Wayne, NJ – Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers of New Jersey (BACNJ) is proud to partner with and Passaic County Technical-Vocational School (PCTVS) to expand skilled trades education for the 2026-2027 school year through a new four-year Masonry and Hardscape Design program within Passaic County Technical Institute’s (PCTI) School of Construction Technology.

The new program responds to a growing demand for skilled masonry professionals across New Jersey. Supported by BACNJ, the program marks the return of masonry education to PCTI and reflects the district’s continued commitment to aligning career and technical education (CTE) with workforce needs and opportunities. The redesigned Masonry and Hardscape Design program will introduce a new generation of students to traditional and engineered brick, block, stone, and concrete construction. Students will develop hands-on skills in mortar mixing, brick and tile cutting, flooring, and the construction of walls, arches, fireplaces, and other masonry structures.

Classes will accommodate approximately 15 students at each level and will utilize classrooms, workrooms, and an outdoor area equipped with the necessary materials and tools for hands-on instruction.

“Our partnership with Passaic County Technical-Vocational School offers the next generation of bricklayers an opportunity to learn and develop their skills in a safe, collaborative environment,” said John Capo, Director of BACNJ. “Bringing this unique masonry program into the traditional classroom allows the chance to build practical skills, while gaining a strong foundation in an industry that continues to evolve. We are proud to help prepare the next generation of skilled professionals to work towards their career goals.”

Coursework will be determined based on evolving industry trends, ensuring students receive training that reflects the best practices and technologies in the skilled trades. Through hands-on training, students will have the opportunity to safely learn and develop complex skills needed to succeed in the construction industry.

"As we continue to see strong demand for skilled trades, it is important that we provide our students with opportunities for high skill, high wage, high demand positions that can lead directly to successful, sustainable careers,” said PCTVS Chief Administrator Dr. Joseph Sabbath. “Bringing masonry back to PCTI allows us to respond to an industry need while giving students the hands-on training, technical knowledge, and foundation they need to enter the workforce or continue their education and training.”

In addition to Masonry and Hardscape design, Passaic County School of Construction Technology offers programs in:

• Carpentry: Introduces students to residential construction, from blueprint reading and drawing, to wall and roof framing. Valuable skills are gained in a variety of working areas including cabinet making, laminated plastics, finishing, and door making, and other aspects of construction.
• Plumbing:Focuses on providing instruction in practical shop work. Students learn steel pipe threading/installation, soldering techniques, copper/steel/PVC/ABS fittings, and the installation of hot water heaters and boilers, along with other essential plumbing skills.

• Electrical Technology:Trains young electricians to enter the workforce. Students learn the basics of electricity, wiring methods, conduit installation/bending, current-interrupting devices, motors, manual/magnetic motor starters, and transformers, and other fundamental electrical systems and practices.

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Introduces students to all aspects of heat, ventilations, and air conditioning in both residential and commercial environments. The program emphasizes the HVAC/R curriculum and its connection to sustainable living.

• Welding:Introduces students to various aspects of welding, traditional and digital cutting processes, and techniques, metallurgy, and weld joint preparation using various metals. Program members learn to interpret blueprints and perform equipment maintenance, all while ensuring workplace safety.

BACNJ continues to create opportunities for students interested in construction careers to develop their skills, learn from experienced professionals, and gain hands-on experience in the trades. Through partnerships like this, BACNJ is helping to prepare a new generation of skilled tradespeople to support a workforce that continues to need qualified professionals.

About BACNJ
The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union of New Jersey (BACNJ) represents craftworkers in the trowel trades across the state, supporting the construction of vital infrastructure. With roots dating back to 1865, BACNJ is committed to advancing workers’ rights, delivering top-tier training and apprenticeship programs, and ensuring strong wages, benefits, and safe working conditions for its members. To learn more, visit https://bacnj.com/.

About Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools (PCTVS)
Passaic County Technical-Vocational Schools (PCTVS), New Jersey’s largest career and technical education district, prepares students for success in higher education, the workforce, and public service. Through Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) and the PCTI STEM Academy, students access award-winning Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, rigorous academics, advanced technologies, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. Supported by dedicated faculty and state-of-the-art facilities, PCTVS equips students with the skills and experience to thrive in high-demand fields.