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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
6
S.A.M.E.
8
SMALL BUSINESS NOTES
10
FEATURE STORY
16
FEATURE STORY
Like Us On Facebook
10
Feature Story
22
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
32
REPORTS/INFORMATION
16 Feature Story
Tumon, Guam, Guam Contractors Association (GCA) Office—In a press conference here, through Attorney Jennifer Davis, GCA formally announces the class action suit filed in U.S. District Court against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS), and other named defendants, relative to the unprecedented rate of H2B Visa denials. Named plaintiffs are: Guam Contractors Association; Ace Builders, LLC; BME & Son's, Inc.; Guam Tropical Dive Station, Inc.; Guam XRay dba Guam Radiology Consultants; Johndel International, Inc. dba JMI-Edison; Inland Builders Corporation; Landscape Management Systems, Inc.; Marianas Linen Supply, Inc.; Phil-Gets (Guam) International Trading Corporation dba J&B Modern Tech; Zenaida M. Zantua dba New Fresh Bread Bakeshop; and, 5M Construction Corporation.
2 | OCTOBER2016
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Building solid foundations through innovative solutions. At Hawaiian Rock Products, we are always ready to meet your construction needs. In Guam, we have a fleet of over 200 construction vehicles and a workforce of over 200 employees. We operate state-of-the-art facilities, strategically located throughout the island, with the capacity to fulfill any project size requirements. As seen in the Emerald Oceanview Park project, Hawaiian Rock Products’ commitment to safety and efficiency ensures that every job attests to its strength in service and personnel. We poured 5,000+ cubic yards of concrete in 10 hours – a record breaking achievement on Guam – made possible with our: • 4 strategically located concrete batch plants • 6 concrete pumps • 45+ concrete mixer trucks
• Laboratory Testing Technicians • Standby Mechanics • Safety Officers and Supervisors
Our vast fleet of equipment continues to expand along with the growing needs of the industry. We are here to provide you with the quality products and services you need, when you need them.
2008 Business Laureate
Building The Marianas Since 1958 1402 Route 15, Mangilao, Guam 96913 Tel: (671) 734-2971/8 • Fax: (671) 734-0990 www.hawaiianrock.com AMERICAN CONCRETE PUMPING ASSOCIATION The Source for Concrete Pumping Professionals
16-HRP-008 Emerald Ocean View Concrete GCA Ad
EDITORIALS
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THEDIRECTORS
THEEDITORIALS
THETEAM
PRESIDENT James A. Martinez Guam Constractors’ Association
Guam Contractors’ Association (GCA) in conjunction with Adztech and Public Relations, Inc. publishes the Construction News Bulletin (CNB) monthly. Reproduction of materials appearing in this publication is strictly forbidden without written permission by GCA.
PUBLISHER: James Martinez
PAST CHAIRMAN John Sage WATTS Constructors CHAIRMAN William Beery Tutujan Hill Group VICE CHAIRMAN Conchita Bathan Core Tech International SECRETARY/TREASURER John Robertson AmOrient Contracting CONTRACTORS DIRECTORS: Joe Roberto East Island Tinting Mark Mamczarz Black Construction Corp Peter Errett Hawaiian Rock Products Jessica Barrett Barrett Plumbing Rick Brown Pernix Guam LLC ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS: Jeffrey Larson TakeCare Asia Pacific Paul Blas Matson Navigation Patty Lizama Pacific Isla Life Mark Cruz Mid Pac Far East
GCA
While we always strive for accuracy, we will from time to time overlook mistakes. In order to help us improve the quality and accuracy of this publication, we ask that you take the time to look at the information provided and notify GCA or Adztech of any corrections as needed. Opinions and editorial content of this publication may not necessarily be those of the publisher, production team, staff, GCA members, GCA Board of Directors and advertisers. For more information about advertising in the GCA Construction News Bulletin contact the advertising department at (671) 477-1239/2239 or email at adztech@teleguam.net. Distributed to GCA members or can be obtained by stopping by the Guam Contractors’ Association office located at 718 N. Marine Corps Drive, Suite 203, East West Business Center, Upper Tumon, Guam. To find out more about how you can become a GCA member contact Guam Contractors’ Association at Tel: (671)647-4840/41 Fax: (671) 647-4866 or Email: gca@teleguam.net. www.guamcontractors.org
PRODUCTION TEAM LEAD: Geri Leon Guerrero AD SALES: Jaceth Duenas PRODUCTION: Geri Leon Guerrero Christopher “Taco” Rowland Jaceth Duenas Jason Davis PHOTOGRAPHERS: Christopher “Taco” Rowland EDITOR: Adztech CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: John Robertson R.D. Gibson John Aguon Irene Hicks Casey Jeszenka GCA STAFF: Desiree Lizama Elaine Gogue COVER: GCA Trades Bus Stop Crew
Postmaster. Send address changes to Guam Contractors’ Association, located at 718 N. Marine Drive Corps Suite 203, East West Business Center, Upper Tumon, Guam.
