AWCI
Celebrates Five Years of EIFS Education Excellence
The
Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industries-International
announces the 5th anniversary of its exterior insulation
finish systems education and certificate program.
More than 1,200 individuals have received certificates,
after having passed a rigorous test, 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. 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 and some 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 group testing requests
from 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 program 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 pursuing the employee certifications needed to
meet the requirements.
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.”
2004 EIFS Seminars
Dates Locations Registration Deadline
Jan 26-27 Atlanta Jan 2
Feb 23-24 Los Angeles Jan 30
March 22-23 Houston Feb 27
