World Fence News

72 • JANUARY 2020 • WORLD FENCE NEWS Construction employment grew in 65 percent of 358 metro areas be- tween October 2018 and October 2019, declined in 69 and was unchanged in 58, according to a new analysis of fed- eral employment data released today by the Associated General Contrac- tors of America (AGC). Association officials said hourly craftworker positions remain diffi- cult to fill despite the widespread job gains, and they urged federal officials to promote more workplace-based im- migration, along with career and tech- nical education. "Employers in most areas remain busy and eager to hire workers, but they struggle to find qualified employ- ees in many metros," said Ken Simon- son, the association's chief economist. "The fact that job openings in con- struction set record highs each month suggests that more metros would post gains in construction employment if eligible workers were available," he noted. Association officials said the growing number of construction job openings shows the importance of Encon employee attends Operator Installer School and receives certification HAYWARD, Calif. – Leading gate operator and access control sup- plier Encon Electronics sent its up- and-coming employee, Derek Zeng, to participate in the AFA affiliated Oper- ator Installer School (OIS) held at the Hilton Arlington in Arlington, Tex. on Nov. 3-8 2019. Zeng joined the Encon warehouse team in June 2018 and gained experi- ence working in the order entry and invoicing departments. In December, Zeng transitioned into the Encon sales department. The OIS was a perfect opportunity for the new Encon sales representative to acquire hands-on product and tech- nical knowledge. The school covered 10 topics in- cluding: UL 325 standard for gate oper- ators; ASTM F2200 Safe Gate Design Standard; A Professional Approach to Safety; Types of Gate Operators; Gate Operators Basics; Gate Operator Ac- cessories; Gate Operator Installation; Electricity Basics/Testing; Timers and Vehicle Detectors; and Telephone En- try and Access Control. According to Zeng, the compre- hensive curriculum was a bit over- whelming but very informative. "The diverse classes and the broad scope of topics was ideal for someone like me, who is relatively new to the sales and the technical side of the gate operator industry," he said. "Working for a distributor, I have to be knowl- edgeable about a variety of products, and the OIS was a great way to learn a lot in a short amount of time." Encon sent Zeng to the AFA Uni- versity this year knowing that his tran- sition to the sales department was just around the corner. Encon president Jeff Harris said, "Derek has thrived in every depart- ment that he's worked in thus far. He's a quick learner and has a great rapport with Encon employees and customers. Advancing him to the sales department was an easy decision. We know he will continue to excel and will be able to contribute even more to the success of the company." After completing the week-long operator school, Zeng took the Auto- mated Gate Operator Installer certifi- cation exam. Before attending the OIS, he spent two months preparing for the exam using the study guide provided. How- ever, Zeng said that the education he gained in the classes at the operator school was the ultimate preparation. "I felt some pressure beforehand, because I knew that every sales and technical representative at Encon is al- ready certified and that they all took and passed the exam the first time around. I ap- preciate that Encon be- lieved and in- vested in me by sending me to Texas to attend the AFA Univer- sity OIS. I did not want to disappoint the team, or be teased by them," Zeng said. "When the OIS chair, Ron Mill- er, announced that I had successfully passed the exam on my first attempt, I was relieved, to say the least." Zeng began taking sales calls in December. "He is aware that he has a lot more to learn but acknowledges that the op- portunity to attend the GOIS has made the load a bit more manageable," said Harris. To learn more about Encon's scope of products, visit www.enconelec- tronics.com or contact one of En- con's certified sales representatives at 800-782-5598. Derek Zeng SECURE GATE SYSTEMS, INC. Toll Free 866-725-6995 • www.securegatesystems.com A • Pre-hung, ready to install • Heavy duty construction • Multiple finishes HIGH SECURITY INDUSTRIAL PANIC GATES Construction firms hire despite tight labor market, but call for meaures to boost supply of qualified workers measures to increase the supply of po- tential workers. The officials urged the Trump ad- ministration and Congress to make it easier to bring in workers for specific jobs that cannot be filled domestically and to strengthen career and technical education opportunities for students seeking alternatives to college. "Sustained economic growth de- pends on having a growing supply of both qualified workers and new en- trants to expanding sectors such as construction," said Stephen E. Sand- herr, the association's chief executive officer. "Construction firms are doing their best to address labor shortages, but federal officials can play a major role by putting in place needed im- migration reforms and by adequately funding career and technical educa- tion." For more details, visit the AGC web site at www.agc.org. With over 26,000 member firms, AGC provides a full range of services to improve the quality of construction and protecting the public interest. AFA Northeast Chapter slates regional trade show and seminars The Northeast Chapter of the American Fence Association (AFA) has scheduled its 2020 regional trade show and seminars for February 7–8, 2020. The location is the Mass Mutu- al Center / MGM Casino & Hotel in Springfield, Mass. The trade show will run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb- ruary 8. There is a dinner/ industry networking event Friday night and the band "RumRunners." For room reservations, contact the MGM Casino & Hotel at 413- 273-5000 and use the code AFA NE Chapter or the Tower Square Hotel at 413-781-7111. (Same room block code.) For more information, contact chapter president Kim Miller, CFP at Miller Fence, 508-753-8581, email kmiller@millerfence.com.

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