Best of the mason wannabes: the 39th SkillsUSA-VICA masonry competition demonstrated to our industry pessimists that relying on quality workers may still have a chance to succeed

Masonry Construction, Nov-Dec, 2003 by Rick Yelton

Mike Pickels had an important project to build that day in late June. He had carefully checked, cleaned, and packed everything he thought he needed to do the job right. Now approaching the jobsite, he was lugging a worn canvas bag jammed with his favorite trowels, string lines, and other tools in his left hand. He clutched his reliable 3-ft. level in the other hand.

Pickels was well prepared for the task ahead of him. He had met for lunch the day before with the project's designer to review the plans, specifications, and jobsite work rules. Following the meal, the team walked over to the site to double-check that the materials had been delivered and that all was ready. He had even checked the job's mock-up panel.

While this course of daily events often becomes commonplace for most masonry contractors, it was the beginning of a whole new world for Pickels. The jobsite he was walking towards was more than just another trek to the wall. The student at The Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades, Media, Pa., was ready to compete against 30 other regional contestants in the 2003 SkillsUSA competition held in late June at Kansas City's Bartle Hall. Like Pickels, each of the other mason-wannabes knew that the judging of this six-hour competition would show the results of his hard work and study and set him on the path of becoming a mason.

"This is my sixth time helping with the competition as a member of the Masonry Technical Committee, and each time I know that I have had an opportunity to meet a few contestants who will quickly become quality masons and lead men," said Bryan Light, Southern Brick Institute and the incoming chairman. "By supporting the schools and vocational instructors who teach masonry, we are helping to build a strong workforce," he emphasized.

Don Witt, a Springfield, Mo.-based bricklayer instructor for BAC Local Union 15 Apprenticeship & Training Fund, has been a judge in a number of local and regional competitions and agrees with Light's opinion. "This year is my first opportunity to judge a national event, and it refreshes me to see the enthusiasm and effort these students bring," he commented.

Witt went on to explain that his greatest challenge as a trainer is developing a skilled workforce of masons to replace the high number of those expected to retire in the next few years. "Some of these students seem to be on the right road to step into our shoes," stated Witt, "and if they work hard and continue their skills training, these young people will find the industry full of opportunities."

When Light, Witt, and the other judges finished measuring heights and rating workmanship, this latest group of mason wannabes had demonstrated to their peers that the industry has the makings of a strong workforce in the future.

Where are you from?

According to Bob Melton, the keynote speaker at the luncheon for the masonry contestants and their instructors, this group in Kansas City represented the top 1 1/2% of all the participants in the national SkillsUSA program. He informed the audience that they were the latest in a long line of students that have competed in the contest. The masonry competition was one of the four original contests in the program, which was first held in 1967.

Now the annual event includes 45 skilled trade contests, covering the wide range of opportunities that exist in vocational work. In addition to the traditional programs such as masonry, carpentry, and plumbing, there are now competitions for airplane engine repair, baking, and computer technology.

SkilIsUSA has more than 264,000 members organized into nearly 13,000 chapters and 54 state/territorial associations. Not every chapter or association has every competition style. Participating students compete in two classes--high school and post secondary. This year's masonry competition included 31 in the high school section and 15 in the post secondary group.

The SkillsUSA organization is loosely structured something like the 4-H, but differs in that the instructors and students focus on technical and service occupation skills. The key to the program's success is the involvement of vocational instructors and school administrators who recognize the need for encouraging a career path for students other than college.

The Skills Challenge, as well as the year-long activities that lead up to the finals, are sponsored by SkillsUSA, which is a national organization based in Leesburg, Va. The week-long national event is the culmination of a school-year effort of teaching and learning. Teachers involved in the program indicate that the opportunity to be at the national competition is a prize that helps encourage students to learn vocational skills.

The masonry competition is steep in tradition. In fact Pickles' instructor--Don Williams--first attended the competition as a contestant. Since then, he has had brought a host of students to the event.

Unfortunately, not every state was represented, nor does every masonry vocational education class participate in the skills program. With cutbacks in many school districts, the first item on the block is often the vocational instructor or his/her extra curricular activities.