Masonry Magazine August 1996 Page. 8
Recruitment and Training
8 MASONRY-JULY/AUGUST, 1996
A State of the Industry
By Connie Kitzinger
Director of Education
Mason Contractors
Association of America
The success of every industry depends on the continual availability of a well-trained workforce. The masonry industry is no different. Yet for well over a decade the systems through which we recruit and train our future employees have become fragmented, inconsistent and inadequate. According to a 1995 industry wide manpower study, masonry training programs around the country range from traditional highly structured programs, to short-course type training that produces primarily mason tenders and everything in between. National standards for the industry are ignored.
Causes of the Current Situation
Several reasons have been cited as contributing to the current workforce situation. One reason may be that contractors are hesitant to get involved in recruitment or training. Quite simply, the long term investment in human resource development is not seen as a priority.
Additionally, employee turnover also deters contractors from investing time or money in training programs. Many feel that it is not