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Apprenticeship Success Stories
The Block and Brick Masonry Industry Success Story
Similar to many Florida affiliates of the construction industry, block and brick contractors have experienced problems finding skilled journeymen masons to fill the vacancies left by retirees. The need for these masons increased with the Florida growth boom. Projections revealed the industry needed to recruit approximately 400 new apprentices annually over the next 10 years, and existing training programs were producing less than 50 masonry apprentice graduates per year. The problem affected not only contractors but industry suppliers and distributors, who have a strong influence on the Florida economy and job market. Florida leads the nation in the amount of “grey block” used in construction, installing about 12% of the national total - over 450 million block units. Florida is also one of the state leaders in brick application (175 million last year.) A Florida brick showpiece is Doak Campbell Stadium, the football home of the Florida State Seminoles. This brick facility is admired throughout the South – even by the University of Florida Gators!
One of Florida’s major suppliers, Rinker Materials, played a leadership role in bringing the industry together to form what is now the Florida Masonry Apprentice & Educational Foundation, Inc. (FMA&EF). FMA&EF is a non-profit entity that is leading an industry-wide initiative to increase the number of skilled journeymen masons in Florida. It is governed by representatives of the Masonry Association of Florida (MAF) and Florida Concrete & Products Association (FC&PA). Executive Director of the FMA&EF is Patrick J. Mclaughlin. Three full-time Regional Apprenticeship Coordinators (Florida is divided into three areas) report to the Executive Director. The program's goal is to educate the masonry industry and recruit and train new masonry apprentices. This includes maintaining quality registered apprenticeship programs and establishing new, quality apprenticeship and preapprenticeship programs. FMA&EF works closely with area apprenticeship representatives (DOE) to market registered apprenticeships and careers in the industry. This includes coordinating activities such as the masonry contest held every year in Florida. It means having the training infrastructure in place for needed journeyman training of a new product application, new safety modifications or new tools and equipment. FMA&EF also offers educational seminars and training to existing masonry industry members to ensure they have the tools and resources to be successful.
Today many industry associates agree there is journeymen shortage and quality job training is needed. However, the lack of financial support is the biggest barrier to improving the current system. The process was a bit hit-and-miss and certainly did not meet required standards to increase the number of journeymen. A recent study quoted the average age of a journeyman mason to be 52 years old. It has been difficult to attract young people into the industry!
The industry is somewhat protective of exactly how much individual companies are contributing to the Foundation. However, the total Foundation budget is over $400,000 annually. Contributors are cement companies, block manufacturers, a brick distributor and mason contractors. Even the homebuilding industry is beginning to see the need for masonry journeyman. Pulte Homes of Tampa is the first homebuilder to become a patron to the Foundation. This donation goes to a trust fund that is managed by a board with members representing the two associations. It has been in place since September of 2002.
The masonry industry has really come together to support this important initiative. Although always seeking patrons to support the Foundation, about 95% of the cement and 85% of the concrete industries are supporting this endeavor. The Foundation continues to seek brick suppliers, home builders and other benefactors of the masonry industry to be financially supportive.
There are approximately 300 students being trained in the 15 classes being held each week throughout the state. This number is expected to double and triple over the next few years. The Foundation is well on its way to achieving its goal of graduating 400 mason journeymen per year – a true industry success story!