Join YCLM as we head to RRC Polytech to learn from a Masonry Master on Tuesday, May 16.
Brian Gebhardt, a Masonry instructor at Red River College, has over 45 years of experience in the trade. He’s worked as a Bricklayer across the prairie provinces and began his own company, Gebhardt Masonry Ltd. before accepting a position at Red River College in 1989. Over the years, he’s helped shape numerous students that have walked through his doors and has been awarded many accolades, including being named Apprenticeship Manitoba’s instructor of the year in 2019.
Brian will show us around the masonry shop and provide some insight into his lengthy career and the fundamentals of the Masonry trade. The classroom is surrounded by projects and brick artwork, so be prepared for a little dust.
Following the Masonry session, we will then tour the new Skilled Trades and Technology Centre to see some of the other classrooms for construction-related trades offered at RRC. Coffee and Oh Doughnuts will be served.
Date: Tuesday, May 16
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: RRC Polytech Notre Dame Campus, 2055 Notre Dame Ave
Cost; $25, includes coffee and Oh Doughnuts
Brian entered the Masonry trade in 1976 on the advice of his father. As a recent high school graduate, he accepted a labourer position with Fial Masonry to earn money while he planned his future career path.
Once Brian realized that the Bricklayer trade was his passion, he applied and was hired by Heymann's Masonry where he began his Apprenticeship. Brian remained with this company for the entire four-year journey to earn his Red Seal Endorsement in 1980.
His technical training was completed at Red River Community College (now RRC Polytech) under the guidance of George Smith.
After working for a few larger Masonry companies across the prairie provinces, Brian struck out on his own and began Gebhardt Masonry Contracting Ltd. where he provided services to both light commercial and residential clients. He continued running his company full-time until 1989 when he was offered the position of Masonry Instructor at Red River College Polytechnic.
In addition to celebrating 45 years in the trade, Mr. Gebhardt has been awarded many accolades over his lengthy career as a Bricklayer. Some notable awards are:
2009 SpecMix 500 - 2nd Place Finish
2010 SpecMix 500 - 1st Place Finish and Western Canada representative at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, Nevada
2016 Regional Craftsman Award-winner
2016 "Best Light Commercial" project for Finn McCool's Restaurant from Manitoba Masonry Designs
2014 Instructor of the Year - Apprenticeship Manitoba
2018 Instructor of the Year - Apprenticeship Manitoba
As a member of the National Technical Committee with Skills Canada and Skills Manitoba, Brian is able to learn and exchange ideas with instructors from across Canada. He is also proud of the fact that Manitoba Masons have won 22 medals in their 22 years of involvement with the Skills competitions.
When Brian is away from his work-life he is doing anything but sitting around. A licensed private pilot since 1977, a certified Ski Instructor and certified Scuba Diver are just a few of his pastimes that keep him and his family seeking that next thrill or adventure! As well, Brian is an avid motorcycle collector owning multiple bikes, both street and dirt. Although his prized bike is a 1978 Suzuki RM125, you'll most often see him riding one of his Ducati motorcycles early in the morning, most summer weekends.
