Masonry Magazine May 2002 Page. 18
TRAINING & RECRUITING
job site. Many former students are now employed in the masonry field.
Buffalo, New York
The training program in Buffalo trains about 50 to 60 students per year as well as cross trains their journeymen. The classes focus on developing skills needed to succeed in today's workplace. They try to stay ahead of the curve by offering training in products that they can see a future in, such as Thin Brick and Aerated Autoclave Block. They also strive to instill a sense of craftsmanship and camaraderie through courses such as Labor History and Sexual Harassment. According to Scott Bank, "In Buffalo, our goal is to produce a well rounded, safe and courteous worker that can earn a living for years to come."
Yorktown, New York
Masonry instructor Erik Cantamessa has 12 students enrolled in his program this year. The two-year program covers brick and block one year and stone and tile next. Live work projects this year consisted of a concrete patio with stone riser steps. Students work on a portfolio base grading system with the students showing off their best work. Math and English are integrated into the program's curriculum.
Greensboro, North Carolina
The masonry program at Greensboro Grimsley High School had been in existence since 1995. Mr. DeGraffinreaidt, the masonry instructor, averages anywhere from 27-40 students each year. Students in the program do a wide variety of activities from building their own projects to going on real construction sites. The program helps teach students leadership skills along with other skills that will help them in the future. This program has a masonry club for the students in and those not in the class. They take field trips to brick yards and other areas that have to do with masonry. The program is a 100% supporter of SkillsUSA - VICA, about 98% of the students have already joined. They presently have a computer lab with CAD Drawing and design to help students better understand blueprints. Students have said, "Masonry is one of the best classes at this school." The sign up rate is above any other class. Many of the students who have graduated from this class have gone on to get jobs in the masonry industry. There are three levels of instruction: Masonry Core/Masonry 1, Masonry 2 and Masonry 3. Hands-on projects have included helping fix brick work around the school and surrounding community.
Columbus, Ohio
"The masonry class at Southeast Career Center in Columbus Public Schools is having another great year," said Mr. Brian Evans, junior masonry instructor. They have currently enrolled 22 juniors and 11 seniors. In addition, they have just finished their recruitment and all seems to be going very well for the 2002/2003 year. Mr. Adam Viney, senior masonry instructor, has just completed the Home And Garden Show where the students built a paver walkway for the main stage. Lastly, they are working on a Skill-SUSA - VICA regional contest where the top-placed student will move on to the state level.
New Philadelphia, Ohio
Todd Bonvechio and Ryan Irwin are teaching a total of 33 junior and senior masonry students at Buckeye Career Center this year, which includes 11 feeder schools covering parts of 5 counties. Students contribute to the yearly construction of a house, which is auctioned off at the end of the school year. Last year's 2,475 square foot
A house in the local community is just one example of an off campus project constructed by students at the Williamson Free School of Mechanical Trades in Media, Pennsylvania.