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Career Tech Students Showcase Knowledge, Skills and Techniques During Bricklaying Battle Competition
March 23, 2023 -- Columbus City Schools career tech students are fast with a trowel, as two placed in a fastest trowel contest! Junior Jaden Webb came in second place, and senior Lee McDougal was behind him in third. Thirty-nine junior and senior high school students from all over Ohio competed for the epic title at the Bricklaying Battle.
The Bricklaying Battle has been around for almost 30 years and was started by Rich Nagy, said Adam Viney, Bricklaying and Concrete Systems Instructor at Fort Hayes. Instructors share the responsibility of hosting the event; this year was Viney’s turn to host. With plans to retire soon, it was also his last battle.
According to Viney, getting students career-ready while having fun competing was the event’s goal when it began in the 90s. As a result, Viney has been instrumental in organizing it since its inception.
“We are trying to get students globally, workforce ready,” Viney said. “There’s a tremendous shortage of individuals entering our trade everywhere. We need to have good construction quality people continuing to build the U.S., and I believe this contest raises the quality and expectations of the workforce.”
While there may be a shortage of students entering Career-Technical Education choices such as construction or masonry, Fort Hayes has a record number of female students in its program this school year, who are all very diverse, and come from a variety of different backgrounds. The Bricklaying Battle at Fort Hayes also saw more young women competitors than usual, with a total of three.
In addition, there has been an increase of women in the construction trades industry over the years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2022, 10.9% of all construction workers were women which has increased from 9.9% in 2018.
“Rukia Mohamed and I are the first female Somali students in Mr. Viney’s class,” said junior Fort Hayes Career Center student Amina Habib. “We’re also the first in our family to ever be in the construction industry. Some may call us nontraditional students, as well as future employees in the construction workforce. In my culture, we never see women in the construction trades.”
Mohamed signed up for Bricklaying and Concrete Systems after hearing Mr. Viney talk about the program and its many benefits during a tour during her sophomore year.
“This was by far the best decision I’ve made for myself this school year,” said junior Fort Hayes Career Center student Paris Haynes. “Not only do we learn mentally, but we learn physically and hands-on, which I prefer to do in a career. Although this is Mr. Viney’s last year teaching, I can say I am extremely grateful to have such a real and supportive teacher.”
The four Fort Hayes Career Center female students formed a strong bond in a short time together. They enjoy growing together and learning about their trade.
“One of my favorite memories was when we were building a wall together,” said junior Fort Hayes Career Center student Aysa Diallo. “[Mr. Viney] put us in groups, and ours was an all-female group. It was pretty fun working with all of us girls. Mr. Viney was very helpful and encouraging. He cares about all of his students and wants to see them grow.”
Being a female in a predominantly male career is challenging. Still, these four are up to the challenge and proud of everything they have accomplished.
“It’s hard being a girl in the program because the boys can pick up heavier objects,” Mohamed said. “But, I’m working hard on catching up!”
Haynes advises any female students thinking about Bricklaying and Concrete Systems as a career path.
“I would say don't be scared of trying new things because you might like it and it could introduce you to a new opportunity in life,” Haynes said. “It’s not just about bricks, Mr. Viney teaches us life skills too. He has taught us to be independent, strong, and smart.”