FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

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
Remembering Paul Odom
December 2025

The masonry industry lost a true titan and a dedicated leader with the passing of Paul Odom. Known for his unwavering commitment to his craft and his community, Paul leaves behind a legacy defined not just by the structures he helped build.

Dan Kamys
Read More
Managing the Modern Jobsite: How MSV Helps Crews Do More with Less in 2026
December 2025

On today’s jobsites, efficiency is becoming as essential as craftsmanship. Crews are working with fewer hands, tighter schedules, and greater pressure to deliver high-quality results without increasing costs. It’s a reality affecting everything from resid

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More
A Free Resource for Contractors: The Block Design Collective
December 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff has launched the Block Design Collective (BDC), a national resource that provides fast, reliable guidance for anyone designing or building with concrete masonry. For contractors, the benefit is straightforward: better informa

Industry News
Read More
The Hidden Forces That Build America: Arching Action and the Tools We Trust
December 2025

Most people at World of Concrete can identify a CMU block from 50 feet away. Some can even smell Type S mortar curing from across the hall. But mention the phrase “arching action,” and you will see a surprising number of boots shift and eyes drift toward

Shayne Sanders
Technical Talks
Read More