Oldcastle APG recently hosted its 43rd annual Top Trowel and Line Burner masonry contest at its Adams facility in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Held in partnership with the Eastern and Raleigh chapters of the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA), 60-plus students from 10 regional high schools participated in the competition, where they completed various masonry projects judged by local contractors and NCMCA members.
Awards were presented for the day’s three masonry contests, as well as the HA Butch Hardy Team Award, with the following students and schools awarded first place:
- Masonry 1 Awards: Keegan Merrell, East Rowan High School
- Masonry 2 Awards: Dylan Smith, West Rowan High School
- Line Burner Award: Aaron Vasquez, Carson High School
- H.A. Butch Hardy Team Award: Carson High School
Winners of every competition received a cash prize, with the Line Burner competition winner receiving $2,500 and an additional $500 for their school. More than $5,000 in cash and additional prizes were distributed this year.
“It’s an honor to host this competition each year and provide students with the opportunity to showcase their skills and gain exposure within the local masonry industry,” says Jonathan Jessup, Distribution Manager, Oldcastle APG. “We understand how important it is to support the next generation of the workforce, especially for professions in skilled trades like masonry.”
Extending the Masonry Legacy
The competition consists of two main events that test students’ individual skills and team performance.
Top Trowel contestants are divided into two categories: Masonry I for first-year students and Masonry II for students that have completed at least one year of instruction and are actively enrolled in a second or third masonry course. The Line Burner contest, sponsored by the NCMCA, is a speed-based contest where individual participants are challenged to lay as many bricks as possible in 30 minutes.
“These events are a great way for masonry students to get practice and real-world exposure early on in their training,” Jessup says.
In addition to the competition, the NCMCA and SkillsUSA host the Educational Showcase, a tradeshow-style setup for vendors and masonry contractors to showcase their products, help students learn more about the industry, and recruit future and aspiring masons to the industry. Oldcastle APG signature brands Belgard hardscapes, Amerimix mortar and Echelon Masonry were represented in the educational showcase this year.
“NCMCA is proud to work with Oldcastle APG, SkillsUSA and everyone involved who make this event possible,” says Ryan Shaver, CME, Executive VP, NCMCA. “This event is a proof point to our unmatched strength in working together and the return on our efforts to support local youth programs through the industry-wide Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program.”
To learn more about Oldcastle APG, visit www.oldcastleapg.com.
