Masonry Magazine December 1999 Page. 16
Masonry Programs and SkillsUSA-VICA
By Craig E. Moore
Occupational outlook data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate bricklayers and stone masons will see a 14 percent increase in available jobs between 1996 and 2006. In fact, construction trades in general are the only goods-producing industry groups with expected employment growth in that same time frame.
Yet, independent research indicates enrollments in masonry have dropped consistently over the past 10 years. SkillsUSA-VICA membership data shows decline in its masonry student members of nearly 66 percent between 1991 and 1999. Considering these numbers, it's easy to see how projected labor shortages are already concerning employers.
To create awareness about the labor shortage in masonry as well as other trades, SkillsUSA-VICA is spearheading a grassroots effort to highlight business support of America's skilled workforce and the ramifications of a skill shortage. "We've heard the voice of business and understand their concerns about the skills shortage," said Stephen Denby, executive director of SkillsUSA-VICA. "Throughout the coming school year, our local chapters, state associations, and business partners will mobilize to speak out on the importance of our skilled work force. Our members will then gather signatures in their communities from business and industry indicating their support of skilled workers."
In September, 2000 during its annual Washington Leadership Training Institute, SkillsUSA-VICA will present these signatures to Congress and the White House. "We began gathering signatures during our annual conference," Denby said, "The ultimate goal is to collect one million signatures."
The campaign will give voice to industry, businesses, and communities on the importance of skilled workers. It is intended to strengthen statewide support for state associations, serve the interests of industry, and highlight SkillsUSA-VICA as a national force working with business and representing the interests of working men and women.
Promoting Masonry Programs
Through Business Sponsorship
In addition to the signature campaign, SkillsUSA-VICA promotes masonry programs specifically by working extensively with business and industry partners.
Among those business supporters of SkillsUSA-VICA is Brian Carney of SPEC MIX in St. Paul, Minn. SPEC MIX has helped run local and national masonry competitions for SkillsUSA-VICA for 15 years.
"In addition to being a cash sponsor of the SkillsUSA Championships, SPEC MIX provides mortar and labor for the contests," said Carney. "For the past three years we have donated $3,000 for the 'Commitment to Quality' scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to the masonry gold medalists (high school and postsecondary). The money is split between the two medalists and donated in their names to their schools. It can then be used to purchase books, mixers, or other equipment needed by the school's program."
Many teachers agree that involvement of corporate sponsors is a great way to recruit kids into their programs. "I know instructors have expressed appreciation to me for the involvement of SPEC MIX in their programs, Carney continued. "At the same time, many businesses see SkillsUSA-VICA as a viable way to replenish their workforce. I think it's a damned good idea."
Marshalltown Trowel is another national sponsor of SkillsUSA-VICA masonry programs. In addition to contest prizes, Marshalltown provides tools for local, regional, state, and national SkillsUSA-VICA contests.
Steve Lyons, marketing director at Marshalltown, explained how his company works with local schools. "We have two programs aimed at schools, Lyons said. "The first is our Student Award Program which allows a masonry instructor submit the name of an 'outstanding' student each grading period. The instructors use their own criteria for choosing the student."
"We send the instructor a trowel, cap, and personalized parchment certificate to present to the student. This program has been very well received. It gives the instructor an extra means to motivate students."
The other program is called "Tools for Schools."
"Under it, a school is encouraged to buy Marshalltown products locally and submit a copy of their invoice to us, Lyons explained. "We will send the same dollar value of tools from the factory at no charge. We let the school choose the free tools. We used to call this program 'Double Your Dollars' which fairly accurately describes it. We limit this program to $400 worth of free tools per school, per year."
It's clear that local business involvement together with national awareness of the benefits of these programs are key to reversing declining enrollments, and eliminating the skills shortage. Taking on both, SkillsUSA-VICA stands poised to lead the way for the 21 st century.
Craig E. Moore is a program manager /webmaster in the public relations department at SkillsUSA-VICA