Report of the MCAA Workforce Development Committee

Words: Calvin Brodie

Masonry Training Series

The Masonry Training Series has experienced a slow down in sales this year, which is most likely due to the current economic situation. We will continue reviewing all existing training programs and updating along with surveying membership for additional apprenticeship training programs. We anticipate the start of development of a mason tender program this year. Our effort will done cooperatively with the Education Committee.

Skills USA

The MCAA continues to support the work of the Skills USA and participate on the Masonry Technical Committee to sponsor and facilitate the national championships in Kansas City each June. The MCAA works with many other industry affiliates to make this program a success.

Fastest Trowel Contest

This year we have 16 contestants participating in the contest. Sponsorship was significantly down this year due to the current economic situation. We expect an exciting contest and expect crowds similar to what we had last year.

Masonry Skills Challenge

Once again the Masonry Skills Challenge will be highlighted at the convention. Due to the economy only regions B, C, G and Mid Atlantic regions will be competing in the contest. We have 4 1st yr. and we 5 each for the 2nd. and 3rd year programs, for a total of 14 competitors. We are currently discussing the option of adding a journeyman category for 2011 to highlight the skill of journeymen in the industry.
Luis Sontay
September 2026

For this month, the MCAA got to sit down with aspiring mason Luis Sontay. From taking an interest in masonry as a kid to placing 1st in a postsecondary competition, Luis’ dedication and passion for the trade is clear. Luis describes his early passion fo

Justin Stengel
GEN NXT
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Mentmore Towers, Fort Point, and More
September 2026

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, UK, stands as a sweeping estate that represents the absolute peak of English masonry. Conceived with breathtaking scale and precision, the monumental complex is defined by

Justin Stengel
Masonry in the Media
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The Alhambra
September 2026

High above Granada, Spain, the Alhambra offers masonry professionals something more than an architectural landmark. It is a working lesson in how relatively simple building materials, placed by skilled craftsmen and maintained over generations, can create

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
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The Wall
September 2026

There is a story around Huntley Brothers that some of our guys simply call “The Wall.” I’ve told it enough times over the years that when I start telling it to one of our younger guys, I can see a few of the older ones rolling their eyes. They’ve heard i

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
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