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Guam Contractors Association
4 | OCTOBER2016
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S.A.M.E. UPDATE
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GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING September 2016 MILITARY OFFICER BRIEF The military brief was presented by Jacki French, 2nd LT USAF, 36 CES/CEC, who shared her experience in the Asso (ASC) Student
The ASC is the professional associ
and industry t of con-
evada for Engineering students. Teams of six students have to address real-life problems and have one day in which to complete an assignment. 2nd LT French formed part of the US Air Force team that won 3rd place in the Design-Build Category in 2016.
2nd LT Jacki French, USAF
SUSTAINING MEMBER BRIEF Ms Leslie McMurray, Federal Government Manager for Steelcase presented a brief overview of the company as a “step-in” at the September m Steelcase provides and produces office furniture and services for businesses at Government is looking at new ways of working
Ms. Leslie McMurray, Steelcase
A&E firms and contractors with various federal contracts ensures the end-user highperforming people. MAIN PRESENTATION y Dr. Jeff Johnson.
Dr. Jeff Johnson, Guam PUC
OUTSTANDING SUPPORT Mr John Robertson (Amorient Engineering) and Ms Aja Reyes (Stanley Consultants) were both acknowledged for their support and
ANNOUNCEMENTS November 16-18 Small Business Conference Atlanta, GA or log www.SAME.org SAME Guam SAME Guam PostPost or log on on to to www.SAME.org & click on “Membership” at the top of the Home Page 6 | OCTOBER2016
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A ONE GUAM PARTNERSHIP Guam Waterworks Authority, Guam Power Authority, PUC and CCU.
• In General: • One Guam is a partnership between the Guam Community and the Department of Defense in support of the military/
marine corps build up • For the PUC: • One Guam is a partnership betwee er, in support of the military/marine corps build up • The Guam U li es: • Guam Power Authority (GPA) • Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) • Consolidated Commission on U
rtment of Defense, or the islands’ largest custom-
•
Dr. Jeff Johnson, Guam Public Chairman. The PUC is an independent regulatory commission, separate created by Guam law pursuant to requirements in Federal law. PUC is governed by seven commissioners who serve six year terms under appointment by the Governor and confirtained within Guam Code Annotated Title 12.
Grids and microgrids for the Naval Base and AAFB and the regarding future renewable projects, including solar systems and wind turbines at various DoD sites.
Rita WWTP Replacement and the Northern Secondary Wastewater Treatment Facility.
NRG Energy Inc., in partnership with the Guam Power Authority, more than 120,000 solar PV panels.
