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 Wrobleski
This 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.
From Raw Material To Art: Bringing Toothless To Life
December 2025

“The next project is already waiting in the wings, but that’s another story.” That was how I ended my article on the T-60 helmet from the world of Fallout in the July 2024 issue of Masonry Magazine. And that is exactly where this new chapter begins.

Outreach Outlook: A Year of Momentum and Building Our Future Together
December 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a natural time for reflection. This month marks a personal milestone for me, my one-year anniversary as the National Director of Youth Outreach & Education. What an incredible year it has been for the newly established Outre

GEN NXT: Logan Sullivan
December 2025

This month, the MCAA got to talk to Pennsylvania native Logan Sullivan. A young mason starting out in the industry whose enthusiasm for the craft of bricklaying is evident. His passion and genuine love for the craft could be felt throughout the interview,

The 2026 Masonry Innovations
December 2025

Be the first to know what's to come in the new year! The masonry industry is always advancing, from new material color-ways to brand new technology, see what our MAP Members are bringing to the table in 2026!