Masonry Magazine August 2007 Page. 13
MASONRY COMPUTER ESTIMATING
Masonry Computer Estimating
That Does It All... in 3D!
by Tradesmen's Software
Marcus Hefner, 18, West Stanley
High School, Oakbora, N.C.
Jared Braveboy, 17, Lake City
High School, Lake City, S.C.
Bradley Wright, 17, Earnest
Pruett Center of Technology.
Wollywood, Ala.
sion. The contest consisted of a written test and
the construction of a brick and block compos-
ite project, which was designed by Bryan Light,
technical services manager for Brick SouthEast
and chairman of the National Masonry Con-
test Technical Committee. Both the written
exam and skills project tested participants in
the proficiency needed for successful entry into
the masonry profession.
Trade professionals from the Bricklayers
and Allied Craftworkers Local #15 and
selected vocational instructors judged the
projects by taking extensive measurements,
and judging finishing techniques and over-
all appearance.
Light was complimentary in his apprecia-
tion of the contest's supporters.
"The masonry industry's support of
this competition remains fantastic," Light
said. "Everyone understands the impor-
tance of technical training for the proper
use of their products, each of which con-
tributes to excellence in finished brick and
block projects."
Members of the National Masonry Tech-
nical Committee and other sustaining mem-
bers and sponsors of the contest include: the
Mason Contractors Association of America;
Bon Tool Co.; Brick Industry Association;
Brick SouthEast Inc.; Hanley-Wood LLC;
Marshalltown Co.; Masonry Institute of Ten-
nessee, National Concrete Masonry Associa-
tion (NCMA); Portland Cement Association;
Spec Mix; and Wasco Inc.
Through the efforts of the NCMA, this
year's contestants were supported by
donations of mortar from Spec Mix, brick
from Yankee Hill Brick & Tile, and block
from Midwest Block & Brick. The brick
donation, as well as shipping, was coordi-
nated again this year by Kansas City Brick.
Spec Mix employees were "slingin' mud,"
donated in support of the aspiring masons. Other organizations
supporting the contest included Calculated Industries and
Carhartt Inc.
Additional highlights of the annual conclave included a field
trip to a local block plant, arranged by NCMA representative
Harry Junk. The tour was followed by a luncheon in honor of
the contestants and their instructors.
The SkillsUSA organization represents 284,000 students and
instructors in the 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin
Islands. The event is booked in Kansas City through 2014.
To learn more about the Masonry Technical Committee, contact
Bryan Light at (770) 760-0728; to learn more about SkillsUSA, please
visit www.SkillsUSA.org.
www.masonrymagazine.com
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CIRCLE 163 ON READER SERVICE CARD
August 2007
Masonry 11