Masonry Magazine February 2006 Page. 18
MASONRY INDUSTRY TRAINING
REPORT CARD
By Melissa Polivka
MCAA Director of Workforce Development
and Director of Membership
This is a great time to be a masonry apprentice. Over the next 10 years, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that there will be 23,000 newly created jobs in the masonry industry, and more than 15 percent of current journey masons' jobs will need to be refilled. As our nation's population increases, demands on our contractors for new homes, schools and industrial facilities, coupled with restoration work on older buildings, will make any well-trained and dedicated mason a valuable commodity.
This environment will also welcome more minorities into the ranks of masonry employees, as women, Asians and Hispanics are entering the industry workforce in greater numbers. The face of masons will be changing over the next 10 years, with a younger and more diverse work site.
In light of the escalating demand for qualified masons, training has become increasingly important. For years, the industry has discussed how many of our veterans, those with the skills and knowledge gained from decades on the job, are retiring. By 2012, the number of workers age 55 and older will increase almost 50 percent, making them 20 percent of the total workforce population. Students must acquire the experience of working side-by-side with our industry's most valuable asset before they leave the workforce.