners, designers and others.
Davenport is hopeful about the impact MV-Tech will have on the industry. "We need to continue to have more training modules. This will enable masonry to increase market share."
With MV-Tech online, now is the time to take advantage of this incredible educational opportunity. Don't be left in the dust-create that new attitude! Then promote it along with problem-free walls in every bid package.
For more information, visit www.mvtechonline.com.
CONCRETE, MASONRY WALL SCRAPER
6' Handle Standard
MASONRY JOINT CLEANER
* 5/8" halfround slotted carbide/ 3/8" cutting slot
One side for vertical/one side for horizontal
* Remove excess mortar from block or brick
* Removes fins and burs from concrete wall form joints
* Less chance for injury while laborers work on scaffold
* Pays for itself in just one day
* Also available: 6' extension handle that extends wall scraper to 11'
* Swivel head adjusts for easy use in difficult areas.
WALL SCRAPER PAYS... CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME "DOES NOT PAY"
Constructed from lightweight durable aluminum, it features a swivel head for easy use in difficult areas and corners. It has a durable 6-foot powder coated handle. The scraper uses a standard 7" rubbing disc as an abrasive pad. The disc holder is engineered for quick and easy disc changes.