IMI & IMTEF
Meet BAC Members Committed to Lifelong Learning & Career Growth
A
t the BAC/IMI International Training Center (ITC), BAC members from across the country are working to expand their career opportunities. From apprentices just getting their start to experienced journeyworkers; meet some of the dedicated members taking advantage of IMTEF’s lifelong learning programs.
LEAISURES EXPAND FAMILY LEGACY IN THE TRADES AS FUTURE COMPANY OWNERS
(L–R) Charles and Billy Leaisure
Charles and Billy Leaisure are a dynamic father-son duo from BAC ADC Ohio/Kentucky with experience in bricklaying and masonry restoration. They recently earned both their welding and JAHN certifications together at the ITC. Charles already has quite a few advanced trainings under his belt, with half a dozen certificates from
the ITC and over 70 certificates of completion from IMI’s webinar series. “I’m just a blue-collar guy,” he said. “When I was in school, I didn’t enjoy it much, but as I’ve gotten older, that’s changed. I want to learn until I can’t anymore. I’d like to one day be the smartest person in the room.” Charles instilled an appreciation for education in his son, Billy. “The welding certification will help me expand my opportunities, so that when work slows down, I can stay busy,” Billy explained. As Charles continues to enhance his skillsets, the opportunity to become a business owner became a reality for him and his family. “I work for a restoration company and the current owner would like to pass the baton to me, so we are in the process of finalizing the transfer,” expressed Charles. “Never in my life would I have imagined that I would own a business that I get to pass on to my children one day.”
SEGURA WEST, RESTORATION APPRENTICE, BUILDS HIS AMERICAN DREAM Before coming across a job advertisement online for apprenticeship opportunities with BAC Local 2 New York/Vermont, Nathaniel Segura West was working as an
32 // BRICKLAYERS AND ALLIED CRAFTWORKERS
Nathaniel Segura West
Uber driver. “I was looking for a stable, long-term career,” he explained. “I applied but had no idea they’d hire me, because I didn’t have any prior experience in the construction industry. It ended up being a really good choice.” West recently completed his pre-job training in restoration at the ITC, where he learned all the basics of his trade, along with important safety skills to prepare him for the jobsite. “This is a great opportunity for me. It’s a chance to live the American dream,” said Segura West, a Panamanian immigrant. “It’s not just a job. You’re learning a skill and improving your life. I look forward to growing professionally and becoming a journeyworker.” He is excited to return to the ITC for more advanced specialty training in future.
