PEMBROKE — With 37 years of experience in the masonry trade, Robeson Career and Technical Education Center Masonry Instructor Jimmy Brown has spent decades mastering his craft. For the past 22 years, he has also helped pass those skills on to students.

For Brown, the motivation behind his career can be summed up simply: “a passion for the trade.”

That passion now plays an important role in his classroom as students learn the technical and hands-on skills associated with masonry while preparing for opportunities beyond high school.

After more than two decades as an educator, Brown said one of the things he enjoys most about working with students is seeing their development over time.

“I enjoy watching them grow,” Brown said.

Along with developing technical skills, Brown hopes students leave his classroom with “the passion for the trade” and an appreciation for the opportunities available through career and technical education.

With Robeson CTEC providing students access to hands-on career preparation, Brown encourages students to make the most of the experience.

“Students need to take advantage of this golden opportunity,” Brown said.

Through his decades of industry experience and commitment to teaching, Brown continues to help prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals in Robeson County.