Masonry Magazine September 2006 Page. 24
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Challenge, held annually at MCAA's Masonry Showcase. Apprentices are invited to compete in a regional contest to earn the right to take on the nation's best apprentices. To find out the date and location of the next contest in your area, call the MCAA at (800) 536-2225.
Guth said that the event is an opportune time to bring members of the industry together. "It's a great event to bring everyone together from concrete block producers, apprenticeship schools, material and equipment suppliers, mason contractors and their employees," he said. "These gatherings build enthusiasm for the masonry industry at all levels, especially if you are someone considering masonry as a viable career."
"The Fastest Trowel contest gives the journeyman masons a chance to see how they compare to other masons around the country," - Jeff Jenkins of Jenkins Masonry Inc.
The Fastest Trowel on the Block Contest
THE FASTEST TROWEL on the Block competition, hosted by the MCAA and sponsored by QUIKRETE, is a showcase of industry craftsmanship and a testament of both the speed and skill of our industry's workforce. Only those masons who have the skill, confidence and courage to face-off with the industry's best are invited to compete. This is a contest that also proves how important teamwork is in accomplishing a final product.
"The Fastest Trowel contest gives the journeyman masons a chance to see how they compare to other masons around the country," said Jeff Jenkins of Jenkins Masonry Inc.
SCAFFOLD PLANK
LAMINATED OR SOLID SAWN
When it comes to jobsite safety, your workers deserve the best!
•Microllam
•Master Plank
•DI-65 Pine
•OSHA Recognized
•Third Party
Inspection
•Proof Tested &
Stamped
•Readily Available
A WORLD OF SOURCES FOR SPECIALTY WOOD PRODUCES
SERVING THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER GO YEARS
800 365 9663
586 294 9663
Roseville, MI USA
www.mccauseylumber.com
22 Masonry
MCC
CAUSEY LUMBER CO.
CIRCLE 160 ON READER SERVICE CARD
September 2006
The competition pits journeyman masons, accompanied by their two favorite tenders, against one another in a show of both speed and craftsmanship. Each contestant's goal is to complete as much of an 18-block-long wall as possible, using 8"x8"x16" CMU and the provided mortar in a 20-minute dash. Contestants must have a high degree of workmanship using normal masonry practices and hand tools.
The Heat is On
THE 20-MINUTE contest clock starts. Each contestant is provided with 180 standard, lightweight concrete masonry units. Contestants are given no more than five stacks of block, while mortar is available from no more than four spot boards. Each contestant is allowed two tenders, but any assistance from these tenders in placing block in the wall, transferring mortar to the wall, applying mortar to the blocks, or handling the blocks from the stacks to the mason will result in disqualification for the team. Once the mason has touched a block, the tenders cannot touch the block again. Tenders may keep the mortarboards full, but cannot touch any of the mason's tools such as levels, lines or pins. The wall must be cut flush on both sides prior to laying the next course. The masons will lay as many 24-foot courses as possible, but at the end of 20 minutes, they must stop laying block.
How to Enter the Next Fastest Trowel Contest
THERE ARE TWO WAYS to enter the Fastest Trowel contest. Several local Fastest Trowel contests occur each year, and the winners are automatically entered to compete at the national contest. Or you can seek an application for one of the remaining slots in which to compete.
If you think that you are good enough and want to take on the nation's fastest trowels, call the MCAA at (800) 536-2225.
www.masoncontractors.org