9 2018 WECA Year In Review/2019 90th Anniversary Year WECA was recently pleased to announce the release of the second edition of its prevailing wage eBook. California public works contractors have long grappled with prevailing wage law. Blueprint to California’s Prevailing Wage, now updated with the latest changes to California law, guides readers through California prevailing wage compliance. Blueprint to California’s Prevailing Wage is unlike any other prevailing wage text. Learning is made as painless as possible, and is facilitated throughout by a rich visual presentation, engaging infographics, and an interactive design. Beginning with basic instruction, up through advanced sample wage calculations, this eBook is intended for audiences at all levels, regardless of their prior knowledge. The eBook is included in WECA members’ benefit packages. NEW RELEASES UPDATED FOR ALL AUDIENCES 2ND EDITION OF PREVAILING WAGE EBOOK RELEASED and willingness, to follow detailed instructions,” said Kappes. “Most of the systems we deal with in the low voltage field employ some level of computer processing. The ability to work through a situation in a step-by-step, detailed manner is a huge advantage to a low voltage technician.” Kappes also reaffirmed WECA’s commitment to staying one step ahead of the game by disclosing future expansion plans. “We’ve created a world-class fire and life safety lab, and we’d now like to turn our attention to upgrading the existing voice-data-video (VDV) lab,” said Kappes. The expansion is necessary to accommodate anticipated larger class sizes, according to Kappes. Such an expansion would entail reconfiguring the lab from four positions to twelve, removing most of the rack and tool storage, and utilizing all four walls for increased lab positions. The expansion would also allow instructors to serve more students in smaller groups so that they receive the necessary hands- on practice most students need. “[We also hope] to create a ‘mock’ server room or computer room, possibly incorporating a raised floor and multiple rows of equipment racks to familiarize students with the types of cable pulls they may encounter in the field,” said Kappes. To that end, Kappes stated that he and the other low voltage instructors will contact WECA member contractors specializing in low voltage and data to gather input and ideas regarding how to best prepare apprentices for maximum productivity once they reach the field. In the meantime, though, Kappes mused that “our industry continues to adopt technology as it becomes available and reliable. Our goal is to continually upgrade the labs - and the program in general - to stay relevant in the industry and [be] beneficial to our member contractors.”