NEF President's Message

As we enter May, we continue to live the “new normal” our states have enacted. I hope that each of you continue to follow the guidelines set by the CDC and local authorities to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

NEF offered a discount on our programs over the last few weeks. I am happy to announce that we sold a total of 48 books during the promotion. This means that 48 more people may be adding credentials behind their names! Good luck to each of you when you take your test.

The Board continues to meet monthly to discuss the business of the Foundation and committees are hard at work on the strategic plan goals set at the mid-year meeting.

Judging is underway for the Carol Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award. This year we received over 10 applications for the award. If you didn’t make the deadline this year, start preparing for next year. Information on this award can be found at https://nef-edu.org/awards-carol-kueker-construction-education-visionary/

Design Drafting and Block Kids judging is also underway. Good luck to all who participated. NEF looks forward to announcing the winners! For more information on our K-12 programs, please visit https://nef-edu.org/k-12-education/

As a reminder, donations for raffle items can be made through your Ladder Club. Remember to note on your check that your check is for raffle items. We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity and also provide higher valued prizes at Annual Conference.

Also, don’t forget that NEF will be hosting a CIT review class and test session at Annual Conference. Please contact the NEF office to sign up.

Sincerely,

Wendy Jarred, CBT, CCA, CDS, CIT, EIT, LEED AP BD+C
NEF President 2019 – 2020

NEF Spotlight Corner

Karen Hager, CBT, CIT
NAWIC Representative

Education is an important part of professional growth.  With our industry changing every day, failing to continue to learn just puts us behind our peers.  However, education can also be very expensive.  I, personally, am still paying off a student loan, from 8 years ago, that I got from getting my Bachelor’s Degree.  This took 2 ½ years of hard work, making sacrifices, and taking time away from my family, so that I could further myself in my career.  While the degree was, I think, essential for my type of work, it did not pertain to the industry I have dedicated my career to. This is why I am thankful for NEF.

NEF has courses, specifically for our industry, that are affordable and easy to manage.  These courses are designed for at home, self-study where you can review the course material at your own pace and have two years from the time of purchase to take the test.  This, to me, is manageable learning.

I have taken the Construction Industry Technician (CIT) and Construction Industry Bookkeeping (CBT) courses.  The CIT was instructor led and the CBT was self-study.   Both were manageable and well worth the time.  I have even gone further and become a trainer, locally, for the CBT course.  Now, NEF has made it even easier by offering the training materials online, adding testing on your time online, and is hard at work making online courses available.

It is a great time to be part of NEF. I would encourage everyone to take one or more of the courses offered.  Even if they are not required for your position.  Knowledge is power and we can never get enough knowledge.

NEF News

  • NEF’s Website Calendar shows upcoming events and important dates.  Check it out here: https://nef-edu.org/events/
  • Have you checked out the NEF Digital Bookstore?!?  What are you waiting for?!?  NEF courses are now available in hardcover and e-book formats.  Start your educational journey today! https://nefedu.directfrompublisher.com/
  • NEF is recognized as a quality education provider by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE).
  • NEF is solely funded by donations and sponsorships so your contributions will continue to assist in the efforts to provide quality construction education.
  • Did you join NEF’s Ladder Club of Success yet? Get started today. Contact NEF’s office for details.
Join Ladder Club