Guam Power Authority’s first wind turbine is a pilot project to ind power projects. The wind turbine can produce about 275 ki uld keep the lights and appliances on for more than 200 homes. IMAGES COURTESY OF PUC. SAME Guam Post or log on to www.SAME.org & click on “Membership” at the top of the Home Page www.guamcontractors.org
OCTOBER2016 | 7
SMALL BUSINESS NOTES
CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
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YOUR BUSINESS with the GCA Small Business Committee
By Irene Hicks & Casey Jeszenka A great way to grow your business is by joining your GCA Small Business Committee. We are there to assist you and other small businesses in improving your business. The business owners and resource partners in the committee are an excellent source to tap into for their insight on challenges you may be facing. Our resource partners are one of our best assets – they include the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and NavFac Marianas Small Business Advisors. Their involvement in our meetings are invaluable. The amazing part is that we have all of them there. If you’ve got questions, what an advantage it is to be with us at our meeting and being able to speak to them in person. At our last meeting, Ken Lujan with SBA informed us of Small Business Huge Success. (Small Business Forum held by Bank of Guam). It was a half day event which included panel discussions: (1) Small business owners discussing their challenges and successes (2) Choosing a successful location for your business (3) Getting the capital for your business. Casey Jeszenka with the Guam SBDC let us know of other events like Profit Mastery 8 | OCTOBER2016
workshops brought to Guam and encouraged us to attend these types of workshops. Profit Mastery gives us tools to analyze our business, compare how our companies are doing compared to national averages and find where our cash leakages are. You also come out with a better understanding of the numbers in your Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Income Statement, and how they work together as well as show you how to increase your profits and efficiency. (This is one workshop every business owner should attend when it is offered on Guam!) Without we would not have known about these. NavFac Marianas Small Business Advisors, Al Sampson and Norma Borja keep us informed of the business opportunities on our island’s military bases. They know about contracts that have been recently announced as well as other ongoing projects. If you have questions about how to do business with the military, they are your points of contact. We also have Gerardine Mendiola with PTAC. They help businesses successfully compete for federal, state and local government contracts. They provide many workshops and seminars: How to Get HUBZone Certified; Teaming and Joint Ventures: and Wages. Their services are free of charge.
We also learned about programs useful to small business. At our last meeting, Tony Barcinas with USDA (US Dept of Agriculture) gave a presentation of the REAP (Rural Energy for America Program). REAP provides funding through loans and grants (up to 25%) for small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. This is free money for small businesses. As you can see, there are many benefits for getting involved with your Small Business Committee. If you want to join or learn more about the GCA Small Business Committee, please attend our next meeting on Oct. 25th, 11:30 AM at the GCA Conference room. Our meetings are usually the last Tuesday of the month. With the information you gather at our meetings, you will be giving your business the EDGE. Your participation will help guide the activities we do to help small businesses grow and gain knowledge! Our meetings will also give you a friendly and comfortable opportunity to network with other businesses and resource partners. You can contact me by phone at 998-2040 or by email to irene@abemart.com if you plan to attend or if you have questions. You can also bring guests!
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FEATURE STORY
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Scaling Back By R.D. Gibson
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There was a local commercial addressing obesity in Guam a few years. The tagline was “Hafa adai! How much do you weigh?” All that came to mind was “how dare someone ask that?!” It is just straight up rude. Any poor soul could easily be met with a few choice words – or a strike to the face. The same can’t be said, however, for the commercial vehicles of many of Guam’s construction companies. Every day we see these commercial vehicles – some are hauling heavy loads – in regular traffic. They have the placards “wide load” or something to that connotation. On December 2, 2015, Governor Eddie Baza Calvo signed Bill 147-33 (P.L. 33- 106) into law. The Bill illustrates a portrait of Guam’s roads – “Guam’s public highways, road, and streets must be protected from undue wear and tear caused by commercial vehicles that exceed weight limits that the highways and roads are designed to carry,” it states in Section 1, the Legislative Findings and Intent. It goes on to talk about commercial vehicles needing to be “mechanically sound, the operators are properly licensed, and their loads are properly secured.” The law also now puts the power of the weights and measurements to the Department of Public Works and the Department of Revenue and Taxation. These agencies now have the power and responsibility “to stop, inspect, and weigh commercial vehicles operating on Guam’s roads and highways.” As the intent and findings are laid out, so is the excess jargon – most especially in the definitions section, which finds its way into legislation: “weight-in-motion scales”, “vehicle combination”, “tandem axle weight”, and these are accompanied by Bridge Formula. These are almost all too familiar for most, if not all, of GCA membership. It’s also why some of us write because we’re terrible at mathematics. Not saying that these things are not important – on the contrary. Someone needs to crank the numbers, so we’re all in compliance. Senator Tom Ada introduced the bill. Citing wear and tear he said, “There are records which clearly show that the solid waste trucks which travel between Harmon and Layon are weighting in a gross weight of about 100,000 lbs.” He went on to say, “This has been brought to the attention of the operator who has taken measures to purchase
