The Florida Department of Corrections Masonry Competition

Words: Justin Stengel

The intersection of Career & Technical Education (CTE) training and rehabilitation was on full display recently as the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) hosted a statewide masonry competition. Held at the Cross City Correctional Institution, the event brought together aspiring masons from across the state to showcase the skills they have learned within their respective CTE programs.

While the event functioned as a contest of skill and speed, the underlying mission was clear: to highlight the effectiveness of CTE programming within the correctional system and to connect students directly with the masonry industry for future employment opportunities.

The Road to the Finals
The journey to Cross City began well before the actual event. Participation was open to seven different correctional institutions throughout Florida that currently maintain active masonry programs. To ensure the highest level of competition, each institution held its own internal preliminary contest.

Through these internal heats, program instructors identified their top two masonry students. These selected individuals, totaling 14 competitors, were then transported to the central location at Cross City Correctional Institution to represent their institutions. The structure of the finals allowed for a dual-track scoring system. While the 14 participants competed for top three individual honors, their combined scores also contributed to an institutional team award.

The Competition
On the day of the event, the competitors were given a strict three-hour time limit to complete their projects. Under the watchful eyes of judges and peers, the students were tasked with demonstrating precision, speed, and adherence to industry standards.

The projects were scored based on technical execution, with awards presented to the top three individuals and the top three institutional teams. The format mirrored the pressure and standards of a real-world job site, providing the students with valuable experience in managing time and quality control simultaneously.

Industry Support and Community Involvement
A critical element of the competition’s success was the support from the external masonry community. The event was supported by Florida Masonry Inc., which played a pivotal role in organizing and supporting the initiative. Additionally, representatives from SkillsUSA were present, further validating the standards of the program.

Local mason contractors volunteered their time to serve as judges for the competition. However, their role extended beyond simply tallying scores. These contractors utilized the event as an opportunity to speak directly with the student masons, offering mentorship and discussing real-world opportunities in the industry.

Interactive Demonstrations
The event also featured activities designed to engage observers and instructors. Organizers set up a specific demonstration area where guests could try their hand at the trade, attempting to spread mortar and lay brick under supervision. This interactive component offered a glimpse into the physical demands and technical skills required of the trade. Additionally, an Instructor Challenge was held, allowing the educators to demonstrate their own expertise alongside their students.

Bridging the Gap to Employment
The ultimate goal of the Florida Department of Corrections' masonry competition is workforce development. By showcasing the talents of these students in front of contractors who are actively hiring, the FDC aims to secure employment opportunities for these individuals upon their release.

The event highlighted that these programs do more than just occupy time; they provide high-demand skills. By inviting the masonry community into the institutions to see the quality of work being produced, the FDC is helping to smooth the transition from corrections to careers, benefiting both the industry and the individuals looking to rebuild their lives.

The Florida Department of Corrections Masonry Competition

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