Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner with us
MCAA Logo
Log in Sign up Join Hi, there Account
2026 Midyear Registration is OPEN
Find a contractor Buyer's guide Partner
Log in Sign up Join Account

Young Mason's Goal: To Be an Instructor

Words: Dan Kamys
/Public/News/20081126080000-1.jpg" width="200" height="300" border="0" alt="Bradley Wright plans to one day become a masonry instructor.">
Bradley Wright plans to one day become a masonry instructor.
Bradley Wright returned to the SkillsUSA National Masonry Contest this past summer with one goal in mind: to win. As a junior at the Earnest Pruett Center of Technology, Wright finished third in the secondary division. At this year's contest, he earned first-place honors.

After three years in his secondary school's masonry program, Wright has enrolled for additional technical masonry training at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Ala., with one goal in mind.

"I want my instructor's job!" Wright says. "That's what I'd really like to do."

Wright says his instructor at Earnest Pruett Center of Technology, Charles A. West, knows of his plans. While others have talked to West about having the same career, Wright says he is trying to follow through with training and experience.

"That's why I'm preparing the way I am," Wright says. "I've got to build my resume with all the appropriate training. Then I'll work for awhile for a masonry contracting company. When Mr. West is ready to retire, I'll be ready to apply for his position."

As a 27-year instructor, West has impressive credentials. Since 2002, he has sponsored six participants in the National Masonry Contest. Two students earned first place, two earned second place and Wright finished third in the 2007 contest.

"My boss has his eyes on [Wright]," West says. "I have three or four former students who could apply. I guess a lot depends on when I retire!"

During an open house visit to the Earnest Pruett Center of Technology prior to his sophomore year in high school, Wright's mother encouraged him to choose the electrical program.

"Mr. West convinced me that he really wanted me in his masonry program," says Wright. "And, the more brick I laid, the better I got. The better I got, the more I liked it."

In addition to his schooling, Wright works masonry jobs on the side. "Classes are four days a week, so our three-day weekends give me a chance to pick up some small jobs like steps, walls and columns," Wright explains. "Nothing big right now.

"If I ever get a chance become an instructor myself," Wright adds, "I'll rely a lot on what Mr. West taught me. He pushed me. He was never satisfied. He told me I could always do better. I'm a better mason because of Mr. West."
 0
Monadnock Building
August 2026

Chicago’s Monadnock Building doesn’t dominate the skyline the way it once did. Surrounded by steel-and-glass towers, the dark brick structure can seem almost understated. But for anyone in the masonry industry, it remains one of the most important buildin

Cass Stern
American Treasure
Brick Clay Brick
Read More
Britt Stokes, Acme Brick’s Director of Marketing, Retires.
August 2026

Fort Worth, Texas – After faithfully serving Acme Brick Company for 40 years, Britt has chosen to retire – although he will still be involved with Acme on various projects. Britt began his career with Acme as staff photographer and through dedicati

Industry News
Read More
Why SkillsUSA is the Keystone to MCAA’s Outreach
August 2026

When I stepped into the role of the MCAA’s first Director of Youth Outreach and Education, I knew we had a massive job ahead of us. I am a fourth-generation brick mason, and I have spent over two decades teaching the trade, from working with apprentices a

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
The First Paycheck
August 2026

Several years ago, Huntley Brothers hired a young apprentice. It was his first real job, and he had never had a paycheck before. Friday rolled around, and he got paid just like everyone else. Later that day, one of the guys told me something I have never

Kent Huntley
Chairman’s Message
Read More