Restoring public trust in licensing processes

Brick by Brick: Reforming Masonry Licensing to Protect the Trade” By Justin Curatola For generations, masonry has been a symbol of permanence, precision, and pride. Yet today, the very foundation of our trade is under threat — not from lack of work, but from a lack of oversight, training, and accountability. The Problem We Can’t Ignore Across job sites, historic districts, and new developments, we are seeing the consequences of a broken system: • Unlicensed workers performing structural repairs with no oversight. • Failed inspections and safety violations that could have been avoided with basic training. • Low-quality work undercutting skilled tradespeople who are trying to do it right. It’s not just about bad workmanship. It’s about safety, code compliance, and the long-term reputation of our industry. What We Need 1. Mandatory Licensing for Masons Just like electricians and plumbers, masons performing load-bearing, structural, or restoration work should be licensed and held to a verifiable standard. That means exams, continuing education, and penalties for violations. 2. State-Supported Apprenticeship Programs The best way to pass on knowledge is through mentorship. But in today’s world, we need formalized programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction — backed by state funding and industry partners. 3. Public/Private Partnerships Governments, unions, and private contractors must work together to fund training centers, offer certification prep, and connect young workers to experienced professionals. Without coordination, we’ll continue to lose qualified labor to other fields. Why It Matters The trades are one of the last remaining career paths where someone can start with a trowel and retire with a business. But only if the system values them. When we allow unlicensed work to flood the market, we devalue the trade, weaken public trust, and risk the safety of the structures we build. A Call to Action To those in positions of influence — licensing boards, unions, GCs, and business owners: Let’s raise the bar. Let’s push for mandatory licensing, enforce code compliance, and train the next generation the right way. Not just for the sake of our legacy — but for the integrity of every brick we lay.

Impartiality is the way of ensuring fairness and legitimacy throughout a certification process that desires to be a market reference. Evaluations based on their qualifications, free from bias or external influence, including own interests from who is conducting the process.   This transparency not only validates the skills of certified professionals but also increases the value of their professional activity, their market recognition, and the credibility of the certifying body in the long term. Upholding impartiality fosters trust among stakeholders and reinforces the principle of meritocracy.   On the other hand, broking this value chain and "surfing" a short-term trendy seal which does not meet the minimal impartiality requirements, means that you are digging the commoditization of your own profession.   A key strategy for managing impartiality is conducting regular risk assessments. These assessments identify potential areas where bias, conflicts of interest, or external pressures could compromise the fairness of the certification process. By proactively addressing these risks, certification bodies can implement safeguards—such as blind reviews or third-party oversight—to ensure that evaluations remain objective and unbiased.   In essence, impartiality isn't just about maintaining fairness in theory; it’s about actively managing risks that could threaten it.