Currently, the three Technical Colleges in Rice Lake, Fennimore and Waukesha have formalized masonry education programs. The structure of lectures combined with actual practical "hands-on" training provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to begin their careers in the masonry industry.
Founded in 1993, MTFW through its Scholarship Review Committee, has reviewed over two hundred applications and provided over $175,000 in scholarships. Over 80 per cent of the graduates from the three masonry training programs are still practicing their trade with the vast majority of them working throughout the state of Wisconsin. Some are foremen of mason contracting firms while others have even started their own businesses, creating the foundation of a new era of masons in our area.
The impetus for the creation of MTFW was that statistics compiled in the early 1990's indicated that the average age of masons in Wisconsin was 55. The need existed then and continues to exist to attain and maintain a cadre of well educated and skilled masons to meet the demands of the brick and block industry in this state. Members of MTFW and the Brick Distributors of Wisconsin were instrumental in the foundation of the first masonry training program located in Rice Lake. Since then, the unqualified success of that program launched the program in Fennimore and then the initiation of the course in Waukesha. Most students are offered jobs even before they graduate. These students are the future of the masonry industry.
For more information about the Masonry Technology Foundation of Wisconsin or to offer assistance with their efforts, please contact their office at (608) 831-2580.