Hallman Wins 56th Masonry Contest at N.C. State Fair Words: Neal Adams/Public/News/20091027082200-1.jpg" width="530" height="298" border="0" alt="Pictured from left to right: (top row) Gary Manning (contest judge), Jared Gandy (2nd place), Rhett Hallman (1st place winner), Calvin Brodie (contest planning committee), and Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry; (bottom row) Justin Helms (5th place), Chris Lunsford (4th place), Macy Williams (3rd place), and Doug Burton (head judge).">Pictured from left to right: (top row) Gary Manning (contest judge), Jared Gandy (2nd place), Rhett Hallman (1st place winner), Calvin Brodie (contest planning committee), and Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry; (bottom row) Justin Helms (5th place), Chris Lunsford (4th place), Macy Williams (3rd place), and Doug Burton (head judge). Rhett Hallman was the first place winner at the 56th Annual Masonry Apprentice Contest at the N.C. State Fair on Monday, October 19, 2009. Hallman, who works for McGee Brothers Co., won a $325 premium from the State Fair, a plaque and an assortment of sponsor prizes for his efforts. He is from Monroe. “The apprentice contests give these workers an opportunity to showcase their skills while having fun at the fair,” Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry said. “I congratulate all of them for taking part in this contest and for learning skills that will benefit them and our state.” Apprenticeships have been the backbone of North Carolina’s work preparation programs for more than 70 years. Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction to prepare exceptional workers for North Carolina and America’s industry. Jared Gandy from Concord, who also works for McGee Brothers Co., placed second. Macy Williams from Franklinton, who works for Brodie Contractors, took home third place honors. Fifteen masonry apprentices competed in the contest. To be eligible to compete, apprentices must be registered in the occupation and training with an employer that has a program registered with the N.C. Department of Labor. Contests are held in masonry, HV/AC-R, electrical, carpentry and plumbing.