PAUL GUTH & KEVIN JUDD – I.Q. Power Tools
Alex Lopez – Valley High School Masonry
I am a 27-year-old apprentice with the Masonry Industry Training Association (MITA). Growing up, I never imagined myself working in construction, let alone masonry. However, after taking MITA’s 60-hour course at a youth opportunity center, I discovered a real passion for working with my hands and creating things from raw materials. One of the best parts about the apprenticeship is our instructor, Patrick Justus. His extensive experience and unique teaching style make him the ideal mentor for any student. I have always struggled in school and rarely connected with my teachers, but Patrick’s approach to teaching is exceptional. He makes learning fun and straightforward. If there is something you don’t understand, he will go out of his way to meet you where you are. I always look forward to his classes because I know I will learn something valuable, whether it’s about masonry, life lessons, or a new snack recommendation. With Patrick by your side, you will feel seen and heard. His support has given me the courage to enter a male-dominated field and feel empowered. The program not only equips you with the skills needed for a successful career, but also opens doors to other fields within the industry. The education and training provided are invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me to grow both personally and professionally. I’d also like to give a big shout-out to MITA’s first female graduate. Her achievements inspire me, as she is paving the way for more women to enter the field of masonry.
Miranda Busch, Current MITA Apprentice“Cleavenger Masonry has worked with MITA for many years. The apprentices they provide have helped us to complete our existing projects and to add new projects. We feel it is important for masonry contractors to help train our future workforce, and our partnership with MITA allows us to support this goal.”
Andrea Cleavenger, President, Cleavenger Masonry“I can’t say enough about the Chaffey Adult School masonry program conducted on the Chaffey District’s Ontario High School campus. I consider the program to be the jewel of our adult school’s vocational program offerings. The pipeline of students advancing from the high school program, through the local ROP (Regional Occupational Program), and culminating with the adult apprentice program provides an outstanding level of training leading to job opportunities and advancement in the industry. Equally as impressive is the support the program receives from MITA, the Masonry Industry Training Program, and the material and equipment manufacturers of the region. This leveraging of resources serves as a model for how strong workforce can exist.”
“At Cornerstone Masonry we believe in training the next generation of Masons. The apprentices from MITA make a difference in our company. Many started as a period 1, or 2, and have stayed with us after they journey out. these employees have been trained by us and understand our company and its culture. This resource is vital to our ability to recruit, train, and employ masons. MITA’s assistance with training future bricklayers, allows us to take on more jobs and opportunities so we can continue to grow our company.”
Penny Zambrano, President, Cornerstone Masonry“I have been involved with the MITA apprentice program now for several decades, and working with high school students and apprentices is very rewarding. Students take pride in their accomplishments, learning how to build small structures, preparing them for a satisfying career in Masonry. Our team really enjoys training our next generation of bricklayers, as they will ultimately continue the tradition of building projects that last a lifetime.”
Art Ramirez, President, Ramirez Masonry“The MITA Program is the key to my success in life and career. The MITA Program gave me the opportunity to start a career in the Masonry trade and Concrete trade. Coming out of Prison, I had no experience in the trade. I had no career. I only had the will to work. Through The MITA Program I did not have to be concerned about discrimination due to my criminal record. The MITA Program is a great tool for individuals like myself. The MITA Program and Contractors provide a safe working environment, moreover the opportunity to start a career. I am grateful to the MITA Program, The Contractors, and all other supporters.”
“The Masonry Industry Training Association (MITA) has had a strong presence in San Diego County starting early in the 1990’s. Mesa Junior College first hosted the MITA class on their Kemper Street satellite campus. The students of that night class had to use flood lights to see what they were doing in primitive conditions. The college provided an open area for the materials and equipment but no electricity for cement mixers or lights!! It was a great challenge to that first instructor as he tried to make his class valuable for his students. And he did! This class has been successfully training students every year since then!! There have been hundreds of men and even a few fearless women attend these classes which started at Mesa; then moved to RCP Block’s Santee plant; then on to Santana High School in Santee; next El Capitan High School in Lakeside; and now back in Santee at West Hills High School. Our current instructor, Dave Ratynski, has been teaching this class for the last 5 years and has had many of his apprentices place as winners in the annual Masonry Skills Challenge. RCP Block & Brick has been proud to be a part of the success of this class over these many years. And we will continue to support the goals of MITA to educate the future generations of bricklayers for our industry.”
Gina Adams, RCP Block & Brick“I am the Masonry/Construction Instructor for Baldy View ROP, Boys Republic High School and El Monte Adult School. I have been involved with MITA for well over 15 years. Their support for the masonry programs in the High Schools is so valuable to each program. Their support with materials, job placement, but most of all their commitment to training our youth.”