GEN NXT: Braxton Sisk Words: Justin StengelPhotos: Braxton SiskThis month, we got to chat with Braxton Sisk, a masonry apprentice from Alabama who loves this trade and the opportunities it brings. Take a look at his journey and get to know Braxton in his interview with the MCAA. MCAA: How did you first get introduced to masonry and the masonry industry?Braxton Sisk: Well, so we have a technical program at our school. I just decided to go into it, and I ended up being pretty good at it, and so I decided I wanted to do that for my career.MCAA: What was it about masonry that attracted you to it?Braxton Sisk: Well, honestly, I knew it was an endangered industry/career. Not many kids are falling into the trades as much, especially masonry. So I want to be part of it and help keep it alive.MCAA: What has been your favorite part about being a mason?Braxton Sisk: I really enjoy working with my coworkers on job sites and learning from them. And just being able to build a path of knowledge from laying brick is amazing.MCAA: What about masonry keeps you coming back to it every day?Braxton Sisk: Just the hard work; I love it. I love working and building with my hands, being outdoors, and just getting to see the finished project of something that I helped create. That feeling is unbelievable.MCAA: What do you think, from your experience that you've gathered, what do you think separates a good mason from a great mason?Braxton Sisk: The masons I work with have been doing it for years, and they just have all the knowledge about masonry and just years of experience. And it really does make a huge difference. You can become a good mason in a year, but you need that experience, and years of it, to be great in this industry.MCAA: What are your plans for the future of your career?Braxton Sisk: I really want to start my own mason contracting business here in a few years. Once I get a little more experience, I want to start my own company and continue building a career in this industry.MCAA: What would you say to someone who is on the fence about joining the masonry industry?Braxton Sisk: I would probably say, if you like working with your hands, this is a great opportunity for you. It’s hard work, but it’s great work, and we need some more people to, you know, help keep it alive. About: GEN NXT
