International Masonry Skills Challenge

The International Masonry Skills Challenge is a competition of masonry apprentices in first, second and third year skill levels. The contest is a showcase for skills training in the masonry industry, challenging winning apprentices from regional U.S. and foreign competitions to determine the top masonry apprentice at each level. The exciting competition spotlights our industry's finest young masons and focuses attention on careers in the masonry industry.

Watch as the top apprentices from across the country compete against each other to win the honor of Best Masonry Apprentice.

Contestants are divided by experience level, 'First Years' who are just entering the trade through 'Third Years' who are just about to enter the workforce as journeymen. Each level is given a project to build appropriate to their know-how.

The catch? The projects are a complete surprise!

Contestants must build their project without ever having seen the drawings. They haven't been able to practice, and they can't consult their instructor, employer or anyone else during the competition. They have three hours to complete their projects with the given materials.

Awards are presented to the top three apprentices in each skill level. Come and see who wins tops honors this year!

The Mason Contractors Association of America provides judges for the competition through the Instructors Sub Committee of MCAA. Contestants must be able to demonstrate skills appropriate for the level in which they are competing.

Each contestant's project must be completed within the three hour time allotment. No work may continue past 3 hour time limit, and no continuances will be granted for any reason.

Each contestant must wear an "International Masonry Skills Challenge" shirt, brown work pants, work shoes or boots, and abide by proper safety methods, including wearing safety glasses or goggles when making cuts, during competition.

No contestant is allowed to consult with anyone during competition, including instructors, other competitors, and judges. All the information needed to complete the project is provided within the project drawing.

Each contestant will be judged on the following criteria for a total of 200 possible points:

• Plumb (0-30)
• Manipulation (0-20)
• Level (0-30)
• Tooling and neatness (0-10)
• Square and range (0-20)
• Full joints (0-20)
• Measurements (0-20)
• Aesthetics (0-10)
• Correct design (0-20)
• Production (0-20)

Each year, nine regional contests are held to determine who will represent their regions at the national Masonry Skills Challenge, held annually at MCAA's Masonry Showcase. Apprentices are invited to compete in a regional contest to earn the right to take on the nation's best apprentices. To find out where and when the next local contest will be held, call the MCAA at 800-536-2225 today!

2008 International Masonry Skills Challenge Winners
2007 International Masonry Skills Challenge Winners
2006 International Masonry Skills Challenge Winners
2005 International Masonry Skills Challenge Winners
2004 International Masonry Skills Challenge Winners
2003 International Masonry Skills Challenge Winners

33 South Roselle Road       •       Schaumburg, IL 60193       •       P: 800-536-2225       •       F: 847-301-1110