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FEATURE STORY
allowable limits. Unfortunately, having to carrying smaller loads will require an increase in the number of trips to Layon.” Senator Ada continued by saying that the approximated impact of smaller vehicles is less expensive than the cost of having to repair the damage done to thoroughfares. More importantly, Senator Ada asserted that the legislation was not reactionary to “excessively heavy vehicles” traveling on the roads, and that it was a part of a highway plan. Additionally, Sen. Ada cites safety as a high priority concern for the law. “In addition to the damage that heavy vehicles cause to our highways, safety is also an important consideration,” he said. “Studies show that overweight vehicles pose a greater safety risk on our highways,” he expanded. The answer to overweight commercial vehicles? The Truck Enforcement and Screening Station, or simply, TESS. TESS is a “fixed weight station” located on Route 11 near the Port Authority of Guam. It was funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Department of Defense and its construction was completed in 2013, according to the DPW presentation provided to GCA membership. It is looking at full implementation and use toward the beginning of 2017 with a soft-opening this October. TESS is still taking baby steps as a program for weighing heavy containers and vehicles – Sen. Ada said it “should be considered to be a work-in progress.” On September 21, Director of the Department of Public Works Glenn Leon Guerrero made this presentation in front of Guam Contractors Association membership stating the reasoning for the law. What comes with any new regulation on businesses is what will the impact be on operations and possibly overall costs. In it, he laid out all of the mathematics, history, permitting process, and goals. One of those goals is to extend the life of Guam’s infrastructure, maximize the value of transportation dollars, safer infrastructure, and align Guam with the majority of the United States and the Code of Federal Regulations for Vehicle Weight Limitations. However, even some of the best of intentions aren’t always seen that way. It can’t be easy to toss out figures and talk about the potential costs associated with road repair, especially in the spirit of compliance. The slideshow
OCTOBER2016 | 11
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CONSTRUCTION NEWS BULLETIN
presentation by DPW Director Leon Guerrero talked about the purpose for preserving infrastructure. It cited several reasons, including limited federal and local funding, the fact that federal funds cannot be used to repair village roads, how local money doesn’t generally go toward road repairs, and the cost of materials, among other things. Sen. Ada stated, “Guam receives about $15 million annually for highway construction.” He went on to say, “The annual grants are administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The recipient (GovGuam/DPW) is expected to maintain the highways built using the FHWA grants.” Further, highways are built to FHWA standards to support nearly 40 tons. He emphasized that working to maintain the roads is by limiting overweight vehicles on Guam’s roads. “However, the law recognizes that there may be needs on occasions to transport heavy cargo which presents itself with a gross weight in excess of the 80,000 lb. limit.” Jere Johnson, President of Hawaiian Rock Product, stated the law passed without having any input from the GCA, specifically material suppliers, there wasn’t any economic impact study done – he feels “should have been required by the legislature”, and he says there could potentially be at least 25-percent more trucks on Guam’s roads to oblige the law. “The construction industry is going through a difficult cycle while we are waiting for military buildup projects,” he stated. “Few companies have the capital to invest in equipment to be able to comply with this law.” He continued by saying newer trucks to meet the demands of hauling the same materials are more expensive and are unsuited for village roads.
12 | OCTOBER2016
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Another concern is with current and new projects that are committed for several years, and having to increase prices for the work being done. “We have no choice but to increase the prices because of the increase in delivery cost,” Johnson emphasizes. “This new law will substantially increase the cost of construction projects and the delivery to businesses,” he stated. To add insult to injury, used trucks pose a potentially harmful environmental effect to our island. Johnson said that buying used trucks that oblige the law is an option, but they have engines that are not environmentally friendly and can contribute to pollution. Hawaiian Rock Product has a fleet of trucks that are designed to carry loads below the 80,000 Gross Vehicle Weight limit. “However, they are not designed to meet the bridge formula,” he continued. He referred to a part of the law that applies only to the States with the U.S. Federal Interstate Highway system. “Trucks designed to meet the bridge formula would be very difficult to turn at the intersections and difficult to deliver products to homeowners on village roads,” he added. According to Sen. Ada, this legislation has been in the works for nearly two-and-a-half years with a lot of collaboration with DPW. He cites there were several meetings to get feedback from the trucking industry. He continued to say that DPW is now ready to launch this program with input that was provided from stakeholders who participated in meetings. Johnson cites a test strip that “was placed on the new Tiyan parkway using semi-flexible pavement.” He said that utilizing that kind of equipment would
