Report of the MCAA Workforce Development Committee Words: David AbelSkillsUSA In June 2017 the MCAA continued it’s support of Skills USA. At the end of the 2017 Skills competition, the Skills Masonry Committee chose to Co-Chair the committee for future years. New Co-Chairs were chosen and include Ryan Shaver from Pro Block and Jeff Buczkiewicz, President MCAA. The MCAA will be working a lot of pre-show detail and Ryan will be handling much of the on-site program. The MCAA is working on getting the finances of the committee squared up. A lot of new ideas and thought will be going into future competitions. Masonry Brochure The committee anticipates rolling out a new career brochure for members, and associations to utilize to help recruit young people into the workforce. An emphasis has been placed on why they would want to be a part of the industry and sheds a positive light on careers. This is a pre-cursor to the baseball card concept which will be developed further after the convention. Short Detail Videos The Committee expects these to begin in early 2018. The committee will be working with Masonry to make these happen. Initial discussions have Dean and Derek working with staff to develop the topics and videos. Initially we will be doing a set of short videos (60-90 seconds) as well a set of longer 5-7 minute detail videos. We will be looking for a warm location to begin the filming in March of 2018. The committee is working with the legislative committee to promote legislation to help with the recruitment and training process. There have been several in person meetings with the Chairwoman of the Education and Workforce Committee in the House as well as other members of the committee. An invite was extended to the Chairwoman to attend Masonry Madness Day at WOC. The Committee is also working on appointing a representative from the committee to the NCCER workforce Development Committee. We hope to have one appointed by the end of convention.