5 minute read
IMI/IMTEF
How IMI Works for You: 3 Current Initiatives Driving the Industry Forward
The International Masonry Institute (IMI) empowers and inspires architects, engineers, and construction professionals to design and build with union masonry and tile, helping to create job opportunities for BAC signatory contractors and members.
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Here are 3 initiatives IMI is leading right now to safeguard BAC materials and workhours.
GETTING MASONRY INTO DESIGNS THROUGH CUTTINGEDGE SOFTWARE FOR AEC PROFESSIONALS
Making masonry units and assemblies accessible in Building Information Modeling (BIM) software is key to getting BAC materials into projects during the design phase. For over a decade, IMI has helped lead the way with BIM tools for masonry. Now, IMI is excited to launch the first ever cloud-based masonry library in HIVE, the leading content management system for architecture, engineering, and construction professionals.
Hundreds of prominent architecture and engineering firms across the country are using HIVE to distribute consistent content for models created in REVIT and AutoCAD. With IMI’s new Masonry Content Pack, these firms can easily and efficiently place high-quality units into their models. From individual brick and CMU units to full wall assemblies, rainscreen systems, bonding patterns, bond beams, anchors, accessories, and more, there’s no limit to what masonry structures architects can design in the HIVE.
SECURING MARKET SHARE BY LEADING NEW CODES AND STANDARDS ON ENGINEERED STONE
There are currently no standards in the U.S. defining what engineered stone is and how it should be installed. Thanks to IMI’s leadership, that’s about to change. That’s because IMI has been named the ANSI-accredited U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO’s) Technical Committee 328 on engineered stone.
What that means is that IMI, together with ANSI, will lead the development of the first U.S. standards for engineered stone. As this material continues to gain in popularity for hospital, retail, and multi-residential projects, IMI’s involvement will be critical in securing engineered stone as a BAC-installed material.
PROMOTING YOUR SKILLS WITH QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR SPECIFICATION LANGUAGE
Design professionals seeking qualified labor often include IMI’s sample language in their project specifications, giving BAC signatory contractors and members a competitive advantage in securing the work.
IMI recently released new spec language that promotes the skill of apprentices and journeyworkers who have taken part in a registered apprenticeship program under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). What this means is that design professionals invested in finding highly trained and qualified craftworkers can encourage the hiring of BAC contractors and members
on their projects by including the new language in their specifications.
Other IMI upgrade, certificate, and certifications designers can write into their specs include:
+ Flashing + Grouting and Reinforcement + Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate
+ Advanced Certifications for Tile
+ Rainscreen Certificate
+ Adhered Veneer Certificate
+ Supervisor Certification Program
Pursuing these training programs now can help keep you in demand among employers when they appear as a labor qualification in specifications. If you’re interested in pursuing an IMI certificate, certification, or upgrade training, check out IMTEF’s current training calendar (imtef.org/calendar) or contact your training center to find out about local availability.
IMI looks forward to advancing these 3 exciting initiatives to help grow union masonry and tile’s market share.
Follow IMI on social media to discover more ways the organization is working for you. //
11 BAC Members Earn Instructor Certification, Strengthening the Union’s Training Programs
The best hands in the business are shaped by the best instructors. In October, 11 BAC members solidified their commitment to training the best hands when they graduated IMI/ IMTEF’s Instructor Certificated Program (ICP).
At the ICP graduation ceremony, BAC President Tim Driscoll congratulated the instructors on representing “the best of BAC” and for carrying on the tradition of “crafts and training that have been essential to our union since its inception.”
ICP gives BAC instructors the tools to teach the trowel trades to BAC apprentices and journeyworkers across the country. The 200-hour program is conducted over 5 years and covers important skills like understanding adult learning styles, creating lesson plans, developing curriculum, and more.
For this year’s graduating class, there’s no greater pride than passing along their trade to the next generation and shaping a highly skilled, safe, competitive, and productive workforce.
Just ask Laurel Harris, BAC Local 3 California instructor. “As
2021 ICP graduates pictured with BAC President Timothy J. Driscoll, BAC Executive Vice President Carlos Aquin, BAC Executive Vice President Jeremiah Sullvan, Jr., and IMI/IMTEF President Caryn Halifax. Top row from left, Michael Flowers, Jansen Rudy, Michael Szelag, Phillip Lamb, and Dan Arthur. Middle row from left, Lorenzo Peralta, Pete Kohl, Laurel Harris, Anthony Joseph, Michael Hyatt, Michael Waltz, and BAC President Timothy J. Driscoll. Front row from left, IMI National Job Corps Director Jonas Elmore, IMTEF National Director of Apprenticeship and Training Anthony DiPerna, BAC Executive Vice President Jeremiah Sullvan, Jr., IMTEF Director of Education Operations Serenia Holland, BAC Executive Vice President Carlos Aquin, and IMI/IMTEF President Caryn Halifax.
an apprentice instructor, I love seeing my students succeeding and prospering in this field,” she says. “This is my new reward in my work. I used to stand back and admire projects I was a part of completing. Now, the development of competent and confident craftworkers is my measure of success.”
Harris, the first woman to graduate ICP, says the program helped give her the confidence she needs to share her knowledge and experiences with others, both in and outside the classroom.
Pete Kohl, IMTEF National Training Center Coordinator from BAC Local 5 PA, agrees with Harris’ sentiments. “Working as an instructor gives you the opportunity to make an impact on someone’s life. There’s no prouder moment as an instructor than seeing your students go back to their locals, go to work, and enjoy their careers.”
Phillip Lamb, BAC Local 18 Ohio-Kentucky ADC member and brick instructor at Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps Center, feels similarly. “Through the training I received in mentoring and coaching at ICP, I have been able to encourage and motivate my students to succeed. I get to see them develop self-confidence and take pride in their work. You can’t buy the personal satisfaction that working with Job Corps students brings me.”
Completing the rigorous ICP program is a joyous achievement for this year’s graduates. Anthony Joseph, BAC Local 9 Pennsylvania instructor says, “Graduating ICP is one of the greatest achievements of my life. Knowing that I possess the tools to be the best instructor I am capable of being, which gives my students the best chance to succeed, is most meaningful to me.
No doubt the 2021 class of certified trowel trades instructors will change the lives of many students eager start and advance their careers with BAC. //
