Building Trades and Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation (HERO) program students are expanding their knowledge of the skilled trades this week through a one-week immersion into the art of masonry.

Thanks to a partnership between Capital Region BOCES, the Upstate Masonry Institute (UMI) and the Bricklayer & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 2, students at the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Extension Center in Schoharie are learning everything from proper use of “mud” to leveling of blocks and brick, binding patterns and proper equipment usage.

The UMI and BAC will offer the training in December to CTE Albany Campus students.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for hands-on work and to build skills that I can use to get a job,” said Dakota Conway, a Building Trades senior from Cobleskill-Richmondville.

HERO senior Carson Daguillo seconded that opinion.

“It’s good to have more skills that employers may want and to be able to learn them here,” the Berne-Knox-Westerlo senior said.

John Synek, an instructor with the union, said the outreach is a crucial step in developing the region’s workforce.

“Without these classes, we aren’t able to draw enough serious people into the trades,” he said. “It’s pretty hard to fund good workers who are committed to the job.”

Synek noted that the union “has had success with BOCES and having graduates build solid careers with us.”

Alex Cipperly, a 2016 graduate, Jacob Zanger, a 2018 graduate and Brendon Mazza, a 2024 graduate, have all gone on to find work with the BAC.

Bryan Libby, who is also a trainer with the union, said there are only three requirements to find success in masonry.

“A good attitude, good work ethic and a willingness to learn is all it takes,” he said.

HERO senior Christian Miller showed those qualities while preparing to lay brick.

“I love it. It’s really great because we get to learn new skills,” the Middleburgh student said.

Capital Region BOCES Managing Program Coordinator-Business & Community Partnerships Nancy Liddle the partnership between the union and UMI “gives our students a solid foundation for their professional futures.”