BAC Apprentices Place Top at the Masonry Skills Challenge

JOURNAL: ISSUE 1 - 2017

On January 18th, BAC apprentices competed at the 2017 Masonry Skills Challenge and placed in all skill levels during the annual Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Convention at the World of Masonry in Las Vegas.

A showcase of skills training in the masonry industry, the Masonry Skills Challenge brought together bricklayer apprentices from union and non-union programs from across the country, who competed at first-, second-, and third-year skill levels. First-year level is for those who are just entering the trade; second-year level is for more experienced newcomers, and third-year level is for those who are about to enter the workforce as journey-level craftworkers. Contestants of each level were given a project to build appropriate to their craft skills; contestants were not aware of the projects in advance.

According to MCAA, the judges were impressed with the quality of the apprentices' construction, and had the tough decision of choosing the winners. After a fierce three-hour competition, David McWilliams of Local 9 Pennsylvania, Chris Dubief of Local 4 California and Ben Grzegorczyk of Local 2 Michigan placed first, second, and third respectively in the third-year skill level. Travis Buda of Local 2 Michigan took third place in the second-year skill level while Victor Walls of Local 18 Ohio finished second in the first-year skill level.