Masonry Magazine May 2002 Page. 12
TRAINING & RECRUITING
With one national curriculum endorsed by the industry, these questions could be easily answered and less effort would be required to keep all programs up-to-date.
Provide better training for instructors. Budget for continuing education for your local masonry instructors. Consider sending them to a national convention like MCAA's Masonry Showcase or the National Masonry Instructors Association Annual Conference. Purchase membership for them in both those organizations so they receive information on a regular basis. Start a mentoring program. Give a slight raise to any experienced journeyman willing to take an apprentice "under his wing" on the jobsite. Provide training to this journeyman on how to be good mentor. Have regular meetings with the journeyman and apprentice to monitor the relationship. Support apprentices already in your employ. One great way to show your support to an apprentice is by asking him to participate in a local competition. Three years ago, the MCAA started the Masonry Skills Challenge, an international competition for apprentices, which showcases our industry's finest young masons both from the United States and Canada. Regional competitions are usually held on Saturdays during the summer and fall, culminating in the international competition held each year during MCAA's Masonry Showcase.
Unify the industry. Suppliers and contractors need to work together. Too many good-intentioned suppliers are trying to start their own recruitment efforts, often duplicating what's already been done, and too many contractors are willing to stand by and let the suppliers do their work for them. This may work in the short-term, but in order for our efforts to be successful in the long run, contractors need to take the lead and the suppliers should support them. Contractors also need to work together by not "stealing" newly trained journeymen from each other, allowing time for the contractor to gain some return on his investment. Creating a future workforce will be a lot simpler if we attack with a unified front. We have a long way to go to ensure the availability of an adequate workforce, but it is possible if everyone does their part. If you are unsure what you can do to help, contact the Mason Contractors Association of America at 800-536-2225 or at info@masoncontractors.com. The MCAA has many resources available to assist in your training and recruitment efforts including brochures for students and parents, a Check Out a Career in Masonry kit which includes brochures and a video for career days, a brochure on How to Set Up a Training and Recruitment Program as well as further information on the Masonry Skills Challenge.
Camden, Alabama
The Wilcox Central High School Career Technical Education Department accommodates eleven different technical programs and serves a maximum of 750 students. According to James G. Curry, masonry instructor, the instructional programs are designed to provide and allow for specialized training (more on page 14)