Masonry Magazine January 2005 Page. 20
MEMBERSHIP
The ability to influence masonry design codes, standards and regulations to become more 'constructible' is invaluable to contractors.
Johnson says that MCAA has also made strides with the highly political American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
"The MCAA has positioned itself to influence the key decision-makers and also taken key leadership roles within the organization," he says. "This ensures not only are contractors not left out of the loop, but can also help steer the direction of many of the ASTM Standards that affect the installation of masonry units. For instance, when the workmanship standard is completed, it will serve as a tool by which masonry can be judged that is achievable and realistic rather than perfect and unrealistic. Many other ASTM Standards have been blocked by MCAA that, if published, would have certainly worked against contractors."
Workforce Development
THERE'S NO POINT in building up market share if you don't have any masons to work for you. That's why MCAA is creating avenues for younger people to discover the benefits of joining the masonry industry.
"The reason I joined the Workforce Development Committee was the lack of good availability of good employees in our industry," says Doug Nichols, Chair of that committee and Owner of Doug Nichols Masonry in St. Peters, Mo. "We look for ways of helping the local contractor get a good group of available employees for the future."
Nichols says that the Committee has accomplished many key things over the years to help increase the potential workforce. By increasing the amount of quality training materials, providing Spanish versions, creating National Masonry Career Days, partnering with SkillsUSA, and offering the annual Masonry Skills Challenge competition, MCAA has opened doors to the workforce of tomorrow.
"I think the ability of the Association to distribute career information to over 600 schools nationwide and to students who had no prior knowledge of masonry is our most significant accomplishment," states Melissa Polivka, MCAA's Director of Workforce Development. "Our Check Out a Career in Masonry high school
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September 2004
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