Masonry Magazine February 2006 Page. 22
INDUSTRY TRAINING
David Ziemke, supervisor of industrial and engineering systems, said students "benefit from working in a real-world work environment, learn to cultivate relationships with area contractors, and strengthen ties within the community."
For more information, visit www.pentacareercenter.org.
Maplewood Career Center, Ravenna, Ohio
Instructor: Richard Nagy
Number of Students: 22
The masonry program at Maplewood Career Center has been in existence since 1997. During this time, students have participated in numerous competitions, including SkillsUSA where the program earned gold and bronze medals in 2002 and 2005, respectively.
At the end of their two-year program, students have a strong knowledge of "stick-work" using the level to ensure proper corner construction. In addition to the projects in the lab, students gain exposure to an actual job site by participating in the construction of a house that is later auctioned off to the highest bidder.
During the summer, students work with contractors to gain additional experience, and many times they secure employment with this contractor upon graduation. Students say the program has taught them to "learn with pride and work with great mechanics." This reflects instructor Richard Nagy's teaching philosophy, which emphasizes students fostering dedication in their work, while at the same time ensuring that they acquire the necessary skills to excel in the field.
For more information, visit www.maplenet.sparcc.org.
Indiana County Technology Center, Indiana, Pa.
Instructor: John Koenigsberg
Number of Students: 42
The masonry program at the Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) is growing to meet the needs of the demanding construction trades industry. The current population is a significant increase over the last 10 years' average.
Many aspects of this program are unique, including introductory career programming, affiliation with the National Home Builders Association and an entrepreneurial business component. The latter component allows students to experience the reality of business through an entrepreneur venture in which the students build materials and then learn to cost out each piece, relating the time it takes to create it, the manpower and employee costs, the purchasing of supplies, and marketing media.
Success in the program, according to instructor John Koenigsberg, is gained when students work hard each day to the fullest of their ability, pay attention to detail in all aspects of the construction project, and gain personal pride in creating a high-quality finished products.
For more information, visit www.indtech.org.
Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, Scranton, Pa.
Instructor: Joe Pinto
Number of Students: 39
The Career Technology Center (CTC) trowel trades program provides students with the fundamental skills needed to work with block, brick and stone. This course is designed to give students the proper procedures, methods and learning experiences for cutting, chipping and setting in position of block, brick, stone and glass block using bonding materials and hand tools. Students learn block and bricklaying, mortar mixing, steps and brick veneer layout, fireplace layout, scaffold safety, basic concepts in retaining wall systems, layout and review of different types of patterns and shapes for brick paving, estimating projects, and the proper use of all masonry tools.
CTC students also work on projects in service crews and learn the value of working as a team.
For more information, visit www.ctc.tec.pa.us.