Report of the MCAA Workforce Development Committee

Words: Adam Masterson

Skills USA

In June 2016 the MCAA continued it’s support of Skills USA. We look forward to our continued support of Skills USA.

Laborer’s Program

The AZ program created a few years back is now shared on the MCAA website at www.masoncontractors.org/mason-tender-training. It is a very nice way to recruit new young people into our industry and give them a very quick crash course essentials before going on the job-site. Feel free to check it out and use what you would like at the local level.

Movement is being made and we expect to have digital baseball cards available in 2017. In addition we are looking at running new ones in Masonry throughout the year.

The Foreman Development Program

The Foreman Development Program will is being held again in Las Vegas. Instructor Dave Jaykins has tweaked the program with new content. We will continue to redevelop the program over the next year.

Short Detail Videos

The Committee expects these to begin in 2017. The committee will be working with Masonry to make these happen. In addition to the video, there will likely be a written piece for most of these.

The committee is working with the Marketing Committee to develop some promotional pieces on why you would want to be a mason. Look for these to be available in early 2017.

The committee is working with the Legislative Committee to promote legislation to help with the recruitment and training process. The renewal of Perkins funding and making changes to it will be a priority in 2017.
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu