Outreach Outlook: Approaching the Finish Line and the Road to Atlanta

Words: Robert Melgaard

As we turn the page to May, the school year is rapidly approaching its final chapter. Last month, Conner Birdsong highlighted the incredible momentum building across the Southern Region as spring expos, state-level SkillsUSA competitions, and graduation preparations accelerated all at once. Now, as we look at the national landscape, we are seeing the culmination of that hard work everywhere.

May is a pivotal month for Career and Technical Education (CTE). It is a time of transition, celebration, and intense preparation. For our graduating seniors, the classroom chapter is closing, and their professional journey in the masonry industry is just beginning. For our top student competitors, May is the final training ground before they step onto the biggest stage of their young careers.

The Close Of The Academic Year
The end of the school year represents the payoff for months of dedication. Instructors are finalizing placement information and connecting their soon-to-be completers with contractors. The students entering the workforce this season represent the long-term outcomes of our combined outreach, instruction, and industry support. Every graduate represents a new skilled professional entering an industry that desperately needs them.

As an industry, we must ensure these graduates do not slip through the cracks. They have learned the fundamentals, built their work ethic, and chosen our trade over countless other paths. Now, it is up to us to welcome them onto the job site, provide ongoing mentorship, and show them the career growth and stability that masonry offers.

The National Stage: SkillsUSA In Atlanta
While many students are preparing for their first day on the job, others are preparing for the first week of June. This year, the National SkillsUSA Masonry Competition will once again take place in Atlanta, bringing together the most talented student masons from across the country.

These competitors have already proven themselves at the local and state levels, where the level of craftsmanship we see is a direct reflection of the dedication of our instructors and the commitment of our industry partners. Now, they will test their skills, speed, and precision against the absolute best in the nation.

The National SkillsUSA competition is much more than a contest to see who can build the best project. It is a showcase of our industry's future. The energy on the competition floor is electric, and the talent on display is a reassuring sign that the craft of masonry is in highly capable hands.

A Call To Action For The Industry
The future of our industry depends on the next wave of skilled masons, whose journey starts now. But they cannot make that journey alone. They need the active participation of contractors, suppliers, and seasoned professionals to guide them.

Here is how you can support the next generation this May and beyond:

Attend the Competitions: If you are near Atlanta during the first week of June, come to the National SkillsUSA event. Walk the floor, cheer on these young craftspeople, and witness the future of the trade firsthand.
Hire a Graduate: Reach out to your local high school or technical college masonry program and offer an entry-level position or apprenticeship to a graduating senior.
Support the Instructors: Check in with your nearby masonry instructor and ask what their students need. Whether it is materials, guest speakers, or just words of encouragement, your support matters.

When the industry shows up consistently, students notice, instructors feel supported, and state partners recognize that masonry is a trade worth investing in.

As we wrap up another successful school year, let’s make sure we are doing everything we can to support the students transitioning to the job site and those heading to Atlanta. They are the foundation of our future. Let’s keep building.

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Outreach Outlook: Approaching the Finish Line and the Road to Atlanta

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