Arizona Construction Competition
Students get a taste of real life 

For the third year in a row, Rich Schapler, Construction Technologies Teacher at Metro Tech High School has coordinated the Arizona Construction Competition at Metro High School. Students from Metro Tech and other Maricopa County High Schools competed in Electric, Wiring, Masonry, Carpentry and Construction Tech. The competitors were made up of both male and female students, hence the pink hard hats.

 

Trio was honored to play a role in the Carpentry Event that helped students apply what they have learned in shop class to real world settings by providing plans and materials to build walls, benches and other projects. Their finished products were judged by several volunteers from the industry.   Congratulations to all the winners! 

 

We also want to take a moment to recognize a  local hero, Rick Schapler, the Construction Technology teacher at Metro Tech.  Three years ago the school was about to shut down the Construction Technology department due to low enrollment and resources.  Today, it is thriving and other valley schools are looking to emulate what he is achieving there. Without a doubt, he is who we want preparing the next generation of our workforce.  Thank you, Rick!   

Let us know if you are interested in helping us next year at this event!

 

 
Treated Wood Update
Today's treated wood is tough. But is it tough enough?

All the major companies for treated wood have changed ownership since 2010 making it difficult to follow the re-branding of many products available in the market.

 

Not only has ownership and re-branding occurred...companies that have been around for decades have changed their active ingredients from what they contained 20 years ago.

 

So, what's in the wood now? Check out the full blog article on this topic HERE.

 

Read more on this subject here:

http://www.deckmagazine.com/lumber/treated-wood-update_o.aspx

 
The Lumber Market found it's heartbeat.  It was as dead as dead could be for a bit.  Today however, we feel a pulse and the slide backwards seems to be ending.   
The Following Graphs Display 
a Footprint of Past Market Activity
 
 
 
 
   
Closing the Skills Gap

It is no secret that as a country we need to focus on equipping the future American workforce to maintain competitiveness. 

 

The erosion of the specialty skills base of American workers has made it difficult to find workers with relevant skills...especially in the construction field.

 

So, what do we do about this challenge we face?

 

We need to tackle this with a three prong approach:

  1. We need more employers taking the lead in thinking for the long term and create an environment for cultivating talent and filling the skilled pipeline to ensure skilled workers are available for the growth that is straight ahead.
     
  2. Educators need to take more responsibility in helping graduates obtain gainful employment by partnering with employers to help create the cultivating environment.
     
  3. Policymakers should use their role to create programs that encourages communications between employers and educators. They should also be conscientious of how their policy decisions affect employers. Fortune stated that, "their research indicates that many companies have come to view hiring a full-time employee as a solution of the last resort, they prefer to invest in technology or rely on suppliers to address their needs". This is likely related to recent legislation and regulation and it's impact on employment.

Read more about this topic here:

http://fortune.com/2015/03/05/how-corporate-america-can-close-the-skills-gap/
Manufacturing Job Fair
There's still time! 

Finding and hiring talent is a huge concern in several of the industries we serve.  This targeted job fair filled with only manufacturing companies and individuals looking for specific work in manufacturing.   

What I found most interesting when reviewing the event site below was the ability to obtain copies of the resumes of all job fair applicants for $125.   That is less than the cost of running an advertisement (and a lot less time consuming).

 

Manufacturing Companies looking to fill positions, check out more specifics on this event here: Manufacturing Job Fair Information

 

Manufacturing Job Fair  Monday, March 30th, 11am - 2pm
Marriott Mesa Hotel and Convention Center

200 N. Centennial Way Mesa, AZ 85201

 

For additional information, please contact azami@mesacc.edu,  480.461.7749

 
Ring a Ding, Ding - Thanks for calling the Trio Sales Team


Trio believes that its greatest resource is its people. People you can trust. We understand that the skills and dedication of our employees are our most important asset. Our people, some of whom have spent their entire working careers at Trio, take pride in being problem solvers. 


We talk to people daily about their lumber needs. Most purchasers call in with a lumber product they want to order. After spending time listening to them, often times we politely point out there is better product that fits their needs.  By the time we are done completing their order, they have asked questions about other product recommendations. 

 

That's when we know we have provided superior information, established ourselves as subject matter experts and provided a solution specific to their situation ... 

 

In other words, they have a new idea and resource they did not have before knowing us. 
Logging in Since 1979 - The Trio Team
Trio Forest Products Inc.
480.969.8288

Mailing Address:
PO Box 1465, Mesa AZ 85211

Physical Address:
959 South Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85210