August 14, 2002 7:18 PM CDT

Education and Experience - A Winning Combination

By Masonry

Brian Anderson, an 18-year old apprentice mason from Havre de Grace, Md. earned second place honors in his division of the national masonry contest in Kansas City last year. The contest is held annually in conjunction with the SkillsUSA-VICA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

Anderson was awarded his high school diploma at Harford Technical in Bel Air, Md. in 2001 as well. Throughout his high school days, he worked at small masonry jobs with his instructor, Gary Siler. He is currently employed by Tolle's Masonry and plans to return to school later this year.

Encouraged by his mother, Anderson has enrolled in the masonry program at Penn College in Williamsport, Pa. As he says, "I'm really looking forward to it. I'll probably get involved with VICA and get back in competition again too."

When he's not working or studying, Anderson spends his time restoring a 1936 Oldsmobile. Hopefully, he's not using mortar.

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About the Author

Masonry, the official publication of the Mason Contractors Association of America, covers every aspect of the mason contractor profession - equipment and techniques, building codes and standards, business planning, promoting your business, legal issues and more. Read or subscribe to Masonry magazine at www.masonrymagazine.com.