GEN NXT: Ashley Harris

Photos: Ashley Harris


This month, the MCAA had the chance to talk with Ashley Harris from Washington, a mason who is determined by doubters and her ability to prove people wrong. Read about her story and why she chose masonry over any other trade.

Ashley found her calling in the masonry industry after serving time in the army. Initially engaging in a pre-apprenticeship for carpentry and electrical work, she discovered that electrical work wasn't her true passion. It was a challenge from someone who doubted her potential as a mason that motivated her to pursue an apprenticeship in masonry.

MCAA: How did you get involved in the masonry industry?

Ashley Harris: Well, originally, when I got out of the army I did a pre-apprenticeship for carpentry and electrical. Then I did a little bit of electrical work with a different company, but I didn't really like it. And then I was told by someone that I could never make it as a mason, so I immediately applied for an apprenticeship.



The appeal of masonry, for Ashley, began with her belief that she would become a tile setter, inspired by her positive experiences with tile work during her pre-apprenticeship. However, during a pre-job session at a schoolhouse, she encountered bricks and blocks for the first time. This hands-on experience captivated her, leading her to prefer masonry over tile setting.

MCAA: What about masonry attracted you to this industry?

Ashley Harris: Well, originally when I applied I thought I was going to be a tile setter. When I did that pre-apprenticeship with carpentry and electrical, I did a little bit of tile work; and I liked doing it. But then, when I went to do a pre-job at the schoolhouse, I got to play around with bricks and blocks. I decided that I would like doing that more than I would like doing tile work.



Ashley sought a career that provided a sense of purpose, with the added satisfaction of witnessing her hard work turn into visible results.

MCAA: What did you hope to get out of a career in the industry?

Ashley Harris: Probably like, a sense of purpose and visually seeing that I did good work.



For her, the difference between a good mason and a great one lies in the effort invested and the willingness to address mistakes before they become significant issues.

MCAA: What do you think separates a good mason from a great mason?

Ashley Harris: Probably how much effort they put in, and their willingness to fix a mistake before it becomes a problem. Effort never goes unnoticed.



Throughout her career, Ashley has faced numerous challenges. Being shorter than her peers required her to adapt her techniques for laying bricks and blocks. Additionally, as a woman in a physically demanding field, she developed creative methods to overcome differences in muscle mass, proving that innovation can overcome physical constraints.

MCAA: What challenges have you had to overcome in your career so far?

Ashley Harris: So, I'm really short. So I've had to learn how to do all of these different things, how to lay all these different bricks and blocks a little bit differently than everybody else. Most people are a good 6 inches to a foot taller than me, so it makes a huge difference. And then, being a woman, I don't necessarily have as much muscle mass as everybody else. So I have to find different techniques on how to do everything essentially.



One of Ashley's proudest achievements is representing Washington State at various contests. These events not only demonstrate her skills but also allow her to showcase her pride in her origins.

MCAA: What are you most proud of in your career so far?

Ashley Harris: I think I'm most proud of being able to represent Washington State at these different apprenticeship contests that I've been going to. I like to represent where I come from.



Looking ahead, she envisions a future as a foreman, with a commitment to absorbing as much knowledge as possible along her journey.

MCAA: What are your plans for the future of your career?

Ashley Harris: Right now. I'm just trying to feel this journey out, but I think I'll end up in a foreman position, but I'm just going to try and soak up as much knowledge as I can before I get there.

 

To those considering a career in masonry, Ashley offers simple advice: try it. While pre-job training might initially feel unfamiliar, the hands-on experience can be enjoyable and fulfilling. The journey of continuous learning and skill development makes the work engaging and rewarding.

MCAA: What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the industry?

Ashley Harris: Go and try it. It's kind of weird when you go to pre-job training and you get hands on with this material. But you just kind of start having fun, and you want to just keep going and keep learning.