Skilled labor in construction is a commodity in short supply. The York Builders Association (YBA) and James CRAFT & Son have teamed up to change that by giving area high school students an opportunity to explore local skilled trade career opportunities in action. The objective of the Construction Career Days Event is to build awareness among high school students about the diverse career opportunities available to them locally in the construction industry.
Students from Dallastown High School and West York High School got a first-hand look at the kind of work that goes on at James CRAFT & Son, the many potential job opportunities, and the role the organization plays in the local construction market.
“The lack of skilled workers in the construction trades is a big challenge,” said YBA Executive Vice President Laurie Lourie. “YBA would like to be part of the solution. Today’s youth need to start seeing careers in construction as a viable alternative to a four-year degree, and often a lifetime of loans. The Construction Career Day events are one of several initiatives that we are working on to build a better future for the industry.”
The York Builders Association works with member companies and matches the organizations up with area high schools interested in participating. In addition to James CRAFT & Son, four other local businesses participated – hosting 18 students from nine area high schools. This is the second year for the event.
Annual Awards & Safety Day
James W. Craft Scholarship Program
Fabrication Excellence!
In-House Success Skills Training Program
Administrative Team at James CRAFT & Son
Apprenticeship Application Season Blog – By: Nicole Bazdar
It’s Apprenticeship Application Season!
James CRAFT & Son will begin accepting applications for its apprenticeship training program on Monday, April 20th. Positions are available in the Plumbing, Sheet Metal, and Electrician classifications.
Apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction from experienced craftsman. They provide a unique opportunity for individuals to further their education while working and without the costs of a college education. Upon successful completion of the 4 year, 8000 hour program, apprentices are able to sit for the state licensing examination to obtain a Journeyman license.
Last month one of our 4th year apprentices, Nick Miller, had the opportunity to compete at the 2015 ABC National Craft Championships in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Nick showed off the skills and knowledge he has attained and took 3rd place in the Sheet Metal competition. Congratulations, Nick!
If you are ready for a career, not just a job, in the construction industry, you can find further details of the application process below.
Apprentices are required to attend classes in subjects related to the trade for a minimum of 144 hours per year, each year of their apprenticeship. Tuition fees are paid by the Company—additional materials paid by the apprentice.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and selection of apprentice applicants under this program shall be on the basis of qualification and without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or non job-related disability.
Individuals interested in becoming an apprentice must apply in person and furnish copies of the following non-returnable materials:
- Proof of age (copy for our records of birth certificate or similar document).
- Copy of High School Diploma or GED Certificate, if applicable.
- Transcripts of Last Grade Completed from Guidance Department of school attended.
- Proof of Trade Work Experience, if any (letter from employer noting experience).
- Form 214 for VeteransOther forms may be needed.
- Three Letters of Reference from acquaintances, other than family.
Applicants shall be of legal working age, and physically fit to perform the duties of the trade. All job offers are contingent upon passing physical/drug test, and furnishing ID and work eligibility documents required by U.S. Immigration Laws.
Applicants placed in the eligibility pool will be interviewed by a representative of our Company. They will be notified of the time and date of the interview.
We will have openings for the placement of apprentices as follows:
6 – PLUMBER/PIPEFITTER
6 – SHEET METAL WORKER
1 – ELECTRICIAN
Interested persons apply to:
James CRAFT & Son, Inc.
2780 York Haven Rd, Manchester, PA 17345
April 20, 2015 thru May 1, 2015
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday
ABC Instructor of the Year Blog – By: Nicole Bazdar
You probably already know that many construction workers are well-educated via apprenticeship programs that provide specialized training and experience. However, that education is only as good as the instructors! James CRAFT & Son is fortunate to have 2 very talented instructors on our team.
Jerry Brown, one of our Sheet Metal Mechanics, was recently honored by the Keystone Chapter of ABC as the 2013-2014 Instructor of the Year. He’s now in competition with Drew Doxzon, who has received the award twice. It’s one thing to be a great Sheet Metal Mechanic or Electrician, but it’s even better to be able to share those skills and knowledge with others.
Jerry started at CRAFT at the age of 15 as a helper/laborer in the shops and warehouse. He graduated from the ABC Apprenticeship Program in 2010, and even won a Bronze medal in sheet metal at the 2010 National Craft Competition. Jerry joined ABC Keystone as an instructor in 2011. He is highly regarded by ABC staff and students, and we’re proud to have him.
Congratulations, Jerry!

Habitat for Humanity Blog – By: Nicole Bazdar
Mission Statement Blog – By: Nicole Bazdar
There are currently 4 members of the 5th generation of James CRAFT & Son, Inc. who have joined the company full-time over the last 5 years. Jessica, Steven, James and I meet on a monthly basis to discuss our family involvement and any improvements or changes we would like to see within the organization. We recently decided to compose a mission statement for the company. It was presented to the current management team and the following statement was officially adopted on January 21, 2013…
James CRAFT & Son, Inc. is a family owned and managed company with a proud heritage, whose mission is to be the leading provider of superior mechanical systems and services, through quality CRAFTsmanship, committed customer service and professional solutions.
Although a formal mission statement was never adopted prior to this, we didn’t have much trouble coming up with something. The company has been operating with these values in mind for more than 112 years. Through our conversations, we wanted to make sure we created a mission statement that accurately highlighted and exemplified our company for the past, present, and future.