Grant Helms Is The 2021 Champion of the Sam A. McGee Memorial Masonry Apprentice Skills Competition

Words: Precision masonry Inc.

The NCMCA held its annual Samuel A. McGee Memorial Masonry Apprentice Contest on May 15th in Midland, North Carolina. 19-year-old Grant Helms of Helms Masonry 2021 is the new champion and took home the David R. Sigmon Award for the top score in the competition. Grant built a rare “perfect project” with no deductions for a perfect score. His win also earned a cash prize and a large selection of masonry tools. As a student, Helms won the Annual North Carolina State Fair Masonry Apprentice Contest and as a junior, in 2019 at West Rowan High School, Grant won the National SkillsUSA Masonry Championship. He finished in fourth place the last time the McGee contest was held in 2019 at Durham.


About: Featured
 0
Masonry Mortar: The Right Type for the Job
May 2025

When it comes to masonry construction, mortar is much more than “glue” that holds everything together — it’s a critical component of wall performance, longevity, and aesthetics. It can “make it or break it”. Whether you’re laying a foundation CMU wall or

Garen Graves
Featured MAP Partner
Mortar
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 20 Recap: Mark Kemp, Superior Masonry
May 2025

Justin Stengel
Read More
How It’s Made: Clay Thin Brick
May 2025

Clay thin brick is a versatile alternative to traditional full brick. It comes in numerous colors and styles and offers something for every design preference. Thanks to the lighter weight, it is designed to reach spaces full brick cannot. From floors to c

Allison Goley
Featured MAP Partner
Read More
Bonding with Masonry 2025: Q1
May 2025

This issue’s questions come from an Architect and a Mason Contractor. What questions do you have? Send them to info@masonrymagazine.com, attention Technical Talk. Q. An Architect asks how to create a narrow masonry pier between openings. Is there a min

David Biggs
Featured
Read More