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

Outreach Outlook: Laying the Groundwork

Words: Robert Melgaard


As summer gets underway, the MCAA Outreach and Education Division is proud to reflect on a season marked by progress, partnership, and promise for the future of masonry. From vibrant expos and strategic planning meetings to national recognition and competition milestones, our collective efforts continue to build momentum—brick by brick.

This April, the team proudly participated in the Leon Works Expo in Tallahassee, Florida, where more than 1,000 students from Leon County and surrounding areas had the opportunity to explore careers in the trades. Partnering with Masonry Inc., the booth featured a hands-on outdoor demo where students could try their hand at laying brick and block. Inside, students engaged with the team to learn about the many pathways available within the masonry field—from project planning and estimating to truck driving, site supervision, and business ownership. The event was a resounding success and a reminder of the excitement and energy that comes from face-to-face engagement with the next generation.

Earlier in the month, the MCAA took part in the Region 2 RAC (Regional Advisory Committee) meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, where industry professionals and educators gathered to exchange ideas, assess regional needs, and strengthen the pipeline between training programs and the workforce. A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the vital need to recruit and retain instructors. As the division continues to grow, it remains committed to supporting both new and veteran instructors with mentoring opportunities, professional development, and targeted outreach.

We’re also thrilled to share that the MCAA was recently selected as a finalist for the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards, recognizing innovative workforce development programs. Our proposed project centers on expanding the pool of qualified masonry instructors by creating alternative pathways into the classroom. By targeting skilled masons nearing retirement, individuals from underrepresented communities, and those with deep field experience, the initiative aims to remove traditional barriers to entry and provide targeted training, mentorship, and credentialing support. This work is essential to sustaining and growing high school masonry programs nationwide. The recognition from Truist affirms the critical role instructors play in the future of the trades—and fuels our mission to invest in those who teach the next generation.

Meanwhile, state-level SkillsUSA masonry competitions have taken place across the country, and state champions have now been named. These students will go on to represent their states at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference this June. Congratulations to each of these exceptional competitors. They represent more than just individual skill—they are the future of the masonry industry. Their dedication, craftsmanship, and potential affirm what we already know: the future is bright.

Finally, as the team expands, a Region 3 Director is expected to be named in the coming weeks. This addition reflects the division’s ongoing commitment to regional outreach and support, and new leadership will help extend the mission further into the Midwest and beyond.

From expos to competitions, advisory meetings to national award recognition, the Outreach and Education Division is growing stronger every month. We’re not just building careers—we’re building a legacy. Thank you to the partners, educators, volunteers, and industry leaders who make this work possible.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue laying the foundation for a resilient and thriving masonry workforce.



About: Outreach Outlook
 0
Australian Bricks vs American Bricks: What 24 Hours of Travel Teaches You About the Trade
June 2026

Bricklaying might not change simply because you cross a state line. It does change when you travel 24 hours to the other side of the world and lay bricks under lights, cameras, and a stopwatch. The fundamentals of the trade are universal. Brick, mortar,

Technical Talks
Read More
2026 Masonry Foundation Grants
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

Justin Stengel
Industry News
Read More
The “Small Job” Safety Trap: Why Safety Sometimes Fades When the Spotlight Disappears
June 2026

Before I was fortunate enough to lead Malta Dynamics, I spent a couple of years as a traveling salesman for the company. My territory covered the entire country (and some beyond), and in a typical year, I visited more than 100 jobsites across nearly every

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more

Patrick Cunningham
MAP Partner
Read More