AMCA Apprenticeship Program
By Masonry
On September 21st, the Arizona Masonry Contractors Association (AMCA) held a special dinner meeting honoring the newest graduates of the AMCA Apprenticeship Program. This meeting marked the end of a three-year commitment, during which each of these men worked full-time for a mason contractor and attended class one night per week and on Saturday mornings.
Graduates of the 2004 class were Ezequiel Beltran, Top Quality Masonry; Oscar Delgado, Sutter Masonry; Oscar Franco, Top Quality Masonry; Joshua Garigali, Sunnyside Masonry; Manuel Guaydacan, Top Quality Masonry; Jesus Martinez, Top Quality Masonry; and Luis Pacheco, Sutter Masonry.
Prior to the presentation of certificates and journeyman cards, several apprentices were recognized. Two first-year apprentices, Alfredo Madrid of Top Quality Masonry and Cesar Martinez of Thunderbird Masonry, were awarded certificates for perfect attendance during their first year. Martinez was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence for having the highest grade point average in the first year. The Certificate of Excellence for the highest G.P.A. in the second year was awarded to Humberto Cardenas, Mabante Masonry.
Graduate Jesus Martinez, Top Quality Masonry, received numerous awards including highest G.P.A. for the third year, highest G.P.A. for all three years of apprenticeship, perfect attendance in the third year, as well as perfect attendance in all three years of apprenticeship. In addition, Martinez was selected as Outstanding Apprentice in Masonry for the state of Arizona and will be recognized at a dinner on November 20th by the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training.
Finally came the moment the graduates had been waiting for. During the ceremony, each graduate received certificates from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Arizona Department of Apprenticeship and the Mason Contractors Association of America, as well as their journeyman cards.
The AMCA would like to congratulate this year's graduates and wish them the best of luck with their careers in the masonry industry.
For more information about the AMCA, call (602) 262-0510 or e-mail azmasonry@hotmail.com.
About the Author
Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.
