September 8, 2003
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer Heinz
Program Coordinator
(703) 538-1612
heinz@awci.org
AWCI
Celebrates Five Years of EIFS Programming Excellence
The
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries—International,
Falls Church, Va., announces the 5th anniversary of its exterior
insulation finish systems education and certificate program.
More than 1,200 individuals have been certified during the
first five years, and additional programs have been developed
as the industry embraces its advances. At the five-year mark,
there are live seminars leading to certification in three
categories, video format instruction on generic EIFS applications
and a corporate recognition registry just for EIFS contractors.
Originally developed to meet the need for generic education
and certification for EIFS mechanics, the program has expanded
well beyond that to meet the increasing demand from the industry
to certify independent inspectors, as well as industry professionals
such as general contractors, distributors, architects and
engineers. Education is provided through attendance at a two-day
instructor-led seminar or through a video and workbook format
entitled “EIFS--Doing It Right,” with proctored,
objective examinations administered to assess knowledge of
program content. Separately, and reaching beyond the intended
audience of EIFS contractors, a variety of organizations within
and auxiliary to the EIFS industry have used AWCI’s
programs in one manner or another.
Michael Heering of F.L. Crane & Sons, a large EIFS contractor
with companies in four states, says the program is one of
the company’s best tools on several counts: “We
can see the difference in the work between those who have
been through the program and not. There have been multiple
occasions when the applicators have corrected themselves or
other applicators. This tool affects our company’s quality
and bottom line.” He goes on to say, “On a broader
level, it’s a tool the industry in general can use as
a policing device. There are lots of qualified mechanics;
however, there are others who are doing work that gives EIFS
a bad rap. This is a way of identifying those who are trained
and tested; we need a smarter work force to keep EIFS viable.”
Nancy Roylance, who directs the program for AWCI, supports
his assertion: “We’re hearing more and more that
applicators can’t get on the job without ‘the
card,’ our wallet certificates. EIFS contractors are
getting their applicators educated through the video program,
and are going themselves to the seminars. The program has
really taken off--what started as voluntary is becoming essential
in just five short years.”
The level of industry “buy-in” is also evidenced
by the 200 percent increase in the past year of “by
request” seminars and also the another option of group
testing. These options have been used by unions, distributors,
contractors and professional associations. Many entities are
coming forward to request EIFS education and certification
at their location for large groups of customers, members or
employees.
Also celebrating an anniversary is the EIFSmart Contractor
recognition launched one year ago. This distinction is awarded
to companies that meet requirements regarding percentage of
certified employees. More than 50 companies have achieved
the distinction thus far, with still more in the process.
Roylance is not surprised by the immediate interest in this
recognition program: “Contractors want that competitive
edge and, lately, the negotiating power with insurance companies.
Architects have already started specifying EIFSmart contractors,
and we expect that to build as awareness of this recognition
spreads within and beyond the EIFS industry. EIFSmart is an
objective indicator of a company’s commitment to quality
EIFS installation, education and certification, and the wider
construction industry and consumers value that knowledge.”
Since 1918, AWCI has been serving wall and ceiling contractors,
manufacturers, suppliers/distributors and others allied to
the fields of acoustics, drywall, EIFS, fireproofing, insulation,
plaster, steel framing, stucco and many other interior and
exterior applications. The EIFS education and certificate
program was developed in 1998 and has educated more than 1500
individuals according to industry standards since then.