After getting a job with Loudoun County, Coates decided he'd like to pass his knowledge of bricklaying on to a new generation. He still lays brick on the weekend and knows firsthand the great demand for this skill. My phone probably rings four times a week with people looking for help with small projects. Coates said there's a reason for the shortage of bricklayers. It takes a lot of physical work.
People are really pushing siding now, it's quicker.
Laying brick takes patience and time, and it's more expensive than siding. Coates attended C.S. Monroe in 1988 and '89 and had a little trepidation about going back to the classroom. It's very challenging. I was very excited about having the opportunity to come in and teach. Being a new instructor, I spent some sleepless nights thinking of how I could best prepare these boys to be at point where I think they should be after this year.