Brick Winners

On September 21st, brick contestants began by putting up one course of block and three courses of brick as a layout, and then constructed a block back-up wall and applied additional brick. The mockup was designed to encompass what is required of journey-level workers in executing proper height and dimensions, layout, level and plumb, and accurate sizes for cavity joints behind the walls.

First place winner Matthew Beck’s natural ease with the tools and technique reflected the jobsite experience he gained as a laborer when he was a high school freshman and during the next three years at a vocational high school. A member of Local 1 Maryland/Virginia/D.C., Beck currently takes bimonthly classes through the Local. He credits much of his success to his former vocational instructor, whom he called the night of the Awards Banquet. The news of his win “made his [instructor’s] career,” according to Beck. When asked what he’ll do when he finishes his apprentice program, he confidently replied, “I’m gonna be a bricklayer.”

Second place winner Jacob Amos of Local 1 Oregon is the great grandson of a lifelong bricklayer, who emigrated from England. His grandfather, Robert Neasham, was also a bricklayer and won first place at the 1956 competition in Seattle. “He [my grandfather] was happy to pass on his skills to me,” said Amos. This family tie, along with the knowledge and experience he gained through his participation in Job Corps, helped Amos find his niche with masonry.

Third place winner Steve Powers of Local 9 Michigan also began his trade in a vocational high school. He credits his instructors with honing his skills and giving him an appreciation for the craft. Powers was happy just to compete, but he’s enjoying the title and trophy, noting, “You get a little more respect.
It’s been a good year.”