December 01, 2004 11:05 AM CST

Young Mason Learns Fast

By Masonry

Jose Treto of Harlingen, Texas, is our Masonry Apprentice of the Month. Treto represented Texas in the national masonry contest held this past June in Kansas City, Mo., as part of the SkillsUSA National Championships. And, he did it by qualifying ahead of a classmate who had been the state representative in 2003.

Victor Santillan, Treto's instructor at Harlingen High School, is rightfully proud of his student. "I met Jose in my American history class. One day he mentioned that his father had been a masonry student and had won his district competition. It wasn't hard to interest him in enrolling in my masonry class."

Treto was fortunate to have discovered an outstanding masonry instructor. Santillan's students have participated in the national masonry competition eight of the last 13 years. Treto took advantage of all that Santillan had to teach, and he learned quickly.

"Jose started in my introductory nine-week class, and before I knew it he had bested his father by winning the state contest and competing at the national level."

Treto is looking ahead to enrolling in a technical school where he can continue to receive technical training.

Treto also claims that when Santillan retires, "I want his job!"

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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.