Report of the MCAA Workforce Development Committee Words: Moroni MejiaNCCER A memorandum of understanding was signed between the MCAA and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) formalizing a partnership between the two organizations. The revision of NCCER's masonry training curriculum began in October. Members of the Workforce Development Committee joined subject matter experts from around the country at NCCER's headquarters to participate in a detailed review of the Masonry Level One book. The second meeting will be held in Dallas later this month. The curriculum review meetings will continue until all three volumes of the masonry curriculum have been reviewed and validated. Once the review is complete, focus will shift to developing the Mason Tender Training Curriculum and establishing a written and practical Mason Journey Level Assessment. Skills USA and Workforce Development Forum Kansas City was once again host to an outstanding Skills USA National Masonry Competition in June. An in-person Workforce Development discussion was held during the contestant/instructor luncheon in conjunction with the National Masonry Instructors Association. With the Brick Industry Association's and Skills USA's support a more in depth meeting will be held this year. World of Concrete Competitions The Fastest Trowel on the Block and International Masonry Skills Challenge will both be held during Masonry Madness on Wednesday, February 6 at the World of Concrete. The Skills Challenge contest area has been moved to the Gold Lot and will be used as a walkway into the BRICKLAYER 500 and Fastest Trowel contest areas. All eyes will be on the contests as we celebrate the best of our workforce.