June 28, 2006 10:34 AM CDT

Masonry Association of Georgia's Apprenticeship Training Center Open House

By Masonry Association of Georgia, Inc.

More than 90 people attended the April 11 celebration and open house of the Masonry Association of Georgia's (MAG) apprenticeship training center in their new location at Lantrac Court in Decatur. Thanks to generous and faithful contributors, the association has taken a big step in its commitment to provide quality training for the next generation of masons.

After members and guests observed the apprentices at work in the new lab, MAG Apprenticeship Training Director Jamie Buck presented an informative overview of how the MAG apprenticeship program operates. Then, all the attendees were treated to a barbecue dinner.

The new training center has a reception area and office space for the apprenticeship training director, a classroom that can accommodate up to 35 students and additional practical lab space, thereby allowing more apprentices to participate in the training program. A covered area located behind the training center houses the mixer, saw and sand pile.

MAG uses the NCCER Contren^® Learning Series for the masonry trade along with eight physical stage projects apprentices must complete to advance into each level of training. Currently, there are 18 students - 16 first-year, one second-year, and one third-year - enrolled in the training program. Edgar Peralta instructs the three-year, semester-based apprenticeship training program, which includes both classroom and lab work. Apprentices attend school every Tuesday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Classes are winding down for the summer, but will begin again August 1. Apprentices are working hard to ready themselves for the testing of their semester physical stage projects, which will be judged by the contractors. Apprentices must pass their curriculum tests and physical stage projects to move to the next semester and year level. The best of the best in each year level will represent MAG at the 2006 Manpower Forum contest, held in Destin, Fla., in October.

Established in 1977, MAG has been serving the masonry industry with its apprenticeship program since the 1980s. More than 60 masonry contractors, general contractors and industry suppliers have signed on so far in 2006 to support the training program.

For more information about the MAG apprenticeship training program, contact Jamie Buck at (678) 518-1104, or visit the association website at www.masonryassocga.com.

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About the Author

The Masonry Association of Georgia, Inc. is committed to education, integrity, and fine craftsmanship. Visit www.masonryassocga.com to learn more.