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alleviate the problem the law is supposed to fix – extending the lifespan of Guam’s roads and allowing heavy vehicles. He also continues by saying a new registration fee system could have been an implemented for existing trucks to continue their haul and allow for replacement over time. “The funds received from this fee would be dedicated to pavement maintenance,” he suggested. Another GCA member, Paje Butler, general manager of DGX (Dependable Global Express International) agrees that the Guam’s roads are in deplorable condition, but says overweight vehicles are not the sole cause. “But, they are definitely contributing to the roads poor condition,” said Butler. He added, “I am for the TESS.” Butler mentioned the weight restrictions have always been in place, “it is just now that there will be more enforcement.” “Notice (of TESS) was given that this was coming over 4 years ago when the port added the scale as part of the renovations it was going through,” continued Butler. He also mentioned how the future of the TESS was uncertain for a time because there were questions of who would operate the scale and its funding source. “As far back as August 2014, the business community was informed that the weight restrictions was (sic) going to be enforced and that they would need to begin looking at changing their ordering habits to be compliant,” he stated. He continued by saying that reality set in when the law was passed and “17 months to prepare for being compliant seems to be a reasonable time frame.” www.guamcontractors.org
FEATURE STORY
However, Butler alludes to a bigger, heavier issue: who is responsible for maintaining and fixing our roads? “Fixing the roads is not the responsibility of the Federal Government (sic),” he stated matter-of-factly. He explained how the TESS is just one way to extend the life of roadways, but that the local government “is not appropriating funds properly.” He cites that most of the road repairs are emergency repairs and aren’t up to standards to last very long. “So even with restricting the weights of what goes over the road will not lengthen the life of our roads,” he affirmed. Butler also makes it a point to emphasize that revenue from vehicle registrations are supposed to be going toward road maintenance. “A good question is, where is this money going? It’s apparent that it is not going towards maintaining the roads.” No matter how you look at this issue, we’re still in the crawling stages of a program that needs all stakeholders to take part in and a willing ear from the policymakers and regulatory agencies. It is apparent people want Guam’s roads to be maintained, efficient, and safe. Is it going to be easy? Probably not. But then again, neither is asking how much someone weighs.
OCTOBER2016 | 13
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ber m e m Re hen? w
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This month the GCA Trades Academy celebrates its 10th anniversary. It is a time for celebration, but first, we need to take notice of those that made it possible. The Board of Trustees wishes to express special thanks and appreciation to Dr BertJohnston for establishing the institution back in 2006 from scratch and leading it from then up to the present day. Under his leadership, it has grown in size and depth. Many trainees have benefitted from his dedication steadfast determination to succeed. Special thanks also to Dr Mary Okada and the Guam Community College for their support that has enabled to Trades Academy to acquire simulators, tools and equipment needed for hands on training. Also the Board of Trustees including Monty McDowell of Advance Management, William Beery of Tutujan Hill Group, Ltd, Graeme Ridley of Smithbridge, John Sage of Watts Constructors and John Robertson of AmOrient Engineering. GCA President James Martinez has been an invaluable supporter from the beginning until now.
The Barrigada Facility
In the Beginning
The Guam Contractors Association has participated with the Guam Community College in Apprenticeship Training since 1962, only three years after GCA’s founding in 1959. In 1986, GCA signed an agreement with the Guam Community College for the “Apprenticeship Scholarship Trust Fund” which was intended to enhance training in construction trades. The first GCA Golf Tournament to benefit Apprenticeship Training was in 1988. During 2004, there was renewed discussion between the leadership at Guam Community College and the Guam Contractors Association with regard to Apprenticeship Training. Many contractor members of the GCA were of the opinion that the training was not adequate for the needs of contractors. In August, the GCA Board of Directors gave consideration to three alternative solutions: 1) Continue to have the GCC take the lead in administering training programs that it develops with little if any input from the GCA; 2) Engage the
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services of a different not-for-profit institution or a for-profit institution to develop and implement apprenticeship training programs; and 3) GCA take the lead in developing a program suitable for its members on Guam and utilize the services of GCC or other educational institution for academic courses.
