Outreach Outlook: MCAA Launches Outreach & Education Division

Words: Robert Melgaard, Conner Birdsong

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce the formation of its new Outreach & Education Division, a strategic initiative designed to revitalize high school masonry training programs and cultivate the next generation of skilled masonry professionals. This division represents MCAA’s renewed commitment to ensuring a thriving future for the masonry industry by investing in education, workforce development, and instructor recruitment.

To spearhead this initiative, MCAA has established a dedicated Outreach & Education office in Tallahassee, Florida. This new office will serve as the headquarters for the division and will coordinate efforts on a national scale, working directly with schools, educators, industry leaders, and aspiring masonry professionals.

A key milestone in the development of this division is the appointment of our first Regional Director, Conner Birdsong, who will oversee Region 2. Mr. Birdsong brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role and will be instrumental in connecting with schools, industry partners, and future masonry professionals. Over time, our team will expand to include five regional directors, ensuring comprehensive national coverage and support for masonry training programs across the United States.

The Outreach & Education team has wasted no time in making an impact. Since the launch of the division, team members have attended multiple masonry training programs and career fairs throughout the Southeast, engaging directly with students, educators, and employers. In addition, we made a strong presence at the World of Concrete Convention in Las Vegas, where we connected with industry leaders and shared our vision for the future of masonry education.

Our primary goal is to introduce young individuals to the promising career opportunities in masonry. By reestablishing high school masonry programs, we can provide students with hands-on experience and the technical skills necessary to succeed in the industry. This initiative will also help address the workforce shortage that has challenged the masonry profession for years.

Beyond student outreach, our team is also focused on supporting masonry instructors. We are in the process of developing a comprehensive newsletter and database specifically for masonry instructors. This resource will foster communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing among educators, helping to strengthen masonry instruction nationwide. Recruiting and retaining qualified instructors is crucial to the long-term success of masonry training programs, and this initiative will provide educators with the tools and support they need.

Additionally, we have applied for a grant to develop an alternative instructor certification program. This program will create a streamlined pathway for experienced masonry professionals to transition into teaching roles, ensuring that high school masonry programs have knowledgeable and skilled instructors at the helm.

The MCAA Outreach & Education Division is excited about the momentum we’ve already generated and the potential for lasting impact on the industry. By investing in education and workforce development, we are not only securing the future of masonry but also providing young people with rewarding career opportunities in a time-honored trade. We invite all MCAA members and industry partners to join us in this mission and support the reestablishment of masonry training programs nationwide.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Outreach & Education team as we continue to expand our efforts and strengthen the future of masonry education!


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