Masonry Magazine October 2000 Page. 62
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SBI TENNESSEE TROWEL TIME CONTESTANT WINS TROPHY FOR MASONRY ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
CONYERS, GA-June 21, 2000-The Factory, an historic building once bustling with production and excitement, came alive again as the host site for the Southern Brick Institute's Manpower Forum Apprentice Contest, Tennessee Trowel Time, an annual competition showcasing beauty and excellence in masonry work.
On June 3, 37 masonry apprentices used brick and mortar to create a structure according to plan. The competition provided an arena for them to show what he or she had learned as a masonry apprentice. Each contestant, who competed within one of three skill levels, was judged for plumb, level, square and range, measurements, correct design, manipulation, tooling and neatness, full joints and production.
For the participants of the program, it is a way of receiving recognition from peers and instructors on their capability. "It proved that I have come a long way since the beginning of the year", said first year apprentice winner Chris Sutherland.
"The competition also provides a means of evaluating the apprenticeship programs," said Bill Kjorlien, Executive Director of Southern Brick Institute. "If one program is outperformed year after year, then they have to find a way to improve that program."
As winner of the third-year level, Par Westman was presented with the competition's highest honor, the SBI Manpower Forum traveling trophy. This marks the first time the traveling trophy was won by an apprentice from the Masonry Association of Florida.
Mr. Westman, who also competed the previous two years as a first-and second-year apprentice, winning third and first place, respectively, said his next step is to open his own business and become an instructor for his local apprentice program. "It's important to learn the trade, so the beauty we create with brick and mortar will last a lifetime."
Winners in the first-year apprentice level included Chris Sutherland (1st place), Gary Dent (2nd place) and Michael Marsonek (3rd place); second-year apprentice winners were Steve Huskey (1st place), Herman Gann, Jr. (2nd place) and Roderick Skinner (3rd place); and third-year winners were Par Westman (1st place), Charles Gross (2nd place) and Brian Rose (3rd place).
Participating programs included the Masonry Association of Georgia, Atlanta; Masonry Association of Florida, Naples, Sarasota, Immokolee, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville; Masonry Affiliates Southeast, Birmingham, Pensacola, and Tuscaloosa; Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, Nashville and Knoxville; and Masonry Association of Chattanooga, Chattanooga.
Competition judges were instructors from each of the participating programs. All winners were presented with a commemorative plaque.
The Southern Brick Institute Manpower Forum Apprentice Contest was established six years ago by Reg Miller and Bill Kjorlien to reward top apprentices and show the value in apprentice training. The 2001 competition will be held in Pensacola, Florida, June 1-2.
The Southern Brick Institute is a multi-state council that serves as an advocacy group for the brick industry within its region, with executive offices in Conyers, Georgia. Major manufacturers who fund the efforts of the Southern Brick Institute include: Boral Bricks, Inc., General Shale Brick, Henry Brick Company, Cherokee Brick and Tile Company and Jenkin's Brick.
FIRST-PLACE WINNERS FROM TENNESSEE TROWEL TIME ARE NOW ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE IN THE INTERNATIONAL MASONRY SKILLS CHALLENGE IN ORLANDO, FL ON FEBRUARY 24, 2001.
The Masonry Skills Challenge is a showcase for skills training in the masonry industry, pitting winning apprentices from regional U.S. and foreign competitions to determine the world best. Upcoming qualifier regional competitions include:
Fort Worth, TX-October 21, 2000
Gainesville, VA - October 28, 2000
Kansas City, MO-Date TBD
Las Vegas, NV-Date TBD
Phoenix, AZ-October 14, 2000
For more information on entering an apprentice in the Masonry Skills Challenge, contact the MCAA office at 800-536-2225.