RMMI Expands Apprentice Training Program

Beginning this fall, the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute will  sponsor apprentice training programs at both the high school and college levels for students interested in masonry arts. The goal is to help increase student graduation rates.

The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute, Front Range Community College and two Adams County school districts have teamed up to help increase student graduation rates.

Beginning this fall, RMMI will sponsor apprentice training programs at both the high school and college level for students interested in masonry arts. It will be open to students from Adams County School District 50 and Adams 12 Five Star Schools.

“This is a perfect example of private industry supporting public schools,” says District 50 Superintendent Roberta Selleck. “This partnership is unusual as it encompasses not one but two school districts. It makes sense because it utilizes taxpayer dollars wisely while providing our future work force with practical job skills.”

RMMI has run a high school apprentice program at Warren Tech in the Jefferson County R-1 school district for more than a decade.

Ten-Year Plan

The new program is part of a 10-year plan to develop the masonry work force through similar apprentice training programs across Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. “Right now is the perfect time for us to grow our work force while assisting school districts in increasing their graduation rates,” says RMMI Executive Director Larisa LaBrant.

At the high school level, the two Adams County School districts will share one program, which will be housed at Hidden Lake High School in Westminster. The two-year program will give juniors and seniors hands-on instruction in brick and block masonry, stone masonry, blueprint reading, jobsite safety, construction math and construction management.

Changing the Paradigm

The high school graduates will continue their education through FRCC’s two-year associate’s degree in masonry arts program. This program, which will also use the Hidden Lake facility, is open to anyone who meets the college’s admission requirements, including current masonry or construction workers and anyone who seeks a career change.

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 says. “We are 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 helped coordinate the program between RMMI, the two school districts and FRCC.

“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,” says ACEC Executive Director Sandra Steiner. 

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