Masonry Magazine June 2012 Page. 28
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The networking of masonry instructors and industry professionals to share resources and information has proven most beneficial to each instructor's growth and success. MIAP members communicate regularly at face-to-face meetings, and by email and phone, and receive valuable industry information through emails from PCMA on a variety of topics.
The Impact of MIAP
The MIAP MEMBERS are dedicated to finding and maintaining qualified masons with the desire to teach masonry with the knowledge and skill level required to train masons who can construct buildings that will last hundreds of years. At an MIAP meeting, a formal motion was made to contact the Department of Education to express concerns for the proposed methods of qualifying new masonry instructors. This new method was indicated to include only an interview process and no hands-on skill checks. It also only required an applicant to have two years of experience as a mason. We were aware of the challenge PDE faces in identifying individuals with adequate trade experience, combined with the ability to use those skills to teach others. Our concern was in the fact that masonry is one of the few professions that is not only a vocation, but also ability. It is as much an art form as it is a skill.
It takes many years to develop not only the knowledge of the trade, but also the ability to manipulate the trowel. A mason would unlikely be considered a master of his craft after only two years of experience. We asked for consideration of revising the selection process to require six years of experience, a written test and a hands-on skill test to adequately access ability to teach others. We wished to maintain the high standard of quality and experience for masonry instructors, and stand ready to assist in this important process by helping to develop the appropriate tests for the curriculum needed. The outcome was that the hands-on and written test were reinstated.
In another instance, one of the instructors discovered that the cut score for passing the NOCTI test for the brick and block masonry tests was to be increased significantly, which would impact the graduation status of seniors at the secondary level. MIAP was able to advocate having the cut score changed to an appropriate level so as to properly test the skill level of the student while maintaining the level of cut score more similar to other curriculums.
Skills PA
For many years, the Skills PA Masonry competition was held, but languished at the secondary level with only the post-secondary doing well at the national level. One of the first projects the MIAP group decided to pursue was to put more emphasis on the Skills PA competition, to showcase the talent of the students at both the secondary and post-secondary levels. We developed a more coordinated program, trained on how to judge a competition, and awarded $500 for each of the secondary and post-secondary winners. The results have been increased interest in Skills PA among the students and instructors, a higher level of skill in the competition and national winners.
In addition to these programs, PCMA supplies a tool bag with tools and a level to each school for its top masonry student, and recruitment materials and support to bring in good students to the programs.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association, the members and activities, log onto www.pacma.com or call 717-279-6346. IMAS
Jan Boyer has served as the executive director of the Pennsylvania Concrete Masonry Association since 2000. She also serves on the Board of Directors for The Masonry Society and the Masonry Alliance for Codes & Standards. Involved in the masonry industry for more than 14 years, she also is affiliated with the Concrete Joint Sustainability Initiative and the State Alliance of the National Concrete Masonry Association. She can be reached at jboyer@pacma.com or 717-279-6346. Visit www.pacma.com for more information.
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