Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region Words: Conner BirdsongAs April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are underway, expos and career days are filling the calendar, government agencies are setting priorities for the upcoming academic year, and masonry students are preparing for graduation and their first steps into the trade. Spring is always a season of growth, but this year the momentum across the Southern Region is especially encouraging.One of the clearest signs of this progress is the activity surrounding SkillsUSA. Every spring, masonry students put their skills on full display at local and state-level competitions. These events are more than contests; they are a real measure of how programs are performing and how effectively students are being prepared. The level of craftsmanship we see at these competitions is a direct reflection of the dedication of our instructors and the commitment of our industry partners. It’s also one of the best opportunities for students to gain visibility with employers and to build confidence in their chosen career pathway. The energy inside these competition halls makes it clear that the future of masonry is bright.This spring also marks an important period of work across my expanded territory in the Southern Region. With such a large and diverse area to support, the focus has been on building stronger, more consistent relationships with programs, contractors, and state agencies. The region continues to grow in activity and opportunity, and this broader footprint gives us the chance to connect more schools, expand more masonry programs, and provide a more unified approach to workforce development efforts across the South. As the outreach landscape evolves, our goal remains the same: to ensure that every program, no matter its size or location, feels supported and connected to the national mission.Spring also means one thing across the Southern Region: career expos are everywhere. Schools, workforce development agencies, and community partners are hosting events at their highest volume of the year, and the turnout has been impressive. These expos give us the ability to connect directly with students, parents, and teachers, and to share opportunities within the masonry industry in ways that spark curiosity and engagement. The hands-on nature of these events continues to be one of the strongest tools we have. When students get to try tools, handle materials, and see masonry in action, the trade suddenly becomes real. Many of the programs we work with every year started because a school first invited us to a career day. That pattern is still growing, and April is one of our best months to gain new momentum.Alongside our direct outreach, a significant part of my work this spring has involved deeper engagement with state governments. These agencies are actively shaping their CTE priorities for the coming year, and they are looking for strong, industry-aligned pathways that respond to labor market needs. Masonry continues to be a high-demand trade across the South, and state leaders are increasingly interested in understanding how to support program expansion, credential alignment, and sustainable growth. This has opened the door for meaningful discussions around curriculum, industry credentials, labor shortages, and program funding. When industry and state agencies work in partnership, the impact is far-reaching, creating durable pathways that benefit students, communities, and contractors alike.April is also when we feel the excitement around program completion and workforce entry. Students who have spent years learning the trade are preparing to graduate, and instructors are finalizing placement information and connecting their soon-to-be completers with contractors. This is the most rewarding part of the entire cycle. The students entering the workforce this season represent the long-term outcomes of our combined outreach, instruction, and industry support. Helping guide these next steps, whether through introductions, recommending apprenticeship placements, or supporting instructors as they prepare their students, reminds us why this work matters. Every graduate represents a new skilled professional entering an industry that desperately needs them.The Southern Region has always been known for its strong contractor base, tight-knit communities, and willingness to invest in the next generation. This spring continues to reinforce that identity. Whether it’s an instructor reaching out for new materials, a school exploring the launch of a masonry program, or state leaders asking for guidance on workforce alignment, the level of collaboration continues to grow. Our role is to support that momentum, to ensure that when a school is ready to launch a program, the resources are there; when a contractor is ready to recruit, students are skilled and prepared; and when a state is ready to expand its CTE footprint, masonry is recognized as a key part of that vision.As we move through April, I encourage everyone connected to the masonry industry to stay engaged. Attend a SkillsUSA event. Participate in a local career expo. Check in with your nearby masonry instructor and ask what their students need. Show up for the programs that are preparing our future workforce. These moments add up. When the industry shows up consistently, students notice, instructors feel supported, and state partners recognize that masonry is a trade worth investing in.Spring is always a season of building, but this year feels particularly meaningful across the Southern Region. The momentum is real, the opportunities are expanding, and the excitement among students and educators is unmistakable. Together, we can continue strengthening this foundation, one partnership, one school, one student at a time.Let’s keep the momentum strong. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep building.About: Outreach Outlook
