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America needs brick layers and concrete masons. The building industry is challenged by a hefty gap between the number of workers and the needs of the sector.

Currently, there are about 250,000 masonry tradespeople in the US with the job market seeking another 40,000 people just to stay level. As construction climbs back to pre-recession era levels the need will only get greater. ��Ӱֱ�� State is working to bridge this gap with industry responsive programs that give students the skill sets they need to succeed as masons.

The Southern Tier Builders Association and Associated Building Contractors of the Triple Cities recently featured ��Ӱֱ�� State’s masonry program in its annual magazine “Building the Southern Tier.” The program also is gaining attention as many masonry suppliers in the northeast are displaying a sign encouraging young people to enroll in the ��Ӱֱ�� State program to meet the demand for more workers.

“The average age in the trade right now is 53 years. This indicates a workforce that is nearing retirement and shows a large opportunity for youth to get involved,” says Stephen Richard, assistant professor, Building Trades, at ��Ӱֱ�� State. “Regardless of new building techniques and materials there still needs to be stair towers, elevator shafts and facades built. The demand for masons will continue to be strong well into the future.”

The masonry program at ��Ӱֱ�� State is one that blends knowledge with first-year carpentry and masonry students sitting for many of the same subjects. Here, students of carpentry get grounding in basic masonry technique such as layout and hardscape while the masonry students take in classes about basic framing and joinery. “Together students learn about things such as wall moisture and reinforcement. This approach creates better grads with a broader knowledge base. This has proven to be very valuable for employers.”

��Ӱֱ�� State offers the only masonry program in the SUNY system. It is perhaps for this reason that the building sector pays a lot of attention to the program. “We have a five-year review of curriculum and maintain an advisory board made up of leading members of the trade.” According to Richard, members of the building sector such as Superior Clay, brick manufacturers and others such as companies that specialize in permeable pavers participate by lending their expertise in seminars that students use to attain an AIA (American Institute of Architects) credit. “These seminars are also key in obtaining Hilti certifications as well as OSHA 10.”

Richard suggests that the job of being a mason demands unique skills that require a lot of practice and training. “To succeed students must develop both mind and body. This is a trade that is thousands of years old and students must fully understand the entire range of requirements on the job. Walls must be plumb and level and masons must know all about the materials they use. We take students through one step at a time to create a new generation of tried and true trade professionals.”

Graduates of the ��Ӱֱ�� State program can offer much to builders. Students are schooled in estimating, layout, and they build a range of masonry and concrete flatwork systems. More, students learn how to properly supervise people as well as how to choose and implement personal and jobsite safety and access equipment. Graduates know how to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. They also have the skills to communicate construction details and estimates with written documents and scale shop drawings. To complete the program each student has to have mastered layout, preparation, and installation of a variety of concrete flatwork, block work, stonework, and brickwork. Skills are also acquired to allow each student to access trade-related specifications from computers and perform computer-based research and communication.

Behind all this effort is a genuine desire to see both students and the building sector move forward. “Without local masons builders are at a real disadvantage when they bid on jobs. We are working to bring young workers up the ladder with the right skills to make a difference in a market that demands the best.”

About Building the Southern Tier: Building the Southern Tier is the official publication of the Southern Tiers Builders Association and the Associated Building Contractors of the Triple Cities, Inc.