Masonry Magazine November 2008 Page. 22
EDUCATION & TRAINING
He adds, noting that he's concerned that the rigidity of the certification process might scare away even some of the most qualified people, leaving them "behind the eight ball" when certification becomes an industry standard.
RMMI two-year degree
ALSO OFFERING a certification program is the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI) in Denver, which recently launched a two-year associate degree program in masonry arts in conjunction with Front Range Community College. The institute was formed from a consortium of more than 100 manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and association members in Colorado and Wyoming.
"If you have this two-year degree, (certified mason contractors) can further their options in the construction industry by opening your own business or getting a four-year degree in project management, business or engineering," says Larisa LaBrant, executive director of the RMMI.
While the RMMI previously provided some training programs, education courses were on hold from 2005 until 2007, while plans were in the making for the new associate degree offering, started for RMMI by a fourth generation bi-lingual master mason.
"By putting our education in the state's community college system, we can replicate the program anywhere in the state, instead of everyone having to come to the training center. Crews can get programs at various community colleges," she says.
IF YOU HAVE THE RMMI TWO-YEAR DEGREE, [CERTIFIED MASON CONTRACTORS] CAN FURTHER THEIR OPTIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BY OPENING YOUR OWN BUSINESS OR GETTING A FOUR-YEAR DEGREE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT, BUSINESS OR ENGINEERING.
- Larisa LaBran
Executive Director of the RMM
The RMMI recently had to double course offerings, because demand skyrocketed when they began offering the courses in Spanish, adds LaBrant, who cites 30 students currently enrolled in the degree program. She's hoping by next year that two or three community colleges will have implemented their curricula.
Offering the courses in Spanish is an added bonus for employers facing difficulty in bringing workers into the country on a limited number of H-2B visas for temporary workers, whereas workers enrolled in the degree program can enter on J-1 student visas.
In addition, RMMI formed a 501(c)(3) foundation in order to quality for grants outside the industry that could provide scholarships for students in need of financial assistance. LaBrant says the RMMI hopes to align the program with the
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Sustainable Masonry
The Total System Approach
by Christopher Bupp, Masonry and Architectural Services, Hohmann and Barnard
Masonry has long been considered one of the most sustainable and durable building materials in the construction industry. Today's cavity walls require the proper use of numerous masonry accessories to reinforce and tie together multiple wythes of masonry, plus control and expansion joints to handle movement. Flashings, air/vapor barriers, mortar collection devices, weeps & vents are designed to effectively manage moisture within the wall assembly.
For 75 years, Hohmann & Barnard has been the leading manufacturer and fabricator of all types of innovative products for the masonry world. As 21st century masonry walls become more complex with stricter code requirements, increased energy efficiency and more creative designs, the need has developed for systems or groupings of products that will function together and that have been being tested to assure their compatibility and effectiveness.
HOHMANN AND BARNARD
X-Seal Anchor
Byna-Lok™and
Continuous Wire
HOHMANN AND BARNARD
X-Seal Tape
Mortar Net
HOHMANN AND BARNARD
TextroFlash™ Green
HOHMANN AND BARNARD
Stainless Steel
Drip Plate
Once again, Hohmann & Barnard is leading the way with complete systems for various wall types that include all of the required accessories for the project. Our extensive field experience along with testing at our R&D lab allow us to offer complete systems of complementary and compatible products to give designers, contractors and building owners peace of mind. To find out more, or to determine a system specific to your project needs, please contact Patricia Hohmann at Hohmann and Barnard, 1-800-645-0616 or Chris Bupp, 1-717-779-4943