Tongue Point Job Corps Center

Approaching his 40th anniversary as a proud OPCMIA member, John D. Zapata, Jr., graduated from Local 783’s apprenticeship program in 1986. Since 2004, he has served as a cement mason instructor. “Starting my career as a basic cement mason instructor gave me the opportunity to work with young adults wanting to better themselves, therefore providing me with personal growth,” he said. “I was privileged to be offered the Advanced Cement Mason program several years into my career, affording me further opportunities to work with students eager to build upon their fundamental knowledge of cement masonry.”

Ernest Smith is a 2010 graduate of OPCMIA Local 478’s apprenticeship program. He brings 17 years of experience is his craft to his role as cement mason instructor at the Tongue Point Job Corps Center.

A 1986 graduate of OPCMIA Local 300’s Apprenticeship program, Gary Coats brings 33 years of work experience and 12 years of instruction experience to his position at the Tongue Point Job Corps Center. He is deeply dedicated to the success of his students.