Learn While You Earn

By Yvette Cruz. 

Doug Shultz advocates for apprenticeship programs and the benefits of putting time and training for their partners.   

The difference between a job and a career is not the amount of time spent working but the growth and knowledge acquired. In a recent interview, Karen Edwards of RoofersCoffeeShop® discusses with Doug Shultz of Weatherproofing Technlogies Inc (WTI) a wholly owned subsidiary of Tremco. The importance of apprenticeship programs and the benefits they offer.  

For fifteen years, Doug worked as a correction officer for the state of Florida. He was given an opportunity by his neighbor, Joe Lee, to work at WTI and making the switch into the roofing world was a welcome change for him. As a foreman at WTI, Doug now has the opportunity to work with those enrolled in the company’s apprenticeship program.  

 With WTI’s apprenticeship program, participants are offered a path for new growth and networking. Doug says, “It's great support for the guys, not only do they get the on-the-job training that I give them on the roof, but they also have the computer and bookwork to supplement that knowledge. They're really learning from both sides; they're learning from the book side and from the OJT side on the roof. So, it gives them a good, rounded knowledge of roofing.” 

Training programs create a better community within the business. “It helps me retain good guys. When we get guys on, we give them the training. We pay them decent to come in, and then we give them the support they need. We give them the knowledge they need to stay safe. And I think it helps retain the guys because everybody on my team, I don't know anybody that's trying to look for another job, they're all happy going through the program.” 

When Karen asks what kind of career paths are available for those who complete the apprenticeship, Doug happily replies, “The sky's the limit. Once you complete it, you could go into construction management; you can become a sales associate. They could stay right where they're at and work up to be a foreman like I did, and then possibly a supervisor at that point, and maybe even a director.” 

Providing a clear pathway for program participants fosters their growth and helps them gain experience. It allows workers to find their passion. Passion is what makes their job into a career.  

Learn more about Tremco WTI in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.tremcoroofing.com/wti-and-services/wti-general-contracting/.