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AVON – Driving east into Farmington, nestled in Avon, you will pass by the New England Trade School of Masonry (NETSM).Two brothers, Brandon and William Ellis who also co-own Ellis Brothers Contracting, purchased the Maine School of Masonry in 2023, renaming it in the process.Since then, the focus has been on upgrades to the facilities and the curriculum.Currently, there are over 50 companies that hire directly from NETSM.“There is a need, there is great security within this trade, there will always be a need for masonry in some fashion,” says Brandon Ellis confidently.NETSM offers a 9-month 1200-hour program and is currently open for enrollment.Students can expect to complete one to two projects based on their individual pace.With 32 projects incorporating brick, block, and stone, the program offers extensive hands-on training and exposure to a diverse range of masonry techniques, helping students develop a well-rounded skill set.They are taught one of the most sought-after masonry skills, which is how to build a chimney.NETSM ensures students know how to build up to code with “the goal [being] repetition so that you can be employable out in the field,” explains Rowan Lanier, an instructor at the school.“Masonry is a dying trade, and we have a lot of old timers who want to pass on their information, so that’s why this school is so perfect, because we want to teach you and pass on this trade and keep it going as long as possible,” she emphasizes.75% of the program is hands-on, with 25% being in the classroom.Students begin the program by constructing leads, walls, and panels while learning a variety of masonry bonds, including Flemish bond, common bond, English bond, running bond, and decorative bond patterns.As their skills progress, they move on to building arches, piers, and eventually designing and constructing fireplaces.NETSM is continually adapting the curriculum to align with students’ interests and career goals.For example, students with a particular interest in stone masonry can complete additional stone-focused projects to further develop their skills and expertise.The curriculum advances from basic block laying to more complex block construction and chimney building.Throughout the program, students gain experience working with a variety of masonry materials and techniques, including the incorporation of natural stone into their projects.There are roughly 1,000 skilled masonry workers in the state of Maine, with perhaps a few hundred more when self-employed contractors and business owners are included.Tuition is $15,750, which includes books and tools.There is efficiency housing offered at a subsidized rate as well as scholarship opportunities.They also encourage students to apply for sponsorship from masonry companies to use towards the tuition.Students are required to be 18 or older with “comprehensive reading, writing, and math abilities” as per their website.There is a non-refundable $50 application fee.Dori James has been the administrator since 2015, before the Ellis brothers purchased the school, and remains just as passionate today: “This year, we are looking at hosting area tech schools for a hands-on intro to masonry.We had foster tech students come this year, and last year Mt.Abram & Day Mountain school [students] came.We are looking to expand that reach to let potential students know about what masonry has to offer.” Upon completing the program, students are prepared to enter the masonry workforce with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.They gain hands-on experience tending masons, laying brick and block, and constructing fireplaces, leads, walls, and chimneys.Students also learn flashing techniques and complete a variety of creative masonry projects, providing them with a well-rounded foundation in both traditional and decorative masonry practices.“It’s a cool experience, and I really enjoy what we have to offer and ultimately to teach people about masonry and provide our clientele with builds that will last a lifetime,” says Brandon.“We are very excited about the role that we play in teaching future masons to work within this great trade.” “If you were to attend the school and show any kind of initiative, you’d have the opportunity to get any job you’d like in the masonry world,” echoes William.