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New Certification Program for Masonry Contractors sets the “Gold Standard” for Industry Professionals in Washington State

13 Masonry Contractors are the first to be certified in the state's history

For the first time, masonry contractors have the opportunity to earn certification in the state of Washington , thanks to a new educational program offered by Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors (WSCMC).

The program was established to enhance contractors' scope of expertise and to promote continuing education within the industry to keep current with advanced technologies, applications and materials. Participants are all owners or principals of established masonry contracting companies.

Certified masonry contractors may submit this new classification to prospective clients as part of a pre-qualification, specification bid package.

“We've instituted the Certified Mason Contractor Education Program to raise the standards and level of professionalism, work quality and reputation among masonry contractors,” said Dennis Augustine, executive director of WSCMC. “Architects and owners can now have confidence that the structures they design and commission will be built as specified by working with a Certified Mason Contractor .”

The program which raises the bar for quality assurance is supported by the Masonry Institute of Washington (MIW). “Working with certified contractors improves the scheduling, quality and cost effectiveness of a building project,” explained Marc Holmes, executive director of MIW. WSCMC and MIW advocate the adoption of statewide certification for the industry.

The advantages of specifying and choosing a Certified Mason Contractor include these assurances:

• Certified contractors must be in business at least five years

• Proof of financial stability and sound business practices

• Proof of insurance and license

• Comprehensive knowledge and expertise of masonry craftsmanship, and the most up-to-date technologies, applications and materials

• Annual re-certification is earned only by attending continuing education classes and passing on-site inspections

Certified Mason Contractors employ journey level craftsmen who participate in regularly scheduled upgrade training, and apprentices who are enrolled in a State-approved and monitored training program. “These contractors have a track record,” said Augustine. “Many of them are second to fourth generation contractors who have a commitment to the industry and to their communities.”

Program curriculum : The program is a one-year graduate course of study for the mason contractor, offering courses in a unique curriculum mix that combines industry topics such as materials, standards, engineering, construction safety, and codes; along with advanced instruction on the operation and management of a productive, professional business. It provides a solid business foundation for contractors in vital administrative areas such as new business development, human relations, negotiation skills, bonding, contract review, construction law and insurance.

“When contractors complete this program, it's like having a Masters degree in the Business of Masonry Construction Administration,” said Holmes.

Classes are held once a month during the 12-month-long program at a WSCMC facility in Bellevue , Washington , and participants must pass a rigorous, comprehensive exam and submit a project for peer review and assessment in order to graduate.

“As owners and principals, we go back to our companies and share a lot of what we learned in the certification classes to keep everybody updated on what's new and what's happening in the industry,” said Monty Fairweather, vice president of Fairweather Masonry Co., of Bellevue, and president of WSCMC. “Inspired by the energy, knowledge and enthusiasm of the certification classes, our company has since started its own educational program for employees. We're bringing in experts to hold workshops and seminars, and we're expanding the educational process to keep everyone informed and excited about developments in masonry.”

Continuing education is mandatory . Contractors must apply annually for re-certification, which involves: 1) eight hours of classroom instruction to keep current on new products and technologies and; 2) at least one annual WISHA consultative safety inspection at a job site.

“The continuing education element is vital to the program, and is key for maintaining credibility,” said Ron Adams, vice president of Cascade Construction Company, Tacoma , Wash. , one of the program's first graduates. “Demanding that contractors continue their education and meet requirements gives continual validity to the program. The construction industry is changing all the time, and as quality contractors, we need to keep educating ourselves.”

Washington State Conference of Mason Contractors (WSCMC) is a statewide association of mason contractors and affiliates dedicated to developing and maintaining programs which directly impact members' productivity and profitability. Masonry Institute of Washington (MIW) was founded in 1972 to promote the masonry industry, provide technical information and resources, and provide a liaison between the public and the mason contractors.

For further information, online video, and a complete list of Certified Mason Contractors , please go to www.masonconf.com .