The Wall of Honor
In February 2005, James Martinez as Executive Director of GCA and yours truly as its President attended the annual convention in Honolulu of the Associated Builders and Contractors. GCA is the Guam Chapter of ABC. There, it was learned what other ABC Chapters were doing about workforce training and many had their own training programs based on NCCER training curricula. Based in the Honolulu Convention Center, ABC sponsored a competition between trainees involving a large number of construction trades including carpenters, plumbers, pipe fitters, HVAC technicians, electricians, electronic technicians, mill wrights and many others. To observe these young trainees, perform in competition with their peers was indeed inspirational. The obvious question was: “why not on Guam?”
Affiliation with NCCER
The GCA Trades Academy was established from the beginning as an accredited training unit of NCCER, the leading construction trades curricula development organization in the world today. NCCER was established in October 1996 and is also celebrating a 10-year anniversary, its second. NCCER is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation created in 1996 as The “National Center for Construction Education and Research”. It was developed with the support of more than 125 construction CEOs and various association nd academic leaders who united to revolutionize training for the construction industry. Sharing the common goal of developing a safe and productive workforce, these companies created a standardized training and credentialing program for the industry. This progressive program has evolved into curricula for more than 70 craft areas and a complete series of more than 70 assessments offered in over 4,000 NCCER-accredited training and OCTOBER2016 | 17
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assessment locations across the United States. NCCER develops standardized construction and maintenance curriculum and assessments with portable credentials. These credentials are tracked through NCCER’s Registry System that allows organizations and companies to track the qualifications of their craft professionals and/or check the qualifications of possible new hires. NCCER's Registry System also assists craft professionals by maintaining their records in a secure database. NCCER’s workforce development process of accreditation, instructor certification, standardized curriculum, registry, assessment and certification is a key component in the industry’s workforce development efforts. NCCER also drives multiple initiatives to enhance career development and recruitment efforts for the industry, primarily through its Build Your Future initiative. In cooperation with publishing partner Pearson, NCCER develops and publishes a world-class curriculum created by Subject Matter Experts from industry and academia throughout the United States. Subject Matter Experts ensure exceptional training programs meet or exceed national industry standards. The NCCER curriculum is taught worldwide by contractors, associations, construction users, and secondary and post-secondary schools. NCCER’s new branding and international initiatives have led to the use of NCCER in lieu of The National Center for Construction Education and Research. The same great resources and services are still available. NCCER is headquartered in Alachua, Florida, and is affiliated with the University of Florida's M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management. Specialized Construction Trades Training on Guam Of the seventy craft area training materials available from NCCER, the GCA Trades Academy has focused over the past ten years on the following: Project Management: Construction project managers plan and direct the building and maintenance of everything from bridges to high-rises to wastewater systems. They usually have the satisfaction of seeing a job through from start to finish. Field Safety & Safety Technology: To help prevent accidents, a safety program must be in place. This five-volume curriculum provides the rules and safeguards needed to work safely on any job site. Safety must be incorporated into all phases of the job and involve all employees at every level, including management. Field Safety & Safety 18 | OCTOBER2016
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Technology are two of three titles in the NCCER Safety Learning Series, covering topics such as Hazard Communication, Fall Protection, and Forklift Safety. Core Curriculum: The NCCER Core Curriculum is a prerequisite to all other Level 1 craft curriculum. Its modules cover topics such as Basic Safety, Communication Skills and Introduction to Construction Drawings. Completing this curriculum gives the trainee the basic skills needed to continue education in any craft area he or she chooses. Construction Craft Laborer: This curriculum introduces the trainee to a variety of trades, including carpentry, masonry, ironworking, electrical, welding, heavy equipment, and cranes. Upon completion of this two-level course the trainee will have the basic knowledge needed on any job site. The Construction Craft Laborer curriculum covers such subjects as Site Layout, Reinforcing Concrete, and Electrical Safety. Heavy Equipment Operations: Heavy equipment operators (HEO) not only work on regular construction building jobs, but also on infrastructure projects (roads, bridges, and ports, otherwise called non-building construction), and in mining and timber operations. A trained and experienced equipment operator provides necessary skills for any project that requires moving and transporting heavy materials, or that demands any kind of earthmoving. NCCER offers a three-level curriculum which will guide the trainee through modules covering each major piece of heavy equipment, as well as topics such as Civil Blueprint Reading, Soils, and Paving. The Trades Academy has both simulators and heavy equipment for this training. Welding: Welding technology is creating more uses for welding in the workplace. For example, new ways are being developed to bond dissimilar materials and non-metallic materials, such as plastics, composites, and new alloys. Also, advances in laser beam and electron beam welding, new fluxes, and other new technologies and techniques all point to an increasing need for highly trained and skilled workers. NCCER’s four-level curriculum covers topics such as Oxyfuel Cutting, Welding Symbols, and Stainless Steel Groove Welds. NCCER’s curriculum also correlates to the AWS SENSE (Schools Excelling through national Skills Education) standards and guidelines for Entry Welder. An AWS SENSE correlation chart is provided with the curriculum to assist instructors in complying with the AWS guidelines.
