Training Day By Mark Clement TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine
Another side effect of intense specialization (or piecing) is that it requires workers to be fast but doesn't demand the older model's comprehensive know-how, contributing to the erosion of skilled workers who learn and grow on the job. 'It's the natural evolution of the industry,' says production framer Michael Davis, president of Framing Square in Albuquerque, N.M. 'It's more task-training now; you don't have to make someone a carpenter, especially on big multifamily projects,' he says.
'The trend in construction is increasing automation,' says Ron Warde, an instructor at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBC) in Las Vegas. Lockett sees this trend, too, and comments, 'Pre-fab and modularization in the industry have reduced the need for skilled workers.'