Masonry Magazine July 2012 Page. 26
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
gone unnoticed or seem insignificant to them, they have each contributed in some way to the skills, knowledge and love for this trade that I've developed over the years.
So how can you contribute to workforce development? You don't need to fly to the capital to meet with legislators, rewrite training textbooks, open and operate training centers, organize international competitions, develop alliances with other national trade associations, or initiate an effort to change the image of the construction worker. The MCAA and our partners are actively doing all these things. While you are welcome and encouraged to join those efforts, the single, most significant contribution you can make to workforce development is found in the daily interactions you have with those around you: the mason tenders, apprentices, bricklayers, and especially high school students as they seek out careers.
The task of recruiting, developing and retaining these individuals is equally critical and daunting, So, I challenge each of you to find a way to share the skills, knowledge and love that you have acquired. The future of our industry is out there, eager to soak it up. If you're not sure where to begin, drop us a line. One of your fellow members will point you in the right direction and, together, we can continue to Keep the Trade Strong, IMAS
Moroni Mejla is a journeyman bricklayer and currently works as a project manager for Rhino Masonry Inc. He also volunteers as a masonry instructor, serves on the apprenticeship committee for the Arizona Masonry Contractors Association and chairs the MCAA workforce development committee. He can be reached at 602-717-7479 or mm2@rhinomasonryaz.com.
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24 MASONRY July 2012 www.masoncontractors.org The Voice of the Masonry Industry