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Cat Loader-Backhoe for Hands-on Training
Carpentry: Carpenters make up the largest building trades occupation in the industry and those with all-around skills are in high demand. Carpenters are involved in many different kinds of construction activities, from building highways and bridges to installing kitchen cabinets. Carpenters construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. This four-level curriculum covers content such as Building Materials, Cabinet Fabrication, and Advanced Wall Systems. Plumbing: Plumbers install, maintain, and repair many different types of pipe systems. For example, some systems move water to a municipal water treatment plant and then to residential, commercial, and public buildings. Other systems dispose of waste, provide gas to stoves and furnaces, or supply air conditioning. Pipe systems in power plants carry the steam that powers huge turbines. Pipes also are used in manufacturing plants, such as wineries, to move material through production processes. NCCER’s four-level curriculum covers topics such as Plumbing Tools, Types of Valves, and Potable Water Treatment.
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HVAC: The increasing development of HVAC (heating and air-conditioning systems) technology causes employers to recognize the importance of continuous education and keeping up to speed with the latest equipment and skills. Hence, technical school training or apprenticeship programs often provide an advantage and a higher qualification for employment. NCCER’s program has been designed by highly qualified subject matter experts with this in mind. The four levels, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) recognizes, present theoretical and practical skills essential to success as an HVAC installer or technician.
Multi Trade Work Bench
Electrician: Electricians install electrical systems in structures; they install wiring and other electrical components, such as circuit breaker panels, switches, and light fixtures, and they follow blueprints, the National Electrical Code® and state and local codes. To prepare trainees a career in the electrical field, NCCER offers a comprehensive, 4-level Electrical curriculum that complies with DOL time-based standards for apprenticeship. The eight edition of Electrical has also been fully updated to the 2014 NEC® and includes revisions to the module examinations. Electronic Systems Technician: Electronic Systems Technicians (EST) are skilled in a variety of areas, and they work in both residential and commercial settings. They are tasked with installing lighting, telecommunications equipment, and security systems. Electronic Systems Technicians also install remote monitoring systems in commercial applications and can retrofit current systems with modernized remote monitoring technology. The skills and duties of ESTs are broad, varied, and in high demand. This four-level curriculum covers Low-Voltage Cabling, Test Equipment, and Audio Systems.
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the practical performance of a particular craft
• Certified Plus: Successful completion of both the written assessment and the corresponding performance verification
Outreach
A Class Exercise for Carpenters
Assessments and Certification of Existing Workforce
ASSESSMENTS: GCA Trades Academy and NCCER offers a complete series of entry- and journey-level written assessments as part of its National Craft Assessment and Certification Program (NCACP). These assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with Subject Matter Experts from the industry and Prov™, NCCER’s test development partner. PERFORMANCE VERIFICATIONS: GCA Trades Academy and NCCER Performance Verifications (PVs) are designed to assess an individual's skill level on specific tasks. PVs require a participant to demonstrate their skill level in a controlled, observable, and measurable manner and must be administered by a qualified objective performance evaluator. CREDENTIALS: After successful completion of a written assessment or performance verification, an individual’s qualifications are tracked through NCCER’s Registry. These industry credentials give employers confidence in the craft professional’s skill, knowledge, and desire for continuous professional development. They also provide the craft professional with industry-recognized credentials to help build upon their career in construction. • Knowledge Verified: Successful completion of the written assessment • Performance Verified: Successful completion of
20 | OCTOBER2016
The GCA Trades Academy has reached out to other organizations to enhance education in general and training for the construction and maintenance in particular. • Continuing close working relationship with Guam Community College • Affiliation with Center for Micronesian Empowerment to provide training to citizens from Micronesian Islands • Northern Mariana Islands: Assistance to launching a trades training unit in Saipan • Pizza, Pop and Power Tools: a once a year program for introducing Middle School and High School girls to construction trades. • Summer Camp: a one-week day camp for the youth in selected villages to learn about the tools used in the construction industry. • Department of Education: Offering training classes for High School students interested in a career in the trades rather than academic pursuits. • Department of Correction: Offering training classes inside the prison to those individuals with a near term release date. This is intended to enhance the possibility of a profitable career after release.
Record of Success
After its first decade as a not for profit organization, the Trades Academy is self-sustaining and has proven its value to the community. More than 28,000 modules for various trades have been taught while NCCER worldwide has taught over 12 Mil modules. More than 2,000 trainees have received instruction at the Academy. More than 1,000 assessments have been provided to existing workers with 50% having a passing grade on the first attempt.
Future Training Facility
In a letter dated September 21st, 2016, The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration announced the approval of a Financial Assistance Award to the GCA Trades Academy in the amount of $2,000,000 toward construction of a Regional Training Facility on Guam. This comes as the best possible 10-year anniversary prize. More to follow on this good news.
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NEW & SUPERIOR HYBRID STEEL & PRE-ENGINEERED METAL BUILDINGS
WPAC (A Murphy Owned Company)
Wholesale Steel Building Packages available with West Pacific Alliance Company
WPAC - Murphy - Postel Group & Behlen (The Alliance) are proud to announce
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1
1
4
1
21
2
1
2
5
9
1
8
2
1
10
2
2
4
20
Figaro Coffee Shop Supervisor
Guest Host/Hostess
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
HVAC Technician
Landscape Gardener
Laundry Maintenance Technician
Les Mills Group Exercise Instructor
Machinist
Maintenance Machinery Worker
Marine Maintenance Mechanic
Market Research Analyst
Massage Therapist
Motor Repairer
MRI Technologist
Pipefitter
Quality Control Inspector
Ultrasound Technician
Wedding Service Attendant
Welder/Fitter
Total Non-Construction H2-B Workers
1
Diving Instructor ER Registered Nurse
153
Total OTHER Construction
40
TOTAL Construction H-2B Workers
888
1 1
Crew Leader 1032 2 5 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1041
4500
0
500
1000
Total U.S. Workers
Grand Total H2B Workers
Korea Thailand 0.19% 0.00%
7.90%
0.00%
3.30%
0.12%
36.91%
3.07%
10.61% 0.47%
Other 0.00%
Peru 0.00%
Prepared By: Paul Miyasaki Contact information: Greg Massey, ALPCD Administrator P.O. Box 9970 Tamuning, Guam 96931 (671)475-8005/8003
Camp Cook
Heavy Equip. Operator Electrician
Sheetmetal Worker
Reinforcing Metalworker Structural Steelworker Plumber
Carpenter
Cement Mason
Other
Thailand
Peru
Italy
Australia
United Kingdom
Kiribati
Japan
Korea
Philippines
United Kingdom 0.00%
Kiribati 0.19%
37.62%
Common Construction Occupations
Philippines 99.14%
Japan 0.48%
Australia 0.00%
Italy 0.00%
H-2B Population by Nationality
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1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
US Workers vs. H-2B
1041 Grand Total H-2B Workers
5000
3772
37 70
Total H-2B Employers
Total U.S. Workers
33
Construction Non-Construction
Employers By Industry
Philippines Korea Japan Kiribati United Kingdom Australia Italy Peru Thailand Other Total by Nationality
Workers by Nationality
848
Total Common Const.
20
Cook
26 4
Heavy Equip. Operator
1 90
1
Bakery Equipment Mechanic
Sheetmetal Worker
28
0
67
Camp Cook
6
Baker
Plumber
Structural Steelworker
Reinforcing Metalworker
319 313
Electrician
3
Automotive Repairer
19
Carpenter
1
1
Automotive Mechanic
Welder
12
Common Construction Occupations Cement Mason
1
9
Assistant Solar (PV) Installer
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
9
MONTH ENDING: September 2016
Biomedical Equipment Specialist
6
AC Maintenance Technician
A/C Mech
Other Construction Occupations
Employers Workplace Monthly Report Statistics
Chef
4
AC Maintenance Mechanic
Other Non-Construction Occupations
GUAM DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Alien Labor Processing Certification Division
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