The More You Know: BAC Craftworkers on the Value of Continuing Education for Their Careers
BAC craftworkers across the country are honing their expertise by taking part in advanced training at the John J. Flynn BAC/IMI International Training Center in Bowie, Maryland. From supervisory training to historic masonry restoration, concrete repair, welding, and glass panel installation, these specialized programs give BAC craftworkers a competitive edge. In fact, many of these IMI and IMTEF programs are included in project specifications, giving BAC signatory contractors a leg-up when bidding the work. Hear about the value of continuing education to BAC craftworkers’ careers in their own words:
CLAUDIO LOGIUDICE
Bricklayer, BAC Local 1 Connecticut
Class: Historic Masonry Preservation
“I believe in getting things right the first time, especially on a job site where there’s no room for mistakes. Having the knowledge to do things right is a powerful thing. I’ve worked on historic buildings at Yale and around New Haven, but I’ve still learned new techniques in this class to help me make repairs the right way on historic buildings, like by using the correct mortars and tooling them properly. “I encourage more BAC members to take this class. The instructors teach you techniques you won’t learn out in the field.”
ERICA DENTON
Restoration Craftworker, BAC ADC 1 of Illinois
Class: Hybrid Supervisor Certification Program
“Getting this certification is a great steppingstone for me. I never imagined being a supervisor.
“I’ve always just said I want to work and make more money, but I had the chance to run work for a day recently. It was really interesting.
“As a woman in this field, we always have to prove ourselves. So, to be the boss will be really rewarding. This class is helping to prepare me to one day take that next step.”
NICHOLAS REINARD
Restoration Craftworker, BAC Local 3 New York
Class: Concrete Repair
“My boss heard about the new concrete repair program, and he really loves everything IMI and IMTEF does, so he asked me to come down and get my hands dirty so I can join the company’s concrete repair team.
“I’ve learned way more than I thought I would in this course, like prioritizing hydration and curing, working with pea gravel, and having a proper water-to-cement ratio. In the field, I wouldn’t have learned the theory behind the work and had the time to perfect these practices like I can here at the training center.”
PATRICK CORONAS
Business Agent and Tile Craftworker, BAC Local 1 Hawaii
Class: SICIS Vetrite Art Glass Panels
“I have to give it up to IMTEF and our union for keeping us ahead of the industry. These specialized glass panel products haven’t even hit the main markets yet, and when they do, BAC craftworkers will be the first to be hired for those jobs because we’re the ones trained to install them. “As an instructor, I get to take what I’ve learned here back to Hawaii to teach our members and strengthen our union. Imagine if we could all do this large format glass panel work. It gives us a great competitive advantage!”
OSCAR GASPAR-VELASCO
Refractory Bricklayer, BAC 1 Oregon/ Washington/Idaho/Montana
Class: Welding
“I’ve been wanting to take this class for a while and now that I’m here, I’m loving it! “My local union and employer have always encouraged me to explore the training programs offered by IMI and IMTEF so that I can continue to grow in my career. The training has been fantastic and learning under the welding instructor, Kay, has been a great experience. He has very high standards and is very particular about what he expects from us.
“When I complete the training at the International Training Center, I know that I will be one of the best hands on any job site I work on. If you are considering taking this class to expand your skill set, don’t hesitate to sign up.”
KAY BENNETT
Restoration Craftworker, BAC Local 3 Iowa
Class: Historic Masonry Preservation
“There’s nothing more beautiful than the stone carvings and the detail you find in historic masonry. Most of these buildings are at least 50 years old, and a lot of people don’t understand that we can’t tuckpoint with modern mortars because they don’t match historic mortars, can cause deterioration to the brick, and won’t create an aesthetically pleasing repair. This is an art form that you can’t rush, and I consider myself an artist at heart.
“This course was calling to me to help me build my knowledge and skills. It’s given me the tools to be able to make repairs the right way, to protect the integrity and beauty of historic masonry buildings.”
JOSEPH SCHOENER
Restoration Craftworker, BAC ADC of New Jersey
Class: Concrete Repair
“I’ve never done concrete work before, and I wanted to expand my skill set so I never have to worry about being laid off. If I can’t do one job, I can do the other.
“My company does a lot of work on old college buildings, and they usually have to hire outside help when it comes to concrete patching. Thanks to this course, I feel confident enough to go back to my boss and take on that work.”
MARC ANTHONY BLACKLEDGE
Apprentice Coordinator and Tile Craftworker, BAC Local 4 California
Class: SICIS Vetrite Art Glass Panels
“We’re in the business of education and training, so we need to be on the cutting edge of this new product and installation procedure. Admittedly, working with such fragile materials is a little bit scary. I did break a few pieces, but that’s okay because we’re here to learn. In fact, one of the things we learned is how to properly score and cut the material to avoid any cracks or breaking. I eventually got it down!
“If you’re going to make mistakes, make them here at the International Training Center or at your local training center, so that by the time you’re out in the field, you have the skills and confidence to succeed.”
If you’re interested in sharpening your skills and advancing your education and career, contact your training coordinator for information about upcoming courses near you.