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Apprenticeship & Upgrade Training

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Public-Private Partnership to Increase Graduation Rates

The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute is partnering with Adams County School District 50, Adams 12 Five Star Schools and Front Range Community College to increase student graduation rates. Beginning in Fall 2007, RMMI is sponsoring apprentice training programs at both the high school and college level for individuals interested in Masonry Arts.

Larisa LaBrant, executive director of RMMI, said the non-profit trade organization has had one high school apprentice program at Warren Tech in the Jefferson County R-1 school district for more than a decade. The new programs in Adams County are part of a ten-year plan to develop the masonry workforce through similar apprentice training programs across Colorado, Wyoming and Montana.

“Right now is perfect time for us to grow our workforce while assisting school districts in increasing their graduation rates,” LaBrant said. The workforce development program was envisioned in a strategic plan developed in 2005.

At the high school level, the two Adams County school districts will be sharing one program, which will be housed at a facility in Westminster. The two-year program will give students hands-on instruction in brick and block masonry, stone masonry, blueprint reading, jobsite safety, construction math, and construction management. Juniors and Seniors will be eligible to participate in the two-year program.

District 50 Superintendent Dr. Roberta Selleck said "This is a perfect example of private industry supporting public schools. This partnership is unusual at it encompasses not one but two school districts. It makes sense as it utilizes tax payers dollars wisely while providing our future work force with practical job skills. Thanks to Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute, who provided the equipment and course materials, many of our students will have a promising career."

The high school graduates will continue their education in a two-year Associate’s Degree in Masonry Arts program through Front Range Community College. The FRCC program, which will also use the Westminster facility, is open to anyone who meets the college’s admission requirements including current masonry or construction workers and individuals who are seeking a career change. Information on the Masonry Arts program at Front Range will be published in the Fall 2007 course catalog.

The programs will use nationally-recognized masonry training curriculum and equipment donated by RMMI.

“Individuals in the masonry and construction fields traditionally do not finish high school. We are changing that paradigm by having them finish high school and get a college degree,” LaBrant said.

“We recognized that paradigm was caused by the students being in an academic program that didn’t work for them and we are changing that by offering training that meets their academic needs and their learning style. In general, individuals in the construction fields are kinetic learners and need a hands-on program.”

The Adams County Education Consortium facilitated the coordination of the program between RMMI, the two school districts and the community college.

Sandra Steiner, executive director of ACEC, said, "This is a prime example of industry offering enhanced learning and career opportunities for our people, of all ages, since this will ultimately serve adults as well as high school students. I applaud the patience of business and the creativity of education in program developments like this and know the support exists to make this a model for additional programs in the future."

Individuals who complete an apprentice training program earn significantly more working for a masonry company than do individuals who enter the masonry field with no training. In addition, straight out of school the graduates have the skills to successfully start and grow their own masonry business.