Masonry Magazine June 2007 Page. 22
TRAINING
Masons and masonry companies interested in DOC programs have ample opportunities.
How the Industry Can Get Involved
MASONS AND MASONRY COMPANIES interested in participating in DOC programs have ample opportunities. The first step is typically contacting the institution to find out about teaching, hiring former inmates, donating materials, being a guest speaker, or mentoring an inmate.
One program that could really benefit from an experienced mason is at the Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP) in Parchman, Miss., which has been inactive for the past two years because it lacks an instructor, said Kent Crocker, communications specialist for the Mississippi Department of Corrections in Jackson, Miss.
"Our program at Mississippi State Penitentiary could be an active program if a qualified instructor applies and meets the requirements," Crocker said. "A person must show expertise in the field of masonry and bricklaying and have documentation of this expertise. They would need to have a minimum of four years of verifiable work in masonry and bricklaying along with other requirements, such as being able to obtain a vocational teaching license."
When the program was active, 15 inmates could enroll at a time to complete the 1,800 hours of training, which took approximately 18 to 19 months, he said.
Training included specialized classroom and shop experiences, such as laying out and spacing bonds; determining vertical and horizontal alignment of courses using gauges, plumb bobs, and levels; and cutting, notching, and shaping blocks, bricks, and stone to construct or repair walls, partitions, arches or fireplaces, Crocker said. Training also entailed reading architectural plans, planning and estimating.
Other programs also welcome mason contractor and mason contributions. Shoup said masonry professionals are always welcomed to be part of the class Advisory Committee at the Mansfield Institution. Masons and mason contractors are also considered as guest speakers.
The Kentucky DOC welcomes mason contractors interested in helping to train inmates, Ratliff said. Although the institution does not currently work with state or local masonry businesses to help secure employment for released inmates, that could soon change. In March, a transition coordinator was hired to help with job placement.
"He is charged with starting a program with contractors statewide to provide these very services to our released students," Ratliff said.
Brett Martin is a freelance writer located in Shakopee, Minn.
• Retaining Walls
• Interlocking Pavers
• Architectural Block
• Architectural Brick
• Handcrafted Stone
• Slate Paving Stones
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Masonry
June 2007
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