On January 10, 2026, Mozer Works and The Campaign for Historic Trades welcomed members of the community into the Mozer Works workshop in Silver Spring, Maryland for a behind-the-scenes tour of historic window restoration and workforce training in action.
Local councilmembers, workforce board representatives, Maryland state employees, and community members gathered to meet the skilled tradespeople behind the work and learn how Registered Apprenticeship is helping preserve both historic buildings and historic trades knowledge. As guests arrived just before 10 a.m., the workshop filled with conversation over refreshments.
Shortly before the tour began, Jordan, Recruitment & Outreach Manager at The Campaign for Historic Trades, welcomed attendees and shared an overview of the organization’s mission and its nationally registered apprenticeship program. As a national workforce development initiative, The Campaign works to expand and formalize career pathways into historic trades. The Registered Apprenticeship Program is one way this work comes to life, with The Campaign working with the Department of Labor to register various historic trades occupations (Learn more about our approved occupations here). As the Registered Apprenticeship Program’s sponsor, The Campaign connects preservation employers with an experienced pool of apprentices for paid, hands-on training. This model creates meaningful benefits for both employers and apprentices, strengthening businesses while creating sustainable career pathways into the historic trades. Learn more about these benefits here.
Mozer Works is a premier restoration business dedicated to restoring historic windows and doors throughout the DC/MD/VA region. Founded in 2000 by Neil Mozer, the family-owned company has built a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and respect for historic materials. Mozer Works has also played a groundbreaking role in workforce development through The Campaign’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. The company was the first employer to participate, hired the first apprentice, and is currently training Robert Heald, the first Historic Window Technician apprentice in the history of the United States.
Now more than 1,200 hours into his apprenticeship, Robert is gaining hands-on experience while helping preserve historic craftsmanship for future generations.
“I never would have known a career in historic trades was possible without The Campaign. This apprenticeship has opened doors I didn’t even know existed, and every day I’m learning something new about craftsmanship, history, and restoration while taking pride in the work I do.”
— Robert Heald, Historic Window Technician Apprentice
Before leading the tour, Neil thanked attendees for visiting the workshop and acknowledged the importance of apprenticeships in sustaining skilled trades. He then guided the group through the workshop, walking attendees’ step by step through how his team restores historic windows—from initial assessment to repair and finishing.
Throughout the tour, Neil emphasized the time, care, and craftsmanship required at every stage of the process. He also highlighted the importance of balancing historic authenticity with functionality.
“We want the experience to be enjoyable. For our clients, the joy isn’t just in owning beautiful antique pieces—it’s in having beautiful pieces that still function.”
— Neil Mozer
Attendees saw firsthand that preservation work is not a quick or automated task, but a skilled trade that depends on experience, mentorship, and training.
As demand for preservation work continues to grow, more historic buildings require specialized maintenance; businesses like Mozer Works play a critical role in ensuring that skilled trades knowledge is passed on to the next generation. Registered apprenticeship offers a structured way to support this training while strengthening local, small businesses.
The workshop tour provided an opportunity for community leaders and stakeholders to see this work in action and better understand the systems that support it. Events like these help build connections between employers, workforce partners, and the broader community. Reinforcing that successful workforce development is a shared effort.
The Campaign for Historic Trades is grateful to Mozer Works for opening its doors and to all who attended to learn more about the people and processes behind historic preservation.
