Outreach Outlook: MCAA Launches Outreach & Education Division

Words: Conner Birdsong, Robert Melgaard

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!


About: Featured
 0
What gives with head protection? Why workers want to keep their hard hats and ditch safety helmets.
April 2025

Last August, I took my pickup to the dealership for a nagging check engine light. While it was being looked over, I chatted with the salesman I normally deal with, and he told me about the latest and greatest 2025 models. He told me how the twin turbo inl

Greg Brown
Featured
Read More
Government Affairs: Bringing North Carolina to Washington, D.C. and Hopefully Young People to Your Jobsites
April 2025

For you long time members of the Mason Contractors Association of America you likely remember our Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In where MCAA members from around the country would come to Washington, D.C. meeting with Members of Congress from their home sta

Stephen Borg
Featured
Read More
Chairman's Message: While We Are Still Here
April 2025

I truly value my days working on construction sites during the summers of my high school and college days. Some moments in our youth are so clearly meaningful that we file them away in our subconscious to be recalled when life events require inspiration.

Dick Dentinger
Chairman’s Message
Read More
Contractor Tip of the Month: The Tough Calls That Define a Leader
April 2025

In construction, every project balances a delicate trio: coordination, precision, and timing. However, beyond blueprints and schedules, leadership demands something far greater—the ability to lead and make difficult decisions that shape the future of a co

Damian Lang
Featured
Read More