Youth Outreach and Education Arm Attends the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA Competition

Words: Conner Birdsong


The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), in partnership with Florida Masonry Inc., proudly participated in the 2025 Florida SkillsUSA competition. This year’s masonry contest featured seven skilled student competitors and drew significant attention, becoming the most-watched event of the competition. A highlight of the event was the live demonstration of a cutting-edge 3D wall scanner, showcasing innovation in masonry evaluation and education.

Florida Masonry Inc. anchored the event with an impressive 40x40 ft “World of Masonry” booth, where contractors engaged with students and visitors, and hands-on demos highlighted the vibrancy of the trade. The Florida Department of Corrections supported the event by providing four masonry instructors to serve as official judges, reinforcing the state’s commitment to workforce development. Together, these efforts elevated the visibility of masonry careers and demonstrated strong collaboration across industry, education, and corrections.

  


The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Building Solutions: The Critical Role of Cavity Space in Masonry Moisture Control
April 2026

Long before “rainscreen” became a popular term in building science, masonry cavity walls were functioning on that very principle. A brick veneer cavity wall is designed with the expectation that water will penetrate the exterior