Arizona Masonry Contractors Association’s Apprenticeship Program Words: Joanne AitkenFamily and friends from as far away as Tennessee and Florida recently joined the masonry industry of Arizona at a graduation ceremony and celebration for the 14 graduates of AMCA’s Apprenticeship program. This year’s graduates include: Juan Bernal Michael Bias Edy Camacho Benjamin Carranza Francisco Chavez Adrian Corona Carlos Craveo Miguel Farias, Jr. Polo Mendez Jesus Perez Ramon Reyes Oscar Rosales Michael Snope Jeffrey WrobleskiThis evening of dinner, dancing and a graduation ceremony, celebrated the culmination of 3 years of training consisting of one night a week of classroom instruction and a Saturday lab session held August through May. During those three years, apprentices learn many aspects of the trade from basic block laying to blueprint reading to brick patterns and arches to glass block and stone. Upon completion of the training, each apprentice receives his journeyman card from the US Dept of Labor and most become foremen or superintendents for their sponsoring contractor. There are currently 50 apprentices in this year’s program. While in the program, apprentices are working for a contractor gaining practical experience and they also have the opportunity to compete in local and regional Masonry Skills events. The current apprentice classes will be competing locally during the upcoming Fastest Trowel on the Block event...the winner will go on to compete regionally and internationally. For more information about AMCA’s Apprenticeship program, contact Joan Dandurand, Executive Director, AMCA, joan@azmasonry.net.