On the hunt for a job in Milwaukee? You might want to learn masonry or carpentry skills

MILWAUKEE -- If you're on the hunt for a job in Milwaukee and want it fast, you might want to learn masonry or carpentry skills. Right now, there is a big boom in demand for workers , and you can learn the trade in just a few weeks.

"It's hands-on. I can see what I am doing. I can feel a sense of accomplishment," said Forlando Powell, MATC bricklaying student.

Powell is getting his diploma in bricklaying through Milwaukee Area Technical College. He knows jobs in the area are up for grabs.

"I don't have to travel far to get a job. I can just pretty much go anywhere," said Powell.

Instructors say there is a huge demand for workers with trade skills.

"More so now than any other time," said Kevin Kroll, MATC bricklaying & masonry instructor.

MATC tracks construction permit numbers in southeast Wisconsin, which are steadily on the rise.

"There are a lot of big projects going on, but also a lot of small projects. All contractors, union or non-union, they are all looking for guys right now," said Kroll.

This program is just 16 weeks long. That means very soon, some of these students could find themselves working on some of the big projects in downtown Milwaukee. For example -- the new Milwaukee Bucks arena going up soon, or even the Northwest Mutual building.

"If you can image the Bucks arena, any construction specialty that you need will be involved there," said Dragomir Marinkovich, associate dean for engineering and construction at MATC.

This class teaches the basics of laying concrete block and brick. And some students are getting jobs the same day they graduate -- starting at $15 to $20 an hour.

Powell is confident he'll be able to get paid doing what he loves.

"My dream is to maybe work for a small restoration company redoing old houses," said Powell.

It costs roughly $2,100 to complete this program.

For more information on the program, you're invited to call 414-297-6345.