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Education and Experience - A Winning Combination

Words: Dan KamysBrian Anderson, an 18-year old apprentice mason from Havre de Grace, Md. earned second place honors in his division of the national masonry contest in Kansas City last year. The contest is held annually in conjunction with the SkillsUSA-VICA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

Anderson was awarded his high school diploma at Harford Technical in Bel Air, Md. in 2001 as well. Throughout his high school days, he worked at small masonry jobs with his instructor, Gary Siler. He is currently employed by Tolle's Masonry and plans to return to school later this year.

Encouraged by his mother, Anderson has enrolled in the masonry program at Penn College in Williamsport, Pa. As he says, "I'm really looking forward to it. I'll probably get involved with VICA and get back in competition again too."

When he's not working or studying, Anderson spends his time restoring a 1936 Oldsmobile. Hopefully, he's not using mortar.

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