Without the Masonry shop, I wouldn’t have the work ethic I have now. Mr. Sperdute makes sure that we learn how to work hard as well as how to work with others.
First thing in the morning, when we walk into the theory room, we say, “Mornin’ Sperdute!” and then sit down and wait to discuss today’s objectives and yesterday’s events. After the announcements, we are assigned our jobs for the day.
As sophomores, we focus on building with brick, learning how to level, plumb, work our trials, and keep our height. We also do theory work that helps us learn about footers and foundations, steps, concrete work, and estimating for a job as contractors.
In our junior year, we work with cinder block, cultured stone, and landscaping. Theory work mainly consists of blueprint reading and learning basic veins and names. It is stressed that many masons aren’t skilled in reading blueprints, so being able to read them can make us a cut above the rest.
Now in my senior year, we study and specialize in doing both brick and block together, master our skills in working with cultured stone, and put together advanced levels of landscaping. All theory work results in our mastering terms and tool identification and all concepts learned in the previous two years. We train to pass our NOCTI. We train to enter the world of work on Co-Op. We train to join the union. We train to be successful in life.
As a whole, I’m happy that I chose masonry. I’ll be helpful in building my future -- one brick at a time (while getting pretty buff, too).
