Construction Occupations Meeting
Date: July 17, 2017
Location: Omni Las Colinas Hotel (Irving, Texas)
1. Raymond Bannert called the meeting to order; presided over by Mickey Ethridge.
2. Minutes from July 11, 2016 meeting were distributed.
3. Presentations made by candidates for TIVA president: Ray Rangel and Bart Taylor.
4. Everyone was urged to join TIVA – it’s the only organization that offers liability insurance for teachers when they are on the road and at competitions.
5. NCCER Core counts for OSHA student certification but must do paperwork.
6. Pat Conner addressed the group and gave an update on SkillsUSA.
a. Big shout out for Belton Team Works for taking 1st place at Nationals (Craig Sullivan – advisor)
b. TSTC did well at Nationals – shout-out to Bill Beck for what he does for Team Works
c. Carpentry contest might be moved inside at state and projects set up in halls to make room
d. Ten states must follow your state in taking up a contest before it becomes a national contest
7. Discussion of District and State SkillsUSA competitions:
a. Donald Brown from Dist. 7 urged all teachers to become SkillsUSA Advisors and have their students compete at district contests
b. Blueprint reading and two man carpentry have not made it as contests yet
c. Discussion among those teachers working with CNC woodworking equipment about a state CNC contest in addition to the CNC Milling competition; Mickey pointed out that it could not be restricted to a specific CNC machine; Brett Dickinson suggested that in be based on one of the top CNC design software packages (e.g., VCarve Pro, Aspire) and that just like in the AutoCad competition, the computer designed assignment would be what is judged and there would not actually be a project being carved out on a CNC machine; Brett said he will follow up with interested teachers and pursue this if there is interest
d. The interest in a Construction Quiz Bowl as a state contest was high but still needs to be developed and approved
8. All members were urged to support the TIVA Foundation in some way.
a. Mickey Ethridge estimated there is about $20,000 be raised so far and that everyone should participate in Casino Night to help raise more funds
b. As funds increase, they could be used to help underwrite contests and provide grants for equipment
9. Mickey Ethridge urged for more volunteers to serve as state technical chairs and to step up in SkillsUSA involvement. If you go to state make sure you are available to help.