Dothan Technology Center masonry students prepare for competition

Words: Robert Johnson, Steven Uhler, Jakob Johnson, Joc CarrollFor Jakob Johnson, masonry is a family tradition.

Jakob’s father Robert Johnson is a mason, and Jakob is taking classes at Dothan Technology Center in the trade, hoping to follow in his father’s footsteps.

“I go home and show him pictures of what we’ve been doing here,” Jakob said. “He’s proud of me.”

Jakob is among several DTC masonry students who will compete in the state Skills USA competition in Birmingham. The event offers competitions in various career technical skills taught in schools around the state.

Joc Carroll, DTC masonry instructor, said his students will compete in a variety of practical exercises, including building walls of brick and stone.

“It’s a lot of things they’d be doing in the real world as masons,” Carroll said.

The Skills USA event is a valuable experience for students because it gives them the opportunity to earn scholarships, connect with employers and interact with other students interested in masonry. Carroll said the competitive nature of the event pushes students to excel.

“We try to make it very challenging for them,” he said.

Steven Uhler, 17, is traveling to compete in the Skills USA masonry competition. Uhler said he enjoys masonry because it gives him a chance to work with his hands.

“I don’t like my hands to be clean,” he said. “I like them to be dirty. It represents my work.”

Uhler said the toughest part of masonry is making measurements and keeping work level. Uhler said he looks forward to the opportunity to compete against other students.

Jakob agreed.

“It makes me want to do better, to go in and prove myself and get a sense of satisfaction by being happy with what I did,” he said.
About: Featured
Mast Climbing Work Platform Check List – Significant Seven
May 2025

Many MCAA members and Mast Climbing Work Platform equipment owners have been asking for a copy of a presentation completed by Hydro Mobile at Mid-Year 2022. The basis of the presentation is for owners and users of Mast Climbing Work Platforms to establish

Eric Johnson Rob Faro
Featured MAP Partner
General Education Residential Restoration
Read More
Youth Outreach and Education Arm Attends the Leon Works Career Fair
May 2025

On Friday, April 25, the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) participated in the Leon Works Expo in Tallahassee, FL, reaching over 1,000 high school students from Leon County and surrounding areas. In collaboration with local contractor Masonr

Conner Birdsong
Read More
Work Trucks Need Hard-working Tires
May 2025

Whatever you’re hauling, whatever job site you’re headed to, your work truck needs to be dependable. It’s a vital part of your livelihood. That’s why it’s important to check what holds your work truck up, namely the tires. Simply put, the right tires (alo

Eric Johnson William Groak
Featured
Block General Education Natural Stone Residential Restoration
Read More
Youth Outreach and Education Arm Attends the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA Competition
May 2025

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), in partnership with Florida Masonry Inc., proudly participated in the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA competition. This year’s masonry contest featured seven skilled student competitors and drew significant atte

Conner Birdsong
Featured
Read More