Masonry Magazine May 2001 Page. 44
MASONRY SHOWCASE REVIEW
MASONRY SKILLS
CHALLENGE 2001
By Kimberly Shifflette, Director of Education
Masonry Skills Challenge
Creates National
Excitement for
Apprenticeship Training
Eighteen apprentices from the U.S. and nine from Canada competed in the second annual Masonry Skills Challenge held in conjunction with MCAA's Masonry Showcase in Orlando on February 24, 2001. The Masonry Skills Challenge is an international competition of masonry apprentices in three skill levels: first year, second year and third year. The MCAA spearheaded the competition in order to place more emphasis on training, skill and craftsmanship and less emphasis on speed, differentiating it from the competition. It was designed to be a showcase for skills training in the masonry industry and to not only spotlight our industry's finest young bricklayers, but also to spotlight careers in the masonry industry. "The MCAA has long been placing emphasis on solving the masonry industry's training and recruiting problems. By showcasing the pride and skills of our future workforce, the Masonry Skills Challenge adds one more piece toward solving that puzzle," said Doug Nichols, MCAA Training Committee Chairman.
The Masonry Skills Challenge brought excitement to skills training across the United States as regional qualifying competitions were held. All across the U.S., apprentices were offered the opportunity to compete in a regional competition. Winners from these competitions were then eligible to compete in the international competition in Orlando.
In addition to the United States
Apprentices working alongside architects and journeymen on a home for Habitat for Humanity.
Third year apprentice Darren Hope from R & R Hope Masonry constructs his Masonry Skills Challenge project.
44 MASONRY-MAY, 2001