S.C. MASONRY CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION'S GIFT TO BUILD CAREER OPTIONS FOR MASONRY PROGRAM

ROCK HILL, S.C., April 23, 2018 – With residential and industrial construction on an upswing, and an aging masonry workforce expected to soon retire, a growing demand exists for skilled masonry workers.

To meet this increasing demand, which is expected to grow 12 percent by 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, the South Carolina Masonry Contractors Association and York Technical College have partnered to create more opportunities and to support the creation of a noncredit brick masonry program through the College’s Corporate and Continuing Education division.

The association made a $10,000 contribution, gifted through the York Technical College Foundation, to support the purchase of program equipment, supplies and scholarships exclusively for the noncredit masonry program.

“We are delighted to receive this generous gift from the South Carolina Masonry Contractors Association as we partner to provide relevant, high quality career training opportunities for such a high demand profession,” said Melanie E. Jones, vice president for college advancement and executive director of the York Technical College Foundation. “Through this collaboration, we will create opportunities that will help individuals gain access to a rewarding career that will lead to an improved quality of life for individuals and families and help boost our local economies.”

The South Carolina Masonry Contractors Association is committed to promoting and encouraging masonry construction while elevating and sustaining the professional character of the members. “Our hope is that this gift to York Technical College helps give students who are interested in masonry a foot in the door within our industry,” expressed Andy Bell, founding member and former treasurer of the South Carolina Masonry Contractors Association. “We’re investing into our industry with this gift. By creating this program, we are hoping to receive skilled workers who will make an impact in our industry in return,” Bell continued.

The brick masonry program is designed to create a career path for brick mason tenders, who serve as apprentices for brick masons. The course curriculum meets the standards required by the National Center for Construction Education and Research. Students enrolling in the program will receive a solid foundation to build their career, which may help them to advance in the industry as a brick mason or eventually a site manager. 

“The demand for skilled masons far exceeds the supply to fill that demand creating the greater opportunity to be hired on the spot if individuals are skilled and trained appropriately. This gift allows the program to accelerate the process and also allows individuals to begin working, sooner,” said Bell.

Those who successfully complete the program are guaranteed an interview with member contracting companies. Scholarships are also available for eligible students. The first cohort of brick masonry classes begins May 7.  For those who wish to register for classes or have additional questions, contact Corporate and Continuing Education at (803) 325-2888 or ceadmin@yorktech.edu. 

About York Technical College:      
York Technical College, a member of the South Carolina Technical and Comprehensive Education System, is a public, two-year institution of higher education that offers a variety of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Through maximizing student success, the College seeks to contribute to the economic growth and development of York, Lancaster, and Chester counties and of the State. York Technical College has an open admissions policy for qualified students and annually enrolls approximately 7,000 credit students. In addition, the College offers a comprehensive selection of corporate and continuing education courses designed to promote occupational advancement, personal interest, and business and industry growth. 

About York Technical College Foundation:
The York Technical College Foundation is a not-for-profit foundation organized under South Carolina law, and is fiscally and organizationally separate from the College. Through tax deductible private gifts, bequests and donations, the Foundation helps to benefit and advance the College.