Masonry students from six schools to showcase their talents here tomorrow

We are excited to be hosting the Massachusetts Trowel Trades Association competition this year.

About 250 masonry students and their instructors will arrive tomorrow morning from Greater Lowell Tech, Essex Tech, Shawsheen Valley Tech, Bay Path Regional Tech and Montachusett Tech. The mortar is mixed and truckloads of block, brick and tile have been delivered for the 100 students who will compete in masonry challenges.

The competition rotates annually between the six schools within the association and tests students' abilities to complete masonry products in a set amount of time. Masonry, also known as trowel trades, can be seen in office buildings, homes, schools, factories and municipal buildings. The work involves block and brick laying, tile setting, concrete finishing and stone setting.

During the competition, students in grades 10 through 12 work individually and in partners to build different designs of walls and tiling projects. Seniors also participate in a hardscaping competition, which will include building a brick wall and pathway.

A panel will then judge the projects, with first, second and third place winners receiving masonry tools donated by the schools and industry partners.