Architectural Lab Meets Market Demand Advancing the industry by providing hands on architectural training By / Robin Brunet
A jointly-funded commercial service and architectural lab in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, serves several key purposes, all under one roof. “We needed this facility in order to build on the work we do in the architectural realm,” says John Quarnstrom, CEO of SMARCA Minnesota. For Matthew Fairbanks, business manager/president at Local 10, the lab will help his organization get into the commercial service market. “We were holding classes to achieve that goal but didn’t have commercial equipment that newcomers could work on,” he says. “The new lab rectifies that shortcoming.” While classroom training for apprentices is crucial, the 10 » Partners in Progress » www.pinp.org
lab provides training on the true skills that can only be gained doing the work. The trouble is, on site work must be done more quickly and efficiently than ever, leaving newcomers with little time to cut their teeth. “The new facility allows them to acquire practical skills prior to them venturing into the trenches,” says Scott Grossklaus, superintendent at SMARCA MN member, Berwald Roofing & Sheet Metal. Equally important, the lab demonstrates what labor and management can achieve in a relatively short time when working together. “The building would not have gone forward without the support of both sides,” Quarnstrom says. “Thankfully, SMARCA and Local 10’s